Favorite Quote from Amina's Voice

Having students choose a favorite quote or scene from the book allows them to express which parts of the story resonated with them on a personal level. In this way, students are making a text-to-self connection that demonstrates their understanding of the characters and their development or the themes of the novel. Students can share their storyboards afterwards and have a short discussion about what the quotes mean to them.

Some students may end up choosing the same quote, but have different perspectives. This is always interesting for students to see and can open up a discussion as to how not everyone can read the same lines in the same way based on their own perspectives and personal experiences.

Examples of Quotes from Amina's Voice

“When it was time for the performance, I looked out into the audience, saw the sea of faces, and froze. There was this endless moment when the world grew still and waited for me to speak. But I couldn’t open my mouth. My teacher, Mr. Silver, finally jumped in and said my line for me, with a joke about how John Hancock had lost his voice but was going to sign his name extra big to make up for it. The audience laughed and the show went on while I burned with humiliation. I can still hear Luke and his friend jeering at me from the side of the stage.”

“I wait for Soojin to answer, expecting her to say something to send Emily scurrying. Even though the cat gets my tongue when either Emily or Julie come prowling, Soojin never has any problem telling them exactly what she thinks. But Soojin just says, ‘I’m thinking of new names for myself.’”

"The mere thought of singing in front of a crowd twists my stomach into knots."

"The toothpaste suddenly tastes bitter. I spit it out and wait to hear what Baba will say. Surely he’ll say the things he’s always told me, like how music makes him feel closer to God and that my talent is a gift from Allah. But all Baba says is, “Yes, Bhai Jaan,” and then he stays quiet. I am numb. Is Thaya Jaan right? Am I doing something wrong?”

"We've always been the only kids in elementary school with names that everyone stumbled over ... Mama once told me that she picked my name thinking it would be easiest of all the ones on her list for people in America to pronounce. But she was wrong ... Soojin is the only one at school who gets it ... something about Soojin wanting to drop her name makes me worry that I might be next."

"God does not hate music. I don't believe that, or that it's wrong for you to play or to sing. Why would he give you so much talent then?"

"Emily's life always seemed perfect to me, but now I wonder if maybe it isn't."

"Finally as I hit the last note, I remember that I'm not alone and turn around. Baby Sumaiya squeals and bangs her toy on the coffee table, drooling with a big toothless grin. But everyone else has tears in their eyes - even Thaya Jaan."

"It's been a long time, a long time coming ... " I begin to recognize the faces in the audience. I find Mama, Baba, Mustafa, and Thaya Jaan, all smiling, and Rabiya, whistling like crazy. And then, suddenly filled with happiness, I belt out the words I know are true with all my might: "But I know a change gonna come. Oh yes it will." And I'm ready for it."