Ask+Me+No+Questions


 * Group members:** Isaiah, Ryan, David, Abby, Bharath, Mitchel, Ayana


 * Reading:** chapters 1 and 2 (pages 1-18)

**Deportation:** (n) The act of expelling an alien from a country; expulsion //“And in my head, words keep drumming: Special Registration. Green Card. __Deportation__. Residency. Asylum.”// p. 1 **12/1/10 Ryan Helton**
 * Vocabulary**

**Residency:** (n) The act of dwelling in a place. //“Maybe one day we will get a U.S. __residency__.”// p.5 **12/1/10 Ryan Helton**

**Gratefully:** (adv) With appreciation; in a grateful manner. //“She looks __gratefully__ at Aisha, and my stomach twists with jealousy.”// p.7 **12/1/10 Ryan Helton**


 * Summary**

The characters in the story so far is Aisha(sister), Nadira(narrator/main character, Ma(mother), and Abba(father).Abba has an expired lisence and visa. Aisha is very educated and smart. The family was not sure where to belong, since they were illegal immigrants, and they did not want to be deported, go to prison, etc. The family tries to import to Canada, but was turned back. Abba had been taken to detention, Ma has to stay at the shelter, Aisha and Nadira have to go back(Auntie's house). Ma, Aisha, and Nadira go to the thrift store for a warmer coat and galoshes for Ma. Nadira feels that Abba is heartbroken because he really loved this country, but it is very difficult for him in this situation to think about that. Everybody is shocked and sad that they couldn't immigrate to Canada, where they would be safe, and instead, Abba has been arrested for his expired visa.Aisha is favored by her parents than Nadira.
 * Ayana,12/1/10 **


 * Significant Quotes**


 * "We drive as if in a dream." (pg.1) I think this is a significant quote because, they act like when they drive through the US is a dream. They say that they have only heard of New Hampshire and Maine only in school. They never thought they would ever actually go there. **


 * "Nobody is guaranteed asylum" (pg.4) I think they are starting to rethink immigrating to Canada because they say that nobody is guaranteed asylum. Also because if they are denied asylum hen abba could get arrested. **
 * “Slowly Abba puts the car into reverse.” (pg.14) I think this is a significant quote because when Abba put his car into reverse that means that they were denied asylum in Canada. And in order to have asylum in Canada they have to come up with $5,000. (Isaiah Lay 12/3/1) **

I picked this picture because it shows how Nadira feels in chapter 1 and 2. She feels that her family and she don't really exist and are just somewhere under a cousins name. This is a picture of Imiginary friends that don't really exist and only exist in the boy's mind. I picked this picture because Nadira and her family's main goal is to get asylum to Canada. If they don't get asylum in Canada they will be arested and be sent back to Bangladesh for there expired visa cards. **By: Mitchel** David Sills
 * Illustrator**
 * Bharath Ramini**
 * Soundtracker**

I need some money

by: john lee hooker

The best thing in life is free,

but you can give it to but you can give it to the birds an' bees the birds an 'bees I need some money, need some money I need some money, need some money Oh, yeah, what I want Oh, yeah, what I want Your love gimme such a thrill, Your love gimme such a thrill, but your lovin' don' t pay my bills but your lovin 'don' t pay my bills I need some money, need some money I need some money, need some money Oh, yeah, what I want Oh, yeah, what I want I need some money, honey I need some money, honey I need some money right away I need some money right away I need some money bad I need some money bad I need some money I need some money Oh, yeah, what I want Oh, yeah, what I want Money don't get ever'thing it's true Money don't get ever'thing it's true But what it don't buy, But what it don't buy, daddy, I can't use daddy, I can't use I need money, I need money, yeah I need money, I need money, yeah What I want What I want (spoken: (Spoken: I need some money, honey I need some money, honey I need some money so bad I need some money so bad All o' my bills behind All o 'my bills behind I need some money right now I need some money right now I know your love is good, baby) I know your love is good, baby) I need some money, oh yeah I need some money, oh yeah What I want What I want What I want What I want I picked this song because if the family needs to get $5000 dollars to get asylum. They need some money to stay in N. America. DON'T ASK WHY I PICKED THIS. MOST SITES WERE BLOCKED
 * They need some money**

[] I picked this because Abba is almost free from the detention center and is not going to be sent back to Bangladesh from the money that the uncle and aunt wired to Ma. **By: Mitchel for pages 29-41**


 * Reading: ** Chapters 3-4 (pg. 19-28)


 * Significant quotes**

12/2/10

Pg. 22 “Half the houses were charred to black ash…These are the stories you here from your grandmother” This quote is important because this tells one where the family comes from, a terrible life. If they don’t get asylum they will be deported back to Bangladesh; back to the terrible life.

Pg. 28 “We’re not in Canada, we’re not in America, we’re not in Bangladesh. We’re on our own.” This quote is important because they feel like they belong nowhere. No country needs them, no state needs them, and no city needs them. They feel left out and hopeless.

