Summary

In Chapter 17, when Seema secures a job with the Obama campaign, she uses her experiences as a Muslim to illustrate that she understands how difficult life can be for anyone who is different. She argues that electing Obama will mean there is a place for her and everyone like her in America.

In Chapter 18, Seema is sent to campaign in Pennsylvania where the people are openly hostile. Seema is disheartened by Obama’s speeches because he seems too calm. She believes a person needs to be angry to make any real change. Seema realizes that she cannot believe Obama because she does not believe real change is even possible. Her belief that real change is not possible is tied up in her inability to make her father proud of her again.

In Chapter 19, Seema, a young teen, hides in a gulmohar tree...