We're Not from Here

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. Giant bugs (Chapter 2)

2. Home, Sweet Home (Chapter 5)

Short Answer

1. In the 20 years since the humans requested to live on Choom, the Zhuri government has changed. The current government believes humans are too violent. (Chapter 3)

2. The previous Zhuri government invited the humans because of their art and music. The current government invites Lan’s family because they are curious about Ila’s singing. (Various chapters)

Chapters 5-8

Reading Check

1. Fear (Chapter 6)

2. Inspiring emotion (Chapter 7)

Short Answer

1. It is not polite to ask about a smell, especially when a Zhuri is trying to hide that smell. (Chapter 6)

2. The Zhuri kids saw that humans are violent on the television. They believe this because it’s the only way the media depicts humans. (Chapter 8)

Chapters 9-12

Reading Check

1. Criminals (Chapter 9)

2. Laughter (Chapter 12)

Short Answer

1. Lan’s dad’s supervisor was violent, not Lan’s dad. The Krik stood up for him. (Chapter 11)

2. Marf and Ezger see human videos. Marf enjoys the comedy shows while Ezger enjoys Ila’s singing. (Chapter 12)

Chapters 13-16

Reading Check

1. Progressives and traditionalists (Chapter 15)

2. “I love you” (Chapter 16)

Short Answer

1. The Zhuri don’t want to go back on their word to let humans live on Choom. They make humans look violent so they have an excuse to tell them to leave. (Chapter 15)

2. Lan thinks entertaining the Zhuri will get them on the human’s side. Lan imitates their walk to make them laugh. (Chapter 16)

Chapters 17-20

Reading Check

1. A Krik robot (Chapter 18)

2. Ila’s guitar (Chapter 20)

Short Answer

1. Lan tells the teacher they did the Zhuri walk to try to fit in. Lan doesn’t want to tell the truth with a guard in the room. (Chapter 18)

2. Lan and Ila want their video to be educational, and on Choom, the only place for education is school. (Chapter 20)

Chapters 21-24

Reading Check

1. Honeysuckle and mint (Chapter 21)

2. Choom’s peace (Chapter 22)

Short Answer

1. Marf’s business relies on selling content that’s illegal under current Zhuri law. Overthrowing the government will result in that content becoming legal, which will make the content widely available and the price go down. (Chapter 22)

2. Soldiers are not present at the swarm. Marf says this means the government isn’t trying to control the swarm, which will result in the government toppling and the progressives taking power. (Chapter 24)

Chapters 25-27

Reading Check

1. Green (Chapter 25)

2. Oboe (Chapter 27)

Short Answer

1. The news no longer shows the swarm because it’s not violent anymore. Lan thinks this means they’re winning against the government. (Chapter 25)

2. There are new classes in animation, comedy, and music. Animation is most important to Lan and Naya because they need new television shows. (Chapter 27)