Pg. 28 “There’s no way I’m sticking with Aisha.” This quote is important because if Aisha Nadira and Aisha don’t stay together they might not survive to the end

By:David Sills


 * Summary:**

In chapter 3, Nadira talks about her family’s roots. She talks about how Bangladesh used to be all of India and Pakistan and it was filled with both Muslims and Hindus. Also, she says that her land was no different from the sea. In this chapter, we also learn a bit more history about Bangladesh, India, and Pakistan came to be. Nadira says that the British wanted to separate the Muslims and Hindus in to two different parts, but the people protested and the British didn’t get their wish the first time. Later on though, in the year of 1943, a partition happens and the new country India was born. Many of the Muslims stayed in Bangladesh and the Hindus went to India. In the end of the chapter, Nadira talks about how her great-grandparents life fell apart. In chapter 4, we go back to the story. Nadira talks about how Aisha and she hung out with Bengali kids at first, but Aisha started studying the American kids and practiced how they talked and tried to look like them. She tells us that Aisha always likes to be neat and organized and thinks about everything she’s going to do and wear before she goes to school. Nadira said Aisha often missed some things though, when her mom first moved to America, Nadira said she was filled with sadness and Aisha didn’t notice. Nadira though noticed immediately and always tried so soothe her. When her dad bought a t.v for the first time, Aisha’s mom says the cooking show’s hosts were her friends .Later, Aisha and Nadira go into a diner. Nadira piles up her plate and Aisha only takes salad and bread. We hear about Nadira’s aunt and uncle briefly, but no new characters are introduced. At the end of the chapter, Aisha says Nadira and she were on their own and Nadira had to join her, Nadira says no.
 * Bharath 12-2-10**

====Right now Nadira is talking about how her land in Bangladesh is no differrent from the sea and that every family has a story. Nadira's story starts with the Muslims and Hindus and how they fought for the Bengal. Then she goes on about how her country changed every season with the rain pouring down and covering her land in water. Nadira says an old saying from Bangla,"Land disappears, land appears-this is our life." Nadira then says the British wanted to separate the Muslims and the Hindus into different parts, but the people protested and it stayed the same. Later, in 1943 a partition started and India was made. Many Muslims stayed in Bangladesh and the Hindus went to India.==== ====In chapter four, Nadira talks about how Aisha always hung out with the Bangali kids and Bangali parents, but after a while Aisha stated to hang out with the American kids. Aisha would soon start talking in the mirror to herself, practicing her American phrases. Nadira then talks about how Aisha always was the boss and always surpassed Nadira in school. Aisha wasn't always the best, Nadira was the first to notice Ma sad when she move to America. Also, Nadira knew about Ma and how Ma always saved money left over from grocery shopping. When we get back to the present Nadira is at an all you can eat buffet. Aisha starts talking about how 2 out 3 Americans suffer from obesity and how everyone is eating inhealthy here. Aisha says to Nadira that shes in charge and Nadira has to do everything Aisha says. After Nadira refuses to agree, Aisha tells Nadira to stick together and not fight. Aisha holds out her hand. Nadira then says forget it and shoved jello into her mouth. **Mitchel, 12/2/10**====

"Free To Be Me" By: Francesca Battistelli
 * Soundtracker:**

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream A war's already waged for my destiny But You've already won the battle And You've got great plans for me Though I can’t always see

(Chorus) ‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender Got a couple rips in my jeans Try to fit the pieces together But perfection is my enemy On my own I'm so clumsy But on Your shoulders I can see I'm free to be me

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow But things don't always come that easy And sometimes I would doubt

(Chorus)

And you’re free to be you

Sometimes I believe that I can do anything Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring But You look at my heart and You tell me That I've got all You seek And it’s easy to believe Even though

(Chorus) Lyrics from []. I chose this song because in chapter four, Nadira is mad because when every time she listens/does everything Aisha says, Aisha gets the credit. Nadira want's to be free to use her opinions. Ayana May, 12/3/10

Picture: [[image:Peace_Hands.jpg width="247" height="159"]]
I think this picture relates to the book because towards the end Aisha wanted to be at peace with Nadira. Nadira thought that meant Aisha would be in charge so she refused to accept the peace offering

~Abby Bowman~ 12-3-10
__**Word wizard**__ __//Isaiah Lay 12/10/10//__

Jute (n)- A strong fiber that is woven to make rope and a course material called burlap. Jute comes from a plant that grows in tropical Asia. “There my great-grandmother and great-grandfather found I job in a jute firm.” (pg.21)

Bollywood (n)- An Indian Hollywood. “Weekends we would go over to their places or stay at ours stuffing our faces with hand full of moori and watching bollywood movies.” (pg.24)

Macramé (n)- an elaborately patterned lacelike webbing made of hand-knotted cord, yarn, or the like, and used for wall decorations, hanging baskets, garments accessories, etc.(pg.24) She studies what they wore, their flare-leg pants, their macramé bracelets, and she begged ma to take her shopping to buy exactly the same thing

Reading: ** Chapters 5-6 Pg. 29-41 **

Pg.29 "We're not the only illegals at our school." This quote tells us that the school Aisha and Nadira go have more than 2 illegal immigrants, although you can't tell which ones aren't illigal.
 * Significant Quotes:**

Pg.29 "//Ask me no questions. Tell me no lies//." This quote tells us where the title of the book came from.(From the group of girls chanting the quote Nadira heard at the corner of the playground when she was little.)

Pg.41 "I wish I could lift out of myself and do something that really counts." Tells the reader that even though she likes staying quiet and still, she sometimes feels lonly being that way, and instead wants to be like Aisha or Taslima.

