Ask Me No Questions

Budhos, Marina. 2006. ASK ME NO QUESTIONS. New York: Atheneum. ISBN 1416903518 [Suggested Grade Levels 7-10]

REVIEW
Years have passed since Nadira and her family emigrated from Bangladesh to New York City. Though always hoping to become legal citizens, the family has been living peacefully on expired visas. Then the attacks of 9/11 happen. Suddenly all Muslims become suspects, accused of terrorism, and illegal aliens are being arrested. Nadira’s family, like so many others, flees to Canada in hopes of asylum; however, the plan fails at the border when Nadira’s father is arrested. With their father in jail and their mother staying to be near him, Nadira and her older sister drive back to New York City to stay with relatives.

ASK ME NO QUESTIONS is the first person account of fourteen-year-old Nadira. The sister of smart, successful Aisha, Nadira has always been the “fat and dreamy second daughter.” But when the future of the family rests on her shoulders, Nadira discovers strengths about herself that she has never known. “You have a family, and you go around thinking it’s always one way. Ever since I could remember, Aisha was the star we pinned our future on….But sometimes there’s someone else, especially when the sky goes dark: the person guiding slowly from behind. That’s who I’ve become in my family.”

CONNECTIONS
Have readers “apply” to become US citizens. Once the application paperwork is completed, perform the necessary steps one would take to become a citizen, such as being fingerprinted, having an interview, taking the citizenship test, and participating in the oath ceremony. Award a “Certificate of Citizenship” once the reader has successfully become naturalized.

RELATED BOOKS
Other books about illegal aliens:
Buss, Fran L. JOURNEY OF THE SPARROWS. ISBN 0142302090
Jimenez, Francisco. THE CIRCUIT: STORIES FROM THE LIFE OF A MIGRANT CHILD. ISBN 0826317979


By Mary D. Buckalo