Since emigrating from Bangladesh, fourteen-year-old Nadira and her family have been living in New York City on expired visas, hoping to realize their dream of becoming legal US citizens. But after 9/11, everything changes. Suddenly being Muslim means you are dangerous—a suspected terrorist. When Nadira’s father is arrested and detained at the US-Canadian border, Nadira and her older sister, Aisha, are told to carry on as if everything is the same. The teachers at Flushing High don’t ask any questions, but Aisha falls apart. Nothing matters to her anymore—not even college. It’s up to Nadira to be the strong one and bring her family back together again.
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"I really enjoyed the point of view from which this story was written. I have rarely seen a book aBout illegal immigration from the point of view of an illegal immigrant. It is a great book that everyone should read." — Izzy (4 out of 5 stars)
"I really enjoyed the point of view from which this story was written. I have rarely seen a book aBout illegal immigration from the point of view of an illegal immigrant. It is a great book that everyone should read."
“The events of the novel are powerful enough to engage readers’ attention and will make them pause to consider the effects of a legal practice that preys on prejudice and fear.”
“Narrator Abby Craden expertly depicts family, friends, and cold officials…Craden captures everything the reader’s eye would see on the printed page—especially that aside or extra word that adds further clarity to the written word. The moving story illustrates people lives affected by our nation’s immigration policies. Craden’s warm and insightful delivery adds to the learning experience for young listeners.”
“A moving first-person, present-tense narrative…The teen voice is wonderfully immediate, revealing Nadira’s mixed-up feelings as well as the diversity in her family and the Muslim community…Readers will feel the heartbreak, prejudice, kindness, and fear.”
“Inspiring and timely, this novel explores one of the most difficult issues facing the United States today in a compelling and highly readable way.”
" Nadira and her family are illegal aliens. They live on expired visas in New York, and after 9/11 everything changes. When their father is detained at the Canadien border, Nadira and her sister Aisha must return to Queens and try and start a new life. "
" Though not the most fascinating book on Earth regarding immigration and illegal aliens, this book proved to be worth its overall story. Marina Budhos' tale of Nadira and Aisha's plight to help get there family residency in the U.S. is an emotional and educational one. For many who see the issue as so very one-sided (us vs. them), Budhos puts a very human face to such a controversial issue. "
" well this book was o.k. not the best I have read and definitely not close to being the best. It started off dull with no action at all. It just explained things that weren't useful until the book progresses. I also didn't like the way the book was written. It went back and fourth through times and got a little confusing sometimes. the only good part that I liked was that I was able to relate to the protagonist in way.. "
" Its about a girl and her family that have immagrated. "
" Quick read. Teenager saves the day, little unrealistic, but great wrap up to a potentially sad story. Nice insider view to immigrants and the multiple problems they face. "
" Compelling story and an engaging heroine made for a great read. "
" Interesting book about a family from Bangladesh and the sufferings they endure after 9/11. I found the afterward especially informative. "
" So far, it is pretty good but it is a book I have to read for Literature. So, normally I would have never picked it up, but ever since I began to read it, I wish I had done it long ago. "
" I didn't expect I would like the book. "
" This book is so amazing. It is about two Bengali sisters who try to survive in NYC without their parents. It is a very interesting and moving portrayal of the lives of some Muslims after 9-11. "
" What a great immigration story. It is a great way to show students another side they may not be aware of. A great book to really have some deep discussion about. "
" that atwo sisters are having a big issue with their father while his on jail and they are deciding to do something themselves without receiving an adults guidance, because they know their father did not do aanything wrong. "
" Love reading books about world issues & such. This book wasnt all that great but it was good. i liked it. "
" This is a very thought provoking book for the middle school reader. A lot of good discussion can come out of it for kids and adults alike.... "
" Illegal Muslim immigrant girl saves the day for father in post 9/11 NYC. Ending wraps it up in a way I thought was contrived and silly but the rest of the book is worthwhile. "
" I would recommend this book to teens (bought it off a catalog because it looked interesting) learning about the aftermath of 9/11 and illegal immigrants in our country. It raises interesting questions and shows a family's struggle because of an expired visa. "
" So I had to read this book last year for english class. I don't know why I had to read it because it's such a simple book. It's not complex nor is it interesting to read. Not one of my favorites at all. "
" Absorbing story about illegal Muslims seeking asylum in Canada in a Post-9/11 America. "
" Revealing story about what it's like for Muslims living in post-9/ll New York City. "
" Another view of life in America after September 11th. "
" It wasn't for me, but I really wanted to like it. "
" Read as a girl tries to help her family become legal in America. J.S. "
" Interestong outlook as to what it is like for a child being an illegal immigrant. Told from the point of of view of a high school girl. Suitable for older children. "
Marina Budhos is the author of award-winning fiction and nonfiction. Her novels for young adults are Tell Us We’re Home and Ask Me No Questions. Her nonfiction books include Remix: Conversations with Immigrant Teenagers and Sugar Changed the World, which she cowrote with her husband, Marc Aronson. She has received an Exceptional Merit Media Award (EMMA), a Rona Jaffe Award for Women Writers, and two fellowships from the New Jersey Council on the Arts. She has been a Fulbright Scholar to India and is an associate professor of English at William Paterson University.
Abby Craden has been a professional actress and voice artist for over sixteen years and can be heard in numerous television and radio commercials, video games, and audiobooks. She has twice won the AudioFile Earphones Award.
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