Ayana May, 12//2/10// **Vocabulary** **__David Sills-12/10/10__** __**Tweed**__- (n.) a coarse wool cloth in a variety of weaves and colors, either hand-spun and handwoven in Scotland or reproduced, often by machine, elsewhere. “He dresses a little funny, in sky blue shirts with bow ties and tweed jackets, and he’s always rattling off facts that have nothing to do with math, the subject he teaches” (Page 30 ) __ **Gurgles** __ - (v.) to flow in a broken, irregular, noisy current “Dirty slush gurgles into the street drain, and a damp, chilly wind seeps down my collar.” __ **Kurta- (n.)** __a long-sleeved, hip-length shirt worn by men in India. “he likes to wears long kurta and he has a long beard and he prays five times a day” (Page 32) //**Soundtracker:**// //[]//

//"And I'm free, I'm free fallin'// //Yeah I'm free, free fallin'//

//Free fallin', now I'm free fallin', now I'm// //Free fallin', now I'm free fallin', now I'm//

//I wanna glide down over Mulholland// //I wanna write her name in the sky// //Gonna free fall out into nothin'// //Gonna leave this world for a while//

//And I'm free, free fallin'// //Yeah I'm free, free fallin'//

//Free fallin', now I'm free fallin', now I'm// //Free fallin', now I'm free fallin', now I'm// //Free fallin', now I'm free fallin', now I'm"//

//I picked this because Abba is almost free from the detention center and is not going to be sent back to Bangladesh from the money that the uncle and aunt wired to Ma.// //**By: Mitchel 12/3/10**//

__Everything can change: Gotthard__ //Tell me who cares when children die// //Tell me who cares when old men cries// //Without big hope and without a plan// //We go//

//Tell me who cries when the forests die// //Tell me who cries when the world gets dry// //Without big hope and without a view// //We die, yes we die//

//I live my life, I walk the line// //I'm movin' on, yes I'm on the run// //It's you and me// //Everything can change//

//The price is high and soon we'll pay// //And not so far the judgment day// //Without big hope// //We're running out of time//

//Sailing ships with unknown destiny// //Spilling oil in open sea// //Without big hope and without a view// //We die, yes we die//

//I live my life, I walk the line// //I'm movin' on, yes I'm on the run// //It's you and me// //Everything can change//

//Stop running round in circles// //Get back under control// //We're all masters of a future// //Under the sun, under the sun, yeah//

I live my life, I walk the line I'm movin' on, yes I'm on the run It's you and me Everything can change

I live my life day after day I'm movin' on, yes I'm on the run It's you and me Everything can change

I live my life, I walk the line I'm movin' on, yes I'm on the run It's you and me Everything can change

I choose this song because it portrays how Nadira feels, As if she's walking on a thin line with no where to go and everything can change i a second. Wheras Nadira looks at her situation as bad, this song looks at the brighter side and says everything can change in a good way.
 * -Bharath 12-5-10**

[|bcmacsac1's photostream] [|http://www.flickr.com/photos/7552532@N07/493237840/]

= 2005_0305Image0144 =

I picked this image because Tareq drives a car that Nadira considers cool but really isent. According to Ma he is a low life because he drives a cool car, doesn't work, and wears baggy clothes. //**Ryan Helton 12/3/10**//

=
In our reading,pages 29-41, Mr. Friedlander, the college counselor and math teacher, approached Aisha and asked why she was gone the day before. She told him it was a stomach flu. Mr. Friedlander told Aisha that he contacted the Barnard admissions office and they were interested in having her go to that college. Aisha and Nadira were scared that the immigration paperwork would go through without the admissions office noticing that they were illegal immigrants.===== After school Nadira was walking home and a boy named Tareq drives up next to her and says he could get Nadira's dad what he needs to get out of detention. Then Tareq offered Nadira a ride to her uncles and Nadira accepted the offer. Tareq dropped out of school and according to Aisha he his a "low-life." Tareq worked several random jobs like construction, and car services, also he worked at a gas station. When she got out of Tareq's car, Nadira's Ali-uncle was worried then became relieved that she was safe. Later that night Nadira's mom called and asked about Nadira and Aisha. Then she told Nadira that they came up with just enough money to pay the bond.

//~Abby Bowman~ 12-3-10//

//Reading: Chapters 6-7 Pg.42-58 //

__cater__:pg.42 //"Uncle is sitting at the dining room table running a stiff brush over his black shoes, the ones he uses for his catering job."// __avish__:pg.43//"He's always finding fault with Abba, especially when Abba lavishes presents on Ma and buys hes all kinds of gadgets for the kitchen: vegetable scrubbers, garlic peelers, fancy knives."//;spending or giving more than is necessary
 * Word Wizard:**
 * to supply what is wanted or needed

__valedictorian:__pg.51//"For valedictorian."//;the student usually of the highest rank in a graduating class who gives the farewell speech at graduation ceremonies

