Revised Reading Response

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 that were illegal immigrants. It was a hard and difficult time for people like them. The 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 these things. For example, it said he was "being held in conjunction with an investigation of religious organizations that may be sponsoring illegal activities." (Budhos 131) 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 her family and close friends had all practically given up. Nadira wasn't ready to give up though. She used as much hidden brainpower she could gather up and freed her father. She of all people proved that he was never guilty, and that really shows how much an overlooked character can be worth in a story.

For years, their family had relied on Nadira's older sister to keep their family together. But after her father was sent away she finally starts breaking apart. She was losing all hope in everything, up to the point that she didn't believe anything she could do would work anymore, to get their rights back. Nadira was shocked, sad, and scared, because her sister never acted this way. But it had also made her become determined. She believed there was hope, and that's when we saw more on this young girl's point of view and how she had much more potential then people had let on. For example, she states, "For the first time I feel like I can run, fast." (Budhos 119) This shows how she changes from this fat girl in the background to this determined girl who wants 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.