Born a Crime. From first glance you might assume that Trevor Noah grew up with a “normal childhood” taking place in The United States; however, by looking a little closer, you will quickly find that his childhood was anything but ordinary. Growing up as a mixed child during the apartheid, Trevor Noah was burdened from birth with the challenge of trying to fit in, even when nobody wanted to accept him.
I recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, especially if you are struggling to find your place in the world. Through this book, Trevor shares his story not only encouraging others to share theirs, but to prove that just because you don’t feel like you fit in now doesn’t mean that you won’t be successful.
Category Archives: Autobiography
Our Stories, Our Voices
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Our Stories, Our Voices, a
collection of essays and anecdotes about “injustice, empowerment, and growing up female in America” by 21 YA authors, is an incredible assortment of empowering pieces that truly describe both the large and small struggles of growing up as a woman in the U.S.
Each story presents a different outlook, as each woman has a different background and grew up with contrasting world views and distinct religious views. These essays explore everything from rape to racism, from gender to feminism, and from faith to weight.
Each piece finishes with an empowering message which encourages young people to believe that their voices and words really do matter and that they can make a difference, no matter how small they feel. Though there are many stories in this book preaching the
same message, it doesn’t seem repetitive. Instead, each note of empowerment strengthens the last one, encouraging young women (and others) that they really matter and that they can stand up for what they believe. This is such an important book for women all
over America, and even around the world, to read and connect with. I would recommend this book to anyone who needs encouragement in believing that they matter or anyone who wants to read stories of women overcoming discrimination of every type.
By: Aisha Saeed, Alexandra Duncan, Amber Smith, Anna-Marie McLemore, Brandy Colbert, Christine Day, Ellen Hopkins, Hannah Moskowitz, I. W. Gregorio, Jaye Robin Brown, Jenny Torres Sanchez, Julie Murphy, Martha Brockenbrough, Maurene Goo, Nina LaCour, Sandhya Menon, Somaiya Daud, Sona Charaipotra, Stephanie Kuehnert, and Tracy Deonn Walker
Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card by Sara Saedi
Americanized: Rebel Without a Green Card is an informative yet fun book about being an illegal immigrant in the United States. Sara Saedi writes a memoir about being in the country illegally, while also struggling with your average teenager problems. It tells the story of her life through the years, with real excerpts from her childhood diary. Each chapter is a well written tangent about an experience in her life. Saedi shares her story full of ups and downs on her journey to get a green card.
This book is perfect for anyone who knows about the Iranian culture, or is part of an Iranian family. It’s relatable for Persians, but everything is also very clearly explained if you aren’t. Americanized is funny and sad, from prom and boys to living illegally in America. Saedi explains all the rules and warnings and of being an illegal immigrant in America. I learned a lot while also being thoroughly entertained. I loved how she included “Frequently Asked Questions”, usually about being an immigrant or an Iranian stereotype. Her life is interesting to read about. Her and her family go through so many adventures, some good and some bad. I would recommend this book to anyone who has a link to the Iranian style of life, and/or wants to learn more about the process and struggles of illegal immigrants. Saedi perfectly sums up breaking the law while just wanting a boyfriend and nice eyebrows.