BookBright
ABOUT THE BOOK
NO SPOILERSAmina Khokar is a sixth grader in Greendale, Wisconsin, who has a powerful singing voice that she keeps almost entirely to herself. The memory of freezing onstage in second grade still follows her, and even though her music teacher is casting solos for the winter concert, Amina can't bring herself to sign up. Her life gets more complicated at the start of middle school: her best friend Soojin is about to become an American citizen and is thinking about changing her name, a girl who used to be unkind is suddenly sitting at their lunch table, and Amina's traditional uncle Thaya Jaan arrives from Pakistan for a three-month stay, bringing opinions about music, language, and proper Pakistani life that quietly unsettle the whole family.
Free Battle of the Books questions for Amina's Voice
SPOILERSEvery one of these has the same answer, and that is the point. In a real battle the question is read aloud with a dozen other books in play, and students have a few seconds to place it. Here is what a battle might ask about Amina's Voice. Use them as a quiz, a trivia round, or BOTB practice.
Where in the book they come from
- Early in the book
In what book does a shy girl freeze during a second grade play about American independence?
✓ Answer
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
The main character was cast as John Hancock and was supposed to say one line about signing her name in big letters. She froze on stage, and her teacher Mr. Silver had to say the line for her. This humiliation is why she now refuses to sing solos.
- First half
In what book does a host insist on cooking a giant feast for one visiting brother-in-law?
✓ Answer
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
Mama makes spinach-and-lamb stew, curried chicken, lentils, rice, naan, salad, and yogurt sauce all for one guest. The family eats off gold-rimmed china at the dining room table instead of in the kitchen. Mustafa later says it was a ridiculous amount of food.
- First half
In what book does a brother get caught skipping class with smokers but swears he wasn't smoking?
✓ Answer
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
Imam Malik catches Mustafa cutting class to play