Ayana May,12/5/10

__Ryan Helton 12/5/10__ This reading begins with Uncle giving Nadira a talk about how everything Abba says about immigration is wrong. He tells her that life wont be any better if they ever get a Green Card for the U.S. Once he is done talking to Nadira, Auntie tells Nadira about how one of Uncles friends was taken away by the police for being an illeagal immigrant and thats why he is so mad. The next day when Nadira goes to school she runs into Lilly Yee. Nadira and Lilly Yee are talking about their lives and Lilly Yee is telling Nadira about how her father cheets on her mother, he doesnt work much, and worked so hard to bring his family over to America but treats them so badly. Once both of them get to class a quize is handed out in Math. Nadira is usually really good at math but she cant focous with Uncles words running through her head. She finished with 12 out of 20 questions done. After the quize Nadira goes to lunch. Aisha comes up to Nadira an tells her to sit with her and her friends. All of Aisha's friends are asking what colleges Aisha applied for. Aisha tells them one in Canada. After lunch Aisha tells Nadira that she was nominated for valedictorian. Nadira gets mad at Aisha because she is always talking about how she does everything so well. Nadira throws her lunch tray at Aisha and it lands all over her blouse. Aisha gets up and walks away crying. Once Nadira gets home she is alerted by her uncle that her father must stay in detention for an even longer period of time. The police think that he lied on some papers.
 * Summary:**

__//Isaiah Lay 12/5/10//__ I think this picture has to do with this reading because in the end of the first chapter they find out that Abba lied in his application. And in this picture is there is a person filling out an application.
 * Illustrator:**

“Ali-Uncle, he told me he knows of four men who have disappeared.” Page 44. This dialogue tells us that getting citizenship to a country doesn’t make everything easy in their life.
 * Literary Luminary:**

“I try to focus on the numbers, but they keep jumping of the paper.” Page 48. Numbers jumping off the paper means that Nadira and her talk with her uncle and aunt has made her confused.

“If you want to know,” Taslima adds in,” those bastards decided to hold them.” Page 53 This delays Nadira and her family from going to Canada and applying for asylum. **By: Mitchel. 12/6/10**

“**Only this feeling of windy space beneath our feet, like the humming road coming back from the border; the jittery sense that nothing is right**.” – Nadira pg. 51 __I picked this quote because it shows how Nadira feels everyday when she wants to something big or become someone.__ “ **You’re not going to College you’re not going anywhere**!” –Nadira pg. 52 __This quote once again shows that Nadira doesn’t think her sister or she will become anything when they grow up because of their illegal immigrant status__. “ **I can’t go to anyone, not now** ”- Nadira pg. 54 __I picked this quote because I think it shows how complicated Nadira’s feelings are. I think she has a mixture of resentment, frightfulness, and powerlessness towards her situation. I think she feels alone with no one to help her.__ -Quotes, **Bharath ramini12-6-10**

who wants to take it away Will have to answer,
===Cause this is my right We talkin' about Freedom Talkin' bout Freedom I will fight, ===

ah yeah, comon now...
===(LEAD SOLO) You talkin' about Freedom Were talkin' bout Freedom I will fight, ===

for the right To live in Free--dom
=== I think this song relates to the reading because it's about keeping hope and fighting for freedom. In the reading Nadira gets yelled at by her uncle Ahmed. He yells at her for believing she can get a new start in Canada, and believing what her dad says. Then later when she sits with her sister at lunch, Nadria takes her emotions out on Aisha and makes Aisha cry. Then she can't talk to her sister about the INS holding their dad and that is when they need the most hope and it kind of makes fighting for freedom harder. ===

~Abby Bowman~ 12-6-10
Reading: //** pages 59-67 chapter 8 **// __**Soundtracker:﻿**__

Stop callin', stop callin', I don't wanna think anymore! I left my head and my heart on the dance floor. Stop callin', stop callin', I don't wanna talk anymore! I left my head and my heart on the dance floor.

Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh Stop telephonin' me! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">I'm busy! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Stop telephonin' me! <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh, eh

<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #000000; display: block; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">More lyrics: []

I picked this song (Lady Gaga, Telephone) because Aisha is trying to call Mr.Rashid's office but she cant get ahold of them.
 * Ryan Helton 12/6/10**

//__Isaiah Lay 12/6/10__//
 * Summary:**

In this reading they meet Mr. Radish. After a while they find out that their own lawyer has been charged with felonies. So when they find that out they end up having Mr. Radish being their lawyer. They want Mr. Radish to be their lawyer because they saw him on a T.V. show. When they finally get an appointment with Mr. Radish they find out that they can detain their father for how ever long they want. Then when they find that out they leave. Then Aisha and her sister run to the authorities and try ti tell them that it is a mistake. But Aisha's sister thinks that this is a really bad idea.

Literary Luminater (Quotes):
Quote 1. "We have to wait and see..." pg. 65 I think ths quote is important because This happens to alot of immigrants. They get into trouble with the INS and then they get deported. you never now what can happen. Quote 2. "All the will in that seventeen-year-old body of yours could not clean up the messes at the INS." pg. 64 This is impotant because Mr. Rashid is basically telling them that they can't do anything and should give up. Quote 3. "Not see us?" pg. 60 This quote is important because it shows Aisha is deturmined to get her dad out and is ready to fight for him. It also shows that their family is united through good and bad. ~Abby Bowman~ 12-7-10

I picked this picture because this is what the family pictures where Abba is. They picture him in a cold, dark cell not knowing when he's coming out. They figure he is losing his mind.
 * Illustrator**
 * 12/6/10 David Sills**




 * Word Wizard:**
 * Resuscitate:** to revive from apparent death or from unconsciousness. Page 60. "__Resuscitate__!" she called, beating her fists into the mattress."


 * Gait:** a manner of walking, stepping, or running. Page 61. "Today I watch Aisha stride ahead a few paces with her stern, determined __gait__."


