Chapter 9
Why was Baba so nervous at the airport?
He hadn’t seen his brother in a long time
What does Amina notice about the similarities and differences between Baba and Thaya Jaan?
They both have thick eyebrows and straight noses, but Thaya Jaan’s hair is mostly white
Why does Emily say she doesn’t get to eat her grandma’s Polish food anymore?
Her grandma passed away, and her mom never learned to cook it
What special event is being added to the Quran competition?
A carnival with rides and games
Quote: “Tears roll down my face, and my breath comes out in spurts.”
Question: This is an example of
Imagery
What does Amina notice about Thaya Jaan when he arrives?
He has mostly white hair and a thick white beard
What is Amina’s favorite dessert that Mama served?
Gulab jamun
Which of these describes Soojin’s family life?
a) Her parents are busy, but both are good cooks
b) She only eats frozen food
c) Her mom works as a lawyer
d) She lives with her grandma
Her parents are busy, but both are good cooks
Why is Mustafa worried during his conversation with Imam Malik?
He was caught near kids who were smoking
Quote: “We look like the families I see at the mall posing with Santa…”
Simile (compares Baba’s family to families taking pictures with Santa using “like”)
How does Thaya Jaan greet Amina and Mustafa?
Amina gets a kiss on the forehead, Mustafa gets a kiss on the cheek
Why does Thaya Jaan suggest that Amina and Mustafa should only respond in Urdu?
To help them learn Urdu properly
What does Emily reveal to Soojin and Amina?
She likes a boy and wonders if he likes her too
What deal do Amina and Mustafa make about telling their parents?
Amina promises not to tell their parents as long as Mustafa never smokes again.
A familiar calm washes over me
metaphor
How does Amina feel when she first meets her uncle? Why?
She feels a little nervous and unsure, because she doesn’t know exactly how to greet him and wants to be polite
What does Amina notice about Thaya Jaan’s voice during Quran recitation?
It is musical, varied in pitch, and connects her to the verses
What was the “Incident” that Amina remembers?
Emily and Julie made a scene about kimchee in third grade
How does Mustafa respond after being confronted by Imam Malik
He apologizes sincerely and promises to do better
“I shred dried leaves and listen, watching the pile of brown bits grow in front of me, feeling invisible.”
Metaphor (Amina’s feeling of being invisible is compared to the leaves shredding.)