Vocabulary and Context
Aimee
Will
Naheed
Sergio
100

Describe the event that gives context to the book Nine, Ten

The 9/11 terrorist attacks impacted the world. It changed things in positive and negative ways. It increased patriotism in the United States but it also increased racism and prejudice against Muslims. 

100

Why was Aimee in the airport?

She and her father were moving to LA while her mom had to go to New York for a meeting. 

100

Why was Will's family in the airport?

They were returning from a Disney trip. 

100

Why was Naheed in the airport?

Naheed was waiting for her aunt and uncle to arrive.

100

Why was Sergio in the airport?

He was going back home after a ceremony at University of Chicago where he was awarded for his mathematical understanding. 

200

Define the word immodest

Modesty is an attitude of humility and decency in dress, grooming, language, and behavior. Immodesty is the opposite. "The girls with their hair blowing freely all around their heads like someone had a fan right in their faces, their bare arms showing even though they were advertising winter fashions; Naheed knew it was immodest." p.10
200

Why did Aimee move to L.A.?

Aimee's mom got a promotion that brought their family to L.A.

200

How did Will feel about his family's trip to Disney World?

He had conflicting feelings. He didn't want to have fun, it didn't feel right being on a trip without his father. His mom was worrying and he had to step up to care for his mom and siblings.

200

Why is Naheed used to being stared at?

She thinks about this in the airport. She feels she's getting stared at in the airport for covering her hair and looking different than the people around her. 

200
Who does Sergio live with? How does he feel about them?

He lives with his grandma. He loves her and does everything he can to make her proud.

300

Define the word ironic

Happening unexpectedly. "Never even gotten a speeding ticket. Maybe that made this all the more ironic; it certainly seemed unfair. It was unfair and it was wrong." p.25

300

Describe Aimee's first day:

It was tough. She had a hard time figuring out who to talk to and getting the new routine down. 

300

What happened to Will's father?

Will's father died in a highway accident, while trying to help a car on the side of the road. 

300

Where did Naheed's mom and dad grow up?

Iran

300

Who is Paul?

Paul is Sergio's dad.

400

Define the word negotiating

Having discussions with someone in order to reach an agreement: a settlement that is fair to both sides. "But Aimee wasn't hungry, and she hadn't felt like negotiating the line, or trying to figure out how to buy lunch and where to sit or with whom." p.31

400

What are the differences between Aimee's friend Lauren and the girls she meets at her new school?

Lauren is Aimee's best friend. The new girls she meets are judgmental about her family. 

400

How does Will feel about this life?

It feels like he's living in two different worlds, one at home where his father's death is always present and one outside his home where he can pretend life is normal. 

400

What happened to Naheed in the airport?

She was distracted and couldn't find her family and was worried she was lost and wouldn't be able to find them. 

400

What is Sergio's relationship to Paul like?

It is negative. Paul was never there for Sergio and even when he "tries" to be it seems selfish.

500

Name the airplane crash sites of 9/11. Why were these sites important? 

Field in Pennsylvania, Twin Towers of the World Trade Center in NYC, the Pentagon in Washington, DC. 

500

Describe Aimee's personality:

Aimee is reserved. She is a good friend and cares about the people closest to her. 

500

Describe Will's personality:

Will is responsible, empathetic, and thoughtful. He helps his mother and siblings in every way he can. 

500

Describe Naheed's personality:

Naheed is opinionated and cares about her family and beliefs. 

500

Describe Sergio's personality:

Sergio is a risk-taker. He has deep feelings but sometimes tries to hide them. He is smart but doesn't always feel like that's what people recognize about him. 

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