 * Bewildered:** completely puzzled or confused; perplexed. Page 65. "Aisha opens the door and pushes into the corridor, past the __bewildered__ secretary, out to the elevator, and downstairs." **By Mitchel 12/6/10**

**Swoon: (verb)** To faint. pg.60 " I thought Aisha was going to **swoon.**


 * Valedictorion:(noun)** <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; line-height: 16px;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static;">a student, <span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static;">usually the one ranking highest academically in a school. Pg.63 " I'm even up for **valedictorian**!"


 * Void: ( adj.)** <span style="background-color: transparent; color: #333333; cursor: default; font-family: Verdana,Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 1.25em; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; position: static;">useless; ineffectual; vain. Pg.64 " His application is **void**. By: **Bharath Ramini** 12-6-10

**Reading:** // pages 68-80 chapter 9 // "All through Social Studies class I keep having this weird vision of a police officer showing up at school." p.68 This quote is important because is shows how nervous Nadira is about being an illigeal immigrant.
 * Literary Luminary **

"As I am saying good-bye, we both look up to see Tareq sauntering over." p.70 This quote is important because Tareq has come over to help Aisha and Nadira get their father out of jail.

"There's got to be a way," she says quietly. p.72 This quote is important because it shows how important it is to Aisha to figure out a way to get Abba out of jail. //__ Ryan Helton 12/7/10 __//

**Illustrator** Ayana May,12/7/10 I picked this image because Nadira decided to cooperate with Aisha at the end. By just.Luc []

Word Wizard
** Gingerly: ** Great care or caution; warily. __Page 68__ "The next day Aisha and I __gingerly__ make our way to school..."

** Deshis: ** Another word for Bangladeshis. __Page 71__ "We __deshis__, we gotta help each other..."

** Niger dom noshto ko’ro na: ** Don’t waste your breath. __Page 71__ "...But __niger dom noshto ko'ro na__- don't waste your breath." ~Abby Bowman~ 12-8-10

**__ Soundtracker __** //__ Isaiah Lay 12/8/10 __//

Who will love me for me Not for what I have Or what I’ll become

I will love you for you Not for what you have done Or for what you will become

I think this song has do to do with this reading because, they say that people should love them for who they are.

**Summarizer** **__David Sills 12/8/10__** At the beginning of this chapter Nadira and Aisha are scared for their lives as they’re walking to school because they feel they are goi ng to deported in any minute. At school Nadira apologizes to Aisha for putting her down in front of her friends. To the surprise of Nadira, Aisha believes Nadira is right. She is right that nothing matters, because they will soon be deported. Later, after school, Aisha calls around to try and get information about Abba or even get him out of jail. They write to the congressman and even the director of immigration trying to plead their case. Aisha even comes home with flyers for protests. None of this seems to work. Aisha not going to college. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be. “Stupid bureaucrats” snapped Taslima.


 * Reading: **// pages 80-103 chapters 10 and 11 //

//**Rippling**// (v) To become lightly ruffled or covered with small waves. //"Voices __rippling__ up from below."// p.80
 * Word Wizard: **

//**Ravenous**// (adj) Extreamly hungry; voracious. //"We're all __ravenous__."// p.86

//"When the __manicurist__ comes to the door, I'm suprised because she looks so young-she could be sitting next to Aisha in school."// p.98 __Ryan Helton 12/8/10__
 * Manicurist** (n) A person who gives manicures.

**Summary** Uncle was put in jail in Manhattan.Aisha and Taslima try to convince the policemen to release Uncle, but do not succeed. Auntie, Taslima, Aisha and Nadira go to the detention center in Manhattan and called Mr. Rashid dozens of times, but there is nothing they can do.Aisha and Nadira go to the library, where they sign up a computer to type out their letters to Homeland Security and other officials. Nadira feels that Aisha opened the door to let her into her private little world. Aisha is wearing herself down because she thinks if she said something else, is could have released Uncle. Aisha is barely going out, even though she goes to school, it’s like she’s hardly there. More and more Taslima slips away, staying out late and doesn’t apologize when she sneaks back in. Nadira thinks her putting-things-together talent that helped Lily, is not that great. Uncle is released, and Aisha and Taslima are surprised that when they get home, they see Uncle all of a sudden. (Ayana May,12/8/10)

//__Isaiah Lay 12/9/10__// "No we wont give any papers without our lawer present." (pg. 81) I think this is a signifacant quote because Abba had to go to jail because he let some officers see his papers, and they dont want to end up like Abba.
 * Literary luminary:**

"I’m going to India to see my grandparents, and their taking me to Rajasthan and their taking my to to stay in a big palace hotel.” (pg. 90) I think this is significant because they are finally being able to go away from all the stress. “But what if you get kicked out.” (pg. 95) I think this is significant because they are afraid that they will get kicked out and have to come back.

This artist of this picture is Still Burning. The link is []. I picked this picture because Nadira's uncle got arrested and was detained, but later released. This is what Uncle's cell might look like in the detention center. -**Mitchel 12-9-10** This picture was taken by Kuzeytac. The link is []. I picked this picture because Nadirs's Uncle goes to jail when he is innocent and did not do anything wrong. This picture depicts an innocent baby in jail, just like Uncle. -**Bharath 12-9-10** __**David Sills 12/9/10**__ __**Yesterday**__ **by: The Beatles** yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away Now it looks as though they're here to stay Oh, i believe in yesterday.
 * Illustrator:**
 * Soundtracker**

Suddenly, i'm not half the man i used to be, There's a shadow hanging over me. Oh, yesterday came suddenly.

