Boston

At the beginning of the novel, the Hossains are driving through Boston on their way to Canada and this makes Aisha cry since she has always wanted to attend Harvard.

Dhaka

Dhaka is the small village in Bangladesh where the Hossains are from.

Queens, NY

The Hossains live in Queens, NY after immigrating to America.

Canada

This novel begins with the Hossains driving to Canada shortly after 9/11 to apply for asylum, but due to the influx of immigrants, they are denied asylum, and Abba is arrested upon their return to America.

Flushing High

Aisha and Nadira attend school at Flushing High.

Barnard

Aisha has a college interview at Barnard, but she skips the interview for fear they will tell her she does not belong and arrest her.

Burlington

Abba is incarcerated in Burlington, and Ma stays in Burlington during his detainment. Nadira runs away to Burlington to...