Discuss why it is important to Samra to identify as Muslim. How is Samra's Muslim background a part of her past and her identity?

Students should be able to discuss and identify Samra's reasons for identifying as Muslim despite the fact that Islam isn’t always kind toward Muslims like [her] (214). They should be able to articulate how her faith is an important part of her identity that informs her experience in the world. Furthermore, they should discuss the importance of providing representation from within the community and breaking down the stereotype of Islam as a monolithic religion.

How do Samra's relationships with men change throughout the book? How do these relationships affect her personal growth?

Initially, the men in Samra's life are controlling and occasionally threatening. Meeting Peter is the first time that she experiences a different kind of masculinity though it is still heteronormative. Later...