Throughout the novel, many of the characters deal with being outcasts in that they are excluded from a community because of circumstances beyond their control. How does the idea of being an outcast function overall in the novel? What message is being conveyed through this idea, and how does it connect with the themes of the story? It may be helpful to consider the following questions in your discussion:

• How do Yadriel and Catriz differ in their response to being excluded from the brujx community?
• In what ways does being an outcast provide an opportunity to bond for characters in the story?
• Which characters are the most confident in their identities, regardless of their exclusion status?

Teaching Suggestion: It may be beneficial for students to consider the role of being an outcast character by character. There are several characters that face exclusion or prejudice, and it may be helpful for students to look at each one independently prior to discussion on the overall message being conveyed. Due to the sensitive nature of the topic and depending on the individual needs of the class, a private, independent response may work best.