Tomatillo (simile)
When Petra watches the African dwarf frog swim, she compares its appearance to "a tomatillo with toothpicks jutting out of it." This comparison creates a vivid image in the reader's mind, using the metaphor of a tomatillo (a type of small tomato-like fruit) with toothpicks to describe the frog's appearance. The simile enhances the description of the frog's physical characteristics, which emphasizes its resemblance to a round object with protruding legs. It is painted with humor and visual detail. This metaphorical comparison adds depth to the scene displaying Petra's observational skills and her playful interaction with her brother Javier.
Wax Paper (metaphor)
As Petra reminisces about her brother, she narrates, "His hand trembles as he lays it on my cheek. To me, a week ago it was the pudgy, sticky hand of a seven-year-old. Today, it’s warm, dry, and thin. Time has turned his skin into wax paper." The text does not mean that Javier's hand transformed into wax paper. Instead, it uses the characteristics of wax to emphasize the changes that time has wrought upon Javier's hand. This comparison symbolizes the frailty, vulnerability, and the toll of time on Javier's physical state. It conveys a deeper sense of the passage of time and the changes it brings to individuals.
Galactic Cuisine (simile)
Petra observes the production line for sustenance on the spaceship. She says, "They place those leaves, a scoop of protein powder, and then a glob of what looks like Mom’s sourdough starter into a compression unit. Within moments, they remove a block like a puke-green Hershey bar and break off smaller squares." The simile is the comparison of the compressed block of food to a "puke-green Hershey bar." It emphasizes the unpalatable nature of the food while highlighting its unattractive color and possibly unappealing taste. Though a Hershey bar is considered a delicious piece of candy, the description offers a comparison that is quite the opposite.
Alchemy of Kindness (metaphor)
When Petra narrates the story about the neighbor and the bugs, she metaphorically describes the transformation of the bugs into precious gems. She states, "When the bugs transformed magically from the kindness within the walls of their home." It is a metaphorical way of attributing the transformation to the positive and generous atmosphere within the home. The metaphor emphasizes how kindness and generosity have the power to transform something seemingly ordinary into something valuable. This metaphor helps convey the story's message about the rewarding outcomes of kindness and hospitality.
Sledgehammer (metaphor)
In the narrative, a metaphor is employed when Petra reflects on her mother's words. She asserts, "Her words are a sledgehammer to my stomach." This metaphor compares the impact of Petra's mother's words to that of a sledgehammer hitting her stomach. It vividly conveys the force and weight of the impact Petra feels in response to her mother's disapproving words. The metaphor suggests that her mother's statement delivers a devastating blow to Petra's emotions, which causes intense emotional pain and distress. It illustrates how the words affect her deeply similar to the physical sensation of being struck.
