Ask Me No Questions

 Bib  Bibliography: Budhos, M. T. (2006). Ask Me No Questions. Atheneum Books for Young Readers. ISBN: 9781416903512

b       Plot Summary: Nadira is a 14 year old girl.  She and her family are illegal aliens who have emigrated from Bangladesh.  They remain virtually invisible, until the events of 9/11.  Fearing deportation, her father takes the family to the Canadian border seeking asylum, only to be turned around.  When crossing back into the US, the guards notice their expired visas and the father is arrested.  The story follows Nadira and her mother and sister who try to stay under the radar until they can figure out how to get their father out of jail.  

         Critical Analysis: Narrated by Nadira, the story is well told and easy to read.  It realistically discusses the discrimination and hardships faced by many Arab Americans following the events of 9/11.  Budhos challenges stereotypes through the viewpoints and experiences of various members of the Rahman family and avoids using them herself as the characters are never depicted as villainous or threatening.  The issue of social justice is prevalent throughout as we see the often unfari treatment of  Muslims by the government. Budhos use of language is simple yet effective, and keeps the story moving. One cannot help but to feel empathy for the characters and what they are going through. A highly recommended read.

         Reviews:

         Kirkus Reviews: "A perceptive peek into the lives of foreigners on the fringe."

        Wordpress.com: "...a moving, thought-provoking novel, and an important story of the immigrant experience post-9/11."

         Awards:

          Junior Library Guild Award, 2006

         YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, 2006

  • ALA Best Books For Young Adults, 2006

  • ALA Notable Children's Books, 2006

Connections:

Use in a high school Sociology class with a unit on social justice.  Have students analyze the treatment of Muslim Americans by the government and develop solutions to address the issue. 

Use in a high school US History class when covering the events of 9/11. Have students compare and contrast the experiences of the Rahman family with experiences from Muslim Americans from primary sources. 

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