Why she had to go i don't know she wouldn't say. I said something wrong, now i long for yesterday.

Yesterday, love was such an easy game to play. Now i need a place to hide away. Oh, i believe in yesterday.

Mm mm mm mm mm.

I picked this song because Uncle is in jail and he's very sad. He longs for the past and how things used to be. He longs for yesterday.

Reading: reading pages 104-119 chapters 12 and 13

Artist: Taylor Swift Title: You Belong With Me // I chose this song because Nadira thinks the family belongs together, not seperated. // // ( //// Ayana May,12/10/10) // You're on the phone with your girlfriend, she's upset She's going off about something that you said 'Cause she doesn't get your humor like I do
 * Soundtracker: **

I'm in the room, it's a typical Tuesday night I'm listening to the kind of music she doesn't like And she'll never know your story like I do

But she wears short skirts, I wear T-shirts She's Cheer Captain and I'm on the bleachers Dreaming about the day when you wake up and find That what you're looking for has been here the whole time

Walking the streets with you and your worn-out jeans I can't help thinking this is how it ought to be   Laughing on a park bench, thinking to myself Hey, isn't this easy?

And you've got a smile that could light up this whole town I haven't seen it in a while since she brought you down You say you're fine, I know you better than that Hey, what ya doing with a girl like that?

If you could see that I'm the one who understands you Been here all along, so why can't you see? You belong with me

Standing by and waiting at your back door All this time how could you not know? Baby, you belong with me, you belong with me

Oh, I remember you driving to my house in the middle of the night I'm the one who makes you laugh when you know you're 'bout to cry And I know your favorite songs and you tell me 'bout your dreams Think I know where you belong, think I know it's with me

Can't you see that I'm the one who understands you? Been here all along, so why can't you see? You belong with me

Standing by and waiting at your back door All this time, how could you not know? Baby, you belong with me, you belong with me   You belong with me    Have you ever thought just maybe You belong with me? You belong with me  //From:// //http://www.lyricsfly.com/search/view.php?8cc96132c7&view=598133&artist=Taylor Swift&title=You Belong with Me&hl= &opt=main//

Illustrator: By:Viviloob [] I think this picture describes the reading because Nadira told a story if her Abba and the story was about him teaching Nadira how to hold her breath and swim. ~Abby Bowman~ 12-10-10


 * Literary Luminary**


 * __David Sills 12/10/10__**

"Aisha skin is a pale oatmeal color" (pg.104) This is significant because Aisha is very nervous that the colleges will find out she and her family are aliens and she'll be the reason they'll be sent back

" This is the first time I've... put my arms around my sister" (pg.112)

This is important because this whole process has brought the two sisters closer together which should help in the end.

"I have it. I have the money" (pg.118)

This is important because this is all the money Nadira's family has left. If she waists it, it's gone. It's all on her shoulders.

This reading starts out with Nadira and Aisha going to Barnard for Aisha's interview. An hour later, Nadira meets up with Aisha after the interview and still seems down. She say's that she doesn't know if she is going to get picked, that she just got asked a few stupid questions. Later on, Aisha piles up more lies and tells Mr. Friedlander that she can't be on the debate team anymore. Aisha tells Nadira that the letters they sent were not going to change anything and they were going to be deported. Aisha is very pessimistic these chapters. After that, Nadira gets called into the office and the teachers question her about why Aisha is acting strange and if there's something wrong with her family. Nadira finds out that Aisha didn't even go to the interview. The chapter ends with Aisha telling Nadira about how she was similar to the football players and why she didn't go to her interview. The next chapter starts out with Aisha learning how to swim and hold her breath and let it out slowly and steadily. Later, Aisha calls Tareq and tells him that she needs his help. She takes the 3000 dollars her family has from the fund from Ali-Uncle and leaves a note telling Auntie and Uncle she was safe. The reading ends with Nadira running to the bus. -**Bharath Ramini** 12-10-10
 * Summary:**

//Reading:// ﻿pg.120-136 chapters 14 and 15


 * Ilistrator:**
 * By: foxspain**
 * []**

=Estación Franklin D. Roosevelt, París=

I picked this image because Nadira took the Subway to see her mom in Virgina. While on the Subway a man sat with here and talked to her about where she was going.
 * __Ryan Helton 12/12/10__**

Summary:
Nadira went to Tareq to get papers she needed to free Abba, but they would cost $3,000. When Nadira got to the place where she would get the papers she backed down and left. Then she wandered around because she didn't know where she was, and then after a while found the subway. On the subway a strange man started talking to her and gave her a stick of gum. The stranger started talking about his mom. Then Nadira got off the subway and went to the Salvation Army shelter and met her mom. Nadria's mom showed Nadira around the area. Nadira found that her mom was like a whole new person because she wasn't afraid to be out in public. Nadira and Ma went to Abba's hearing. Then Nadira pointed out that there was a difference in there last name and the paperwork. The name on the paperwork belonged to someone else who lives in Florida. After that the judge dropped all the charges and set up a time for Abba and the family to apply for citizenship. ~Abby Bowman~ 12-12-10

pg.123 "I can't do it" This quote tells that Nadira can not use Abba's money to buy a green card/U.S. passport.
 * Literary Luminary:**

pg.136 "My husband can go now?" This quote tellls that Abba got freed from detention.

pg.136 "All I keep thinking is I can't wait to tell Aisha." This quote tells us that Nadira can not wait to tell Aisha that Nadira did something brilliant/freeing their father from detention. //Ayana May, 12/12/10//


 * Word Wizard:**


 * __David Sills 12/12/10__**

Revolver- (n.) a handgun having a revolving chambered cylinder for holding a number of cartridges, which may be discharged in succession without reloading.

