Raj is from India, and his family moved to the United States.

Ms. Alvarez means that Raj is very important and special to his mother, comparing him to being the "apple of her eye."

Raj feels relieved when meeting Ms. Alvarez because she doesn't extend her hand for a handshake, and he's unsure about the American way of greeting.

Raj thinks it's funny when the boy spills milk because he imagines it as pouring away rivers of milk, an idiom he's familiar with.

Raj feels nervous on his first day at the new school.s.

Raj is introduced to Mr. Washington, his new teacher, who reaches out his hand for a handshake.

Raj feels happy and smiles in response to his mother's compliment.