Two books Does My Head Look Big in This by Abdel-Fattah and Parrot in the Oven by Victor Martinez were the books of the summer. Does My Head Look Big in This is about a young high school student named Amal. Amal is Islamic and goes to a private school. Amal makes a big decision when she decides to wear the hijab (Muslim head covering) full time. Parrot in the Oven is about a fourteen year old boy named Manny. Manny lives in a home where is dad’s alcoholic and his mom is a wreck. His neighborhood is full of gangs. Manny isn’t sure where he fits in. He’s not sure about joining a gang, but he doesn’t want to stay the same way he is and that’s Manny’s decision to make. The Grove’s High School has established house rules for students to respect one another and except other people’s differences. These two books represent the house rules avoid stereotypes and judgments of others, don’t stand silent if you see or hear an injustice, and be the change you wish to see.
There are a lot of stereotypes and judgments in Parrot in the Oven, but Manny avoids them, just like the Groves house rules. Since Manny lives in a rundown neighborhood and doesn’t have much money so his clothes aren’t that nice. Despite where he lives, Manny is intelligent and his mom thinks he should go somewhere else. Manny goes…show more content… Amal is just starting to take the step of wearing the hijab full time. Amal asked the principle if it was okay since her school has uniforms, for her to wear the hijab. Amal informed her parents about it and they support her decision completely. “I’m terrified. But at the same time I feel like my passion and convictions in Islam are bursting inside me and I want to prove to myself that I’m strong enough to wear a badge of my faith.” (Abdel-Fattah pg.7). Amal is feeling proud, at this moment because she is feeling closer to her religion than she ever did before, Amal is glad she didn’t back out of taking this