"A __revolver__" (pg.121)

Steam Table- (n.) a boxlike table or counter, usually of stainless steel, with receptacles in the top into which containers of food may be fitted to be kept warm by steam or hot water in the compartment below.

"...guiding me past the __steam table__ __."__

Riffles- (v.) to turn hastily; flutter and shift

"The lawyer riffles through the folder" (pg.132)

__**Soundtracker**__: I picked the following song because i think it portrays how Nadira feels after saving Apa and making the judge give him a chance to appeal. ( Extremely excited and proud of herself)

By: Dave Matthews, I did it

//I did it, do you think I've gone too far?// //I did it, guilty as charged// //I did it, it was me right or wrong// //I did it, yeah, yeah, yeah//

//I did it, I told you, I told you I did// //I did it, I'm guilty as charged// //I did it, I told you, I told you I did// //I did it, yeah//

//I never did a single thing that did a single thing// //To change the ugly ways of the world// //I didn't know it felt so right inside// //I didn't know it all//

Reading: Pages 137-152 Chapters 16 and 17
__disheveled:__pg.142//"Now that all the celebrating is done, Abba sits still and quiet, all squinty frowns and disheveled clothes."//;to throw into disorder. __detainment__:pg.142//"He lost weight during the months he was in detainment; the little mound of his belly no longer slopes over his belt, and his elbows stick out in flinty triangles."//;to hold or keep in or as if in prison __blanches__:pg.148 //"She blanches.";// to take the color out of //Ayana May,12/13/10//
 * //Word Wizard://**

**Sound tracker:** She was driving last Friday on her way to Cincinnati on a snow white Christmas Eve Going home to see her mama and her daddy with the [|baby] in the backseat Fifty miles to go and she was running low On faith and gasoline It'd been a long hard year

She had a lot on her mind and she didn't pay attention She was going way too fast And before she knew it she was spinning on a thin black sheet of glass She saw both their lives flash before her eyes She didn't even have time to cry And she was so scared She threw her hands up in the air

Jesus, take the wheel Take it from my hands Cause I can't do this on my own I'm letting go So give one more chance Save me from this road I'm on Jesus, take the wheel

It was still getting colder when she made it to the shoulder and the car came to a stop She cried when she saw that baby in the back seat Sleeping like a rock And for the first time in a long time, she bowed her head to pray She said I'm sorry for the way I've been living my life I know I've got to change, so from now on tonight

Jesus, take the wheel Take it from my hands Cause I can't do this on my own I'm letting go So give one more chance Save me from this road I'm on Oh, Jesus, take the wheel

Oh, I'm letting go So give one more chance Save me from this road I'm on From this road I'm on  Jesus, take the wheel

By: Carie Underwood

I think this song relates to the reading because it is about hope and believing. In the reading their hope and belief finally paid off. Also, they don’t have to worry about losing their Abba. Another reason I think this song is related to the book is that Nadira got another chance at how she lives her life. ~Abby Bowman~ 12-13-10


 * Summary: **

This reading begins with Ma, Abba, and Nadira on the Subway going home. Once they get back to Aunties house everyone is celebrating the return of Abba. They are eating lots of food and people are coming all throughout the day. The next day Nadira and Ma go on a walk with Abba, Uncle and Auntie going out shopping, and Aisha and Taslima stay home. Once Nadira, Abba, and Ma get home they find Auntie and Uncle packing everything up. Auntie and Uncle want to go back to Bangladesh because there they were respected and weren’t poor. And while everyone was gone, Aisha helped Taslima pack her belongings and run away to her boyfriend’s house where she is going to live now. Once Auntie and Uncle get back to Bangladesh life starts to get back to normal back in the U.S. Aisha keeps getting college papers but they are too expensive for her to go to. One day Nadira finds a letter in the mail from the government. Aisha and Nadira go to the park and talk. They decide that they are going to go to Mr. Friedlander and tell him everything. The next day Aisha is up on the stage about to make a speech in front of the entire school. She gets up there and tells everyone her lives story and how she is an illegal alien. **__Ryan Helton 12/13/10__**

**__Literary Luminary:__** " //Do you really think a little 14 year-old is going to change the United States Government change its mind// ?" - Aisha pg. 144 I think this quote is important because it shows that Aisha feels that they only have temporary freedom and are going to be deported for sure. She seems to be depleted of all her energy these days and has no good feelings. " //Gone//. "- Mr.Kim Mr.Kim is talking about Ali Uncle going away when he says this. I think Ali Uncle is an important character in this story and him being gone is going to make a difference in the following chapters. " //I want a future// "- Aisha pg. 152 I think this is one of the most important events in the book. Aisha talks about how even though she is an illegal alien, she is just like everyone else and wants a future. She finally seems to understand that everything is not over and she can still be successful. I think this will have a big impact in the course of the book.
 * Bharath Ramini 12-13-10**

"No say. He look different. No beard. Hair short. Not look good." said Mr. Kim -Page 145 I think this quote is important because Ali-Uncle changed his appearance so he won't be spotted by the government for being an illegal alien.

