Identifying Theme
Which statement best expresses the theme of this
passage?
It is important to be proud of your heritage.
Understanding your background can make you a
happier person.
Alfonso had pretended not to hear his father and had
gone to his room, where he studied his hair from all
angles in the mirror. He liked what he saw until he smiled
and realized for the first time that his teeth were crooked,
like a pile of wrecked cars. He grew depressed and turned
away from the mirror. He sat on his bed and leafed
through the rock magazine until he came to the rock star
with the butched top. His mouth was closed, but Alfonso
was sure his teeth weren't crooked.