The Recycling Plant
The recycling plant that stands at the center of the National City is a symbol of the nature of personal identity. Throughout the text, Uno recalls how his father used to stand and watch the sunrise over the recycling plant. Uno finds himself in the fix of wanting to do everything his father loved doing. For instance, Uno urges Danny to accompany him to the recycling tower to watch the sunrise as his father used to do. Danny also notices that the recycling plant keeps changing from time to time because the walls are painted with different colors. The changing colors of the recycling plant also signify the changing nature of personal identity.
The Train
The train is a recurrent symbol in the novel Mexican Whiteboy by Matt de la Peña, which represents the caustic relationship between authority and supremacy. When Uno takes Danny to the train tracks for the first time, he absorbs the train's power when it passes and compares it to a saintly vigor. Consequently, Danny comprehends that he has the power to control his pitching capabilities over his competitors. Whenever Danny competes in stickball, he remembers the train's power, which enables him to pitch the ball harder with the force of a train.
Hawks
The hawks are a symbol of comfort and protection to Danny. When Danny was a young boy, his father loved pointing at hawks whenever they passed by. After Danny's father disappeared, he started seeing hawks as a symbol of protection and comfort. Danny believes the Hawks are sent by his father to watch over him.
