Sunday, December 15, 2013

CTQ Reading Response - Ask Me No Questions

Q: How does this text address the points of view (perspectives) of other groups, especially those who usually don't get to tell their side?

The book Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos addresses perspectives of groups that usually don't get to tell their side, by showing the side of a young girl who was raised by parents who were illegal immigrants. It was especially hard, because it was happening in a difficult time. This book took place after 9/11 where being Muslim means being a suspected terrorist and dangerous.

In the book, her father was sent to jail, because he was accused of such things. For example, it said he was "being held in conjunction with an investigation of religious organizations that may be sponsoring illegal activities." ( This perspective shows what Muslims at this time have to go through. However Nadira (the young girl) stands up for her father when no one else could, because they had all practically given up. Nadira wasn't ready to do that though, so she used as much brainpower and love for his father she could gather up and freed her father, and proved that he was never guilty.

For years, their family had relied on Nadira's older sister to protect their family. But finally she starts breaking apart after her father was sent away. She was losing all hope in everything, up to the point that she didn't believe anything would work anymore, to get their rights back. Nadira was shocked, sad, and scared. But she had also become determined and believed there was hope. That's when we saw more on her point of view and how this young girl had much more potential then people had let on. For example, it states, "For the first time I feel like I can run, fast." This shows how she changes from this fat-ish girl in the background to this determined girl who wanted to make change.

I think that the perspectives in this book are important to know about. I am glad that Marina addresses them in her book. Nadira is a relatable character and an inspiring one. I think that she is a great way to address these perspectives that do not usually get addressed.

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