Study Notes from "Carl no quiere ir a México"

Thanks to teachers and elementary school students for reading and critiquing earlier drafts.
Editors: Contee Seely (Berkeley, CA), Pablo Ortega López (Quito, Ecuador).
Proofreader: Patricia Verano (Buenos Aires, Argentina).
Dedicated to Kassidy, the muse who inspired Isabela's character.
The book is based on experiences of Juliana and her son Kaleb.
Volunteered with Amigos de los Animales for dog rescues in Guanajuato.

Set in Guanajuato, Mexico.
Involves a local organization, Amigos de los Animales, focused on rescuing stray dogs.

Carl's Attributes:
- Described as a normal child.
- Intelligent and athletic.
- Enjoys watching TV and loves baseball (Colorado Rockies).
- Favorite subject: Mathematics (expert).
- Physical Description: Normal height, brown eyes, and brown hair.
Hometown:
- Lives in Manitou Springs, Colorado (a small, normal city).
- Considers Manitou Springs extraordinary.
Family Structure:
- Lives with his mother, Janet (tall, pretty, English teacher at Manitou Springs Middle School).
- Visits father, Brandon (large, strong, cook at a famous restaurant, prepares Carl's favorite food).
Preferences:
- Favorite food: hamburgers with pickles.
- Favorite beverage: root beer.
- Common to have divorced parents; this is typical in Carl's school.

Janet proposes moving to Mexico for a year for work and language studies.
Carl reacts negatively:
- Cries and protests the idea, offering all his savings ($80.57).
- Doesn't want to leave his home and friends.
Parents decide it's an important opportunity despite Carl's protests.
Indicates a common theme of family dynamics and change in children's lives.

Journey to Guanajuato begins:
- Flies to León, a big city Carl finds unpleasant (many buses, people, hot weather).
- Bus ride to Guanajuato not enjoyable (bad smells, unappealing conditions).
Information about Guanajuato:
- Small town with a population of 100,000 (Manitou Springs has 5,000).
- Geographical description: mountains, stairs instead of streets.
- Carl's dissatisfaction with local lifestyle and food options compared to home.
Living Arrangements:
- Stay with family (Marta, Jorge) in a small house; Carl dislikes the accommodations.

Observations about street dogs in Guanajuato:
- 100,000 residents and 50,000 stray dogs.
- Carl's reaction to a dirty, underfed dog he names Rufus.
- Janet and Carl take Rufus to the vet, discovering it's actually a female dog, renaming her Princesa Rufus.
Emotional Engagement:
- Carl expresses a desire for friendship with the dog, paralleling his feelings of isolation.

Carl saves three puppies from a construction site:
- Displays bravery and kindness by rescuing them despite challenges.
- Describes the puppies' poor condition; all are dirty and underweight.
- Emphasizes their vulnerability and need for care.

Carl's commitment to helping puppies:
- Seeks to rescue more dogs and help them find homes.
- Advertising for homes for stray puppies.
Insights on dog population management:
- The importance of neutering and the high costs associated with it ($20 per surgery).
Carl chooses to forego personal spending to help the dogs.

Carl starts integrating into the local community through soccer:
- Meets new friends and experiences social acceptance.
- Shows his growth and adaptation to life in Guanajuato.
- Learns to speak a bit of Spanish, especially in a classroom setting.

Brandon visits Guanajuato after two weeks:
- Carries surprises including Carl's favorite pickles.
- Accounts of their activities in the market, showcasing local cuisine and Carlos’ bilingual capability.
- Emphasizes the bond between father and son rediscovered through shared experiences.

Transformation in Carlos’s identity:
- Adapts to his life in Mexico—creating meaningful friendships and embracing local culture.
Carlos expresses a desire to stay in Guanajuato longer:
- Highlights the emotional ties he develops with his friends and pets in Mexico.
- Parents agree to extend their stay for an additional year; planning a summer visit back to Manitou Springs.