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caileykh's review against another edition
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
chelstell's review against another edition
3.0
I did not like the audiobook narration. I strongly recommend reading over listening if you choose to partake.
acdhamija's review against another edition
4.0
Budhos, Marina Tamar. Ask Me No Questions. 2006. 162 pp. $16.95. Simon Pulse. 978-1-42876-064-6. Ages 11 - 14. Fourteen-year-old Nadira and her family are illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Along with typical problems, like struggling with grades and competing with her successful sister, Nadira and her family are increasingly fearful that they will be discovered and deported after the attacks of September 11th. They seek refuge in Canada, but are turned away, and Nadira’s father is arrested. Back home, Nadira and her sister must try to continue with their studies, even as they work to gather evidence of their father’s innocence. As her valedictorian sister grows more and more resigned, Nadira finally has a chance to show her family that she is capable of more than they think. A story of an immigrant experience that is not often told, Budhos’ novel does not minimize the pressures that the children of illegal immigrants in this country face, including discrimination, harassment, and poverty. A valuable book for both immigrants and to introduce American youth to this topic. Recommended.
heremireadz's review against another edition
4.0
This book allowed me to consider any unconscious stereotypes about Muslims as well as undocumented immigrants in the U.S. A interesting book that shows a glimpse into the life of a few normal immigrant teenagers.
sc104906's review against another edition
3.0
Nadira and her family came to New York from Bangladesh on a traveler's visa, which expired years ago. In the aftermath of 9/11, all Muslims living in America become suspects for terrorism. Men are stopped, asked invasive questions, are held for unreasonable periods of time, and are deported. Knowing that they are currently illegally residing in America, Nadira's family flees to Canada ask for asylum. At the border they are denied admittance and Nadira's father is held in immigration for questioning. Nadira and her sister are sent back home to continue living life and succeeding in school, while their parents work through the immigration issues. But how can anyone go on living, with such uncertainty? The two girls fight for their family and their place in America.
I remember these issues going on after 9/11, but I didn't really understand everything going on (I was eleven at the time). However, after reading this, I have a better insight to what families like Nadira's had to go through. To live in constant fear that family members will be taken away or go missing without a trace, and having no real way to fight back or knowing when your family will be reunited. This book opened my eyes to issues I truly didn't have an understanding of and for that I am appreciative.
I felt that this book truly glossed over difficult issues. The ending felt too perfectly tied up and unrealistic. While it does give a sense of hope, I felt that hope could be conveyed in a more realistic way. Also, I wanted to be able to get into the character's mind deeper. I wanted to know her family and environment better. I feel that this novel only scratched the surface of what this story could hold. It is an issue that needs to be discussed and worked through, I just wished for more.
I remember these issues going on after 9/11, but I didn't really understand everything going on (I was eleven at the time). However, after reading this, I have a better insight to what families like Nadira's had to go through. To live in constant fear that family members will be taken away or go missing without a trace, and having no real way to fight back or knowing when your family will be reunited. This book opened my eyes to issues I truly didn't have an understanding of and for that I am appreciative.
I felt that this book truly glossed over difficult issues. The ending felt too perfectly tied up and unrealistic. While it does give a sense of hope, I felt that hope could be conveyed in a more realistic way. Also, I wanted to be able to get into the character's mind deeper. I wanted to know her family and environment better. I feel that this novel only scratched the surface of what this story could hold. It is an issue that needs to be discussed and worked through, I just wished for more.
_cataluminium_'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Powerful commentary on citizenship, identity, and survival, and what it means to belong.
kristinjones28's review against another edition
4.0
This book punched me right in the feels. I plan to use this novel in a narrative unit with students. There are a lot of overlapping ties with the aspects of this novel and the current human rights crisis we are experiencing. I also love that the protagonist is not a white male, which is another reason I’m excited to teach this book, as the majority of the selected reading choices in my district only portray white boys as the main character.
erika_reynolds20's review against another edition
4.0
Even though this is more of a middle grade novel, it’s engaging enough for young adults. Written in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, it’s still relevant to today’s political environment and immigration issues. The book follows Nadira and her older sister Aisha as they navigate life after their father has been detained for an expired visa. It’s a very real scenario, so it’s interesting to flip the script and understand what is happening from an immigrant family’s point of view. Nadira acknowledges the fears many Americans have and the reservations they hold against immigrants, while also showing the reality of life as an illegal immigrant. I gave 4 stars instead of 5 because the subplot with Nadira’s friend Lily was unnecessary and not well fleshed out and the ending was a bit unrealistic, but overall this is a great book for teaching empathy without getting political.
hadrian_'s review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
rfonta69801's review against another edition
3.0
3.75 stars
Well, well, well. This book was good. I loved the concept and how the author's writing style formed the book. I also liked the main character and how she was such a strong female lead and basically held the book together but also was strong for her family, because of the situation that she was in. The only reason, I did not like this book is because even if I loved the fact that this was a slightly true story I felt that the sister could have done more to add to the story. Also, at some times the story was a little confusing and I didn't understand what was happening.
Also, just so you know this book does have some trigger warnings so please check. This book is basically all about 9/11 so please check.
Have a nice day!
BYE!!!
Well, well, well. This book was good. I loved the concept and how the author's writing style formed the book. I also liked the main character and how she was such a strong female lead and basically held the book together but also was strong for her family, because of the situation that she was in. The only reason, I did not like this book is because even if I loved the fact that this was a slightly true story I felt that the sister could have done more to add to the story. Also, at some times the story was a little confusing and I didn't understand what was happening.
Also, just so you know this book does have some trigger warnings so please check. This book is basically all about 9/11 so please check.
Have a nice day!
BYE!!!