"I always thought you were the brave one. But now i think you're a coward, Aisha" said Nadira -Page 147 I think this quote is important because Nadira found out that she can be brave and stand up for herself. She found out that Aisha is not the only one who can change things and be the center of attention.

"Sometimes we have to do the right thing. In our own ways." Nadira says -Page 148 I think this quote is important because Aisha and Nadira are taking a big risk because everyone might discriminize them or not be their friends anymore. But this is also a brave task that Aisha will do.
 * Mitchel Hairston 12-13-10**

__//Isaiah Lay 12/16/10//__ this picture goes with this reading because in the end of the reading Nidira ends up telling her whole school abut here illegal immigrant life.
 * __Illistrator__**


 * Reading:** // pages 153-162 //


 * Sound tracker: **

So a day when you've lost yourself completely Could be a night when your life ends Such a heart that will lead you to deceiving All the pain held in your Hands are shaking cold Your hands are mine to hold

Speak to me, when all you got to keep is strong Move along, move along like I know you do And even when your hope is gone Move along, move along just to make it through Move along

I picked this song (Move Along by All American Rejects) because Nadira and her family had to "move along" through all the hard times they had been through. They had to keep trying and eventually they got what they wanted, their Abba out of detention. And like Abba always said, "Hold your breath and let it out, bit by bit" which means the same as move along.
 * __Ryan Helton 12/14/10__**


 * Word Wizard**:
 * Rumpled**:(verb) To crumble or crush in to wrinkles. (pg.152) " I pull myself up, dazed at the __rumpled__ covers around me."


 * Extenuating**:(verb) A fault or offense. (pg.158) " No matter what the __extenuating__ circumstances, you are in violation of your visa and your entire family is in jeopardy.


 * Gavel**: (noun) A small mallet used by the presiding officer of a meeting (pg.158) " When the __gavel__ cracks."
 * Bharath Ramini 12-14-10**


 * Illustrator**

__**David Sills 12/15/10**__

I picked this image because this is where Nadira and her family gained their citizenship. This is where they were treated like real humans. In the courtroom is where they gained a new life. :-)



//__**I**saiah lay__//
 * __Summarizer__**

This part of the book is the most important part of the book. Its the most important because this is when they went to the court hearing and the judge said that he will grant them U.S.A residency. Also it tells how after 9/11 they start to crack down on illegal immigrants. and how bi of a risk they were taking and staying in the U.S. And also it shows how merciful the judge was to grant them U.S.A residency.
 * Reading 2:** p. 153-162


 * Illustrator:**

I picked this image because in the beginning of the reading, Nadira said that it seemed like her family was swimming inside a map of Canada.Picture by bricksandco.http://www.flickr.com/photos/24645417@N04/2435415489/sizes/s/in/photostream/

//Ayana May﻿,12/15/10// ** Literary Luminary: **

“In the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the U.S. government began to crackdown on illegal immigrants and investigation of Muslim communities.” This quote is important because it shows the reason Nadira and her family even tried to leave the U.S. p.160

“We push forward into the unknown. Go.” This quote is important because it shows that Nadira and here family had to work to achieve what they need to do. They had to keep pushing forward. p.159

“Well. This is an unusual case, I grant you permission to file a new application for residency. Your papers will be accepted and processed. Correctly this time.” This quote is important because it is saying that Nadira and her family can be U.S. citizens. p.158 **__ Ryan Helton 12/15/10 __**

Word Wizard:
__Wriggle__: To twist and squirm page 153 "...a skinny blue-green line wriggling into the distance."

__Obesity__ : Overweight page 155 "...some kids [are] actually suing McDonald's for their obesity."

Jeopardy: Hazard or risk page 158 "...you are in violation of your visa and have put your entire family in jeopardy?" ~Abby Bowman~ 12-15-10

__//Isaiah Lay 12/16/10//__
 * __Sound tracker__**

Working hard to get my fill, Everybody wants a thrill Payin' anything to roll the dice, Just one more time Some will win, some will lose Some were born to sing the blues Oh, the movie never ends It goes on and on and on and on

(chorus)

Don't stop believin' Hold on to the feelin' Streetlight people

Summary of the whole book

 David Sills 12/16/10 At the start of the book Nadira and her family are driving up the east coast to Canada to try to apply for asylum. They are applying for asylum because the U.S. government is cracking down on illegal aliens from Muslim countries following 9/11. Nadira and her family get to the border between Canada and the U.S. but they don’t have enough money to apply for asylum. Since they are denied entry into Canada, they are sent back to the U.S. where a simple background check reveals they are illegal aliens and that his last name sounds like it’s related to terrorist organizations. This causes Abba to be detained in Vermont and the family drives back to New York like nothing happened. This poses a problem for Aisha because she is applying for college and a valedictorian nomination. The family gets through the next couple weeks by staying at Auntie and Uncles house and some sly lies by Aisha. When they thought they were done with and in the courtroom facing deportation, Nadira saves the day. She points out a flaw in Abba’s “supposive” name. It was filed wrong. This means that Abba isn’t really related to any terrorist organizations. Abba is released and the judge asks for another chance for the family to gain citizenship. Days later Aisha graduates from high school and is named valedictorian. Later that month the family is finally granted citizenship. They have broken loose from the chain of fear and uncertainty.