Author & Book Background
Who is the author of the book Are You Nobody Too?
Tina Cane.
Why does Emily's family move to a school in Chinatown?
Her family loses money.
Who is the main character of the story?
Emily Sofer.
Why does Emily struggle and feel lonely at her new school?
She does not speak Mandarin like the other kids.
What is the main symbol in the book?
A girl sitting alone
What is the unique book style used for this whole book?
Wrote this whole book as one long poem.
What secret papers does Emily find hidden at home?
Papers about her adoption.
What grade is Emily in, and how is her personality described?
A quiet and shy 8th grader who thinks a lot.
What is the name of the popular group of mean girls that makes Emily feel left out?
"The Five".
What does the book of poems teach Emily about being a "Nobody"?
Teaches her that being a "Nobody" is a good thing.
What big award did Tina Cane win?
Won the top poet award for Rhode Island.
How does finding the secret papers make Emily feel?
She feels sad and lied to because of the secrets.
What does Emily say she feels like when she is hiding in a shadow?
An eclipse.
According to Quote 2, why does Emily wish she were a little bit invisible?
She wants friends, but is also scared of being judged.
What does the book teach us about writing down our feelings?
Writing down feelings helps heal your heart.
How did Tina Cane help schools?
Started groups to teach kids how to write.
Where does Emily hide to feel better when school is too loud?
Hides in the library and reads poems to feel better.
What does Emily notice about the mean girls because she is a smart observer?
Sees that the mean girls are actually nervous too.
What background makes Emily different from the other kids at her school in Chinatown?
She is a Chinese-American girl adopted by white parents.
What is better than trying to match the crowd?
Liking yourself is better than trying to match the crowd.
What city is the famous poet Tina Cane originally from?
New York City.
How does the story end for Emily?
Stops trying to be popular. Feels proud to write her own poems.
Who adopted Emily Sofer?
White parents.
What specific thing is Emily trying to do before she decides to stop and just write her own poems?
Trying to be popular.
what do we learn about culture and belonging?
You do not need to speak a certain language to belong.