ISBN: 9781416903512
Bibliography:
Budhos, Marina Tamar. 2006. Ask Me No Questions. New York: Atheneum Books for Young Readers.
Plot:
Set in New York City, this story, told from the perspective of fourteen year-old Nadira, portrays a Bangladeshi immigrant family and the problems they face in post 9/11 America. After several failed attempts to become legal, and because the family's visas have expired, they seek asylum in Canada, but are denied due to the overwhelming number of immigrants that have already fled to Canada. As the family heads back to the American side, the father, Abba, is arrested and held indefinitely.
Analysis:
Budhos offers a unique and very real perspective of the issues faced by Arab immigrants in post 9/11 America and provides a voice for those that have gone unheard. Many families were unfairly treated after 9/11 because of fear. The family from this story simply wanted to make better lives for themselves, but due to some unfortunate circumstances, they were almost deported.
Racism is a major theme in this story. The following quote describes the racism and fear felt by Nadira's uncle as they have a conversation about becoming legal: "Legal! You think just because you're legal everything's a sunny day all of a sudden? When I get my residency, will I get a better job? Look around you. What do you see? Everyone is going home. Your Ali-Uncle, he told me he knows of four men who have disappeared. Four!"
Many cultural markers are evident throughout the text including the names of characters, the clothing worn by some of the characters including the shalwar kameezes and saris, the language, foods, and customs. We also see many examples of characters abandoning traditions and creating new lives for themselves regardless of what others think. Nadira steps outside the norm to do what needs to be done for her family which ultimately clears her father's name.
This story offers a meaningful message during Aisha's touching speech as valedictorian of her graduating class, when she makes the following plea: “All I ask of you is for you to see me for who I am. I want what you want. I want a future.”
Review Excerpts:
Horn Book: “Budhos's moving, quietly powerful novel explores the post-9/11 pressures on fourteen-year-old Nadira's Muslim family, Bangladeshi immigrants who have lived productively but illegally in New York for eight years. When they seek asylum in Canada and her father is detained at the border, Nadira realizes it is up to her to prove his innocence and hold her family together.”
Library Media Connection: “This book is a well-written and needed counterpoint in the body of September 11th literature. Many innocent, hard-working immigrants have experienced prejudice and fear, and this novel does an excellent job of telling their story.”
Connections:
*Check out Marina Budhos' Website: http://www.marinabudhos.com/
*Check out this interview with Marina Budhos: http://cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com/2006/02/author-interview-marina-budhos-on-ask.html
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