|
Amina's Voice
Last updated Sunday, February 6, 2022
Author: Hena Khan
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 1481492063
Grade Level: 5th (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Feb. 2022
Synopsis:
Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she's in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the "cool" girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more "American." Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized.
Amina's Voice brings to life the joys and challenges of a young Pakistani American and highlights the many ways in which one girl's voice can help bring a diverse community together to love and support each other.
| Discussion topics for before reading: |
| • |
Do you like to sing?
|
| • |
Have you ever watched "The Voice?"
|
| • |
What do you notice about the cover of the book? Does it remind you of anything or spark any associations?
Vocabulary:
|
| • |
complexion: the natural color, texture, and appearance of the skin, especially of the face
|
| • |
vanish: to disappear from sight, especially quickly; become invisible
|
| • |
hygiene:a condition or practice conducive to the preservation of health, as cleanliness
|
| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
| • |
Is there something you love to do?
|
| • |
Are you nervous to perform like Amina?
|
| • |
Names are really important in the first chapter. How does Soojin feel about her name? Why? How does Amina feel about hers? Why?
|
| • |
What do you know about Mustafa, Amina's brother?
|
| • |
What is Amina avoiding signing up for? Why?
|
| Craft ideas: |
| • |
1. YOUR NAME: write and decorate your name! Along with the name discussion activity below, add some words or pictures that describe your name, show its meaning, or include associations you have with your name. Own your name! It's yours and it's part of your identity! You could hang it up in your home or put it on a notebook when you're finished making it.
|
| • |
2. Cut out the letters of your name and make them into a sculpture!
|
| • |
3. Fold up a "fortune teller" from a piece of paper. On every side of it, put something about you: your name, something you like to do (like sing for Amina or basketball for Mustafa), and other stuff you like or care about.
|
| • |
Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/february-2022-people-places-around-the-world/
|
| • |
Check this website for more suggestions: http://readingtokids.org/ReadingClubs/CraftTips.php
|
| Special activities: |
| • |
1. YOUR NAME: Do you know the story of your name? Why were you named your name? What does it mean? Does it have special significance in your family?
|
| • |
2. Can you make an anagram of your name? If you rearrange the letters, does it spell something else?
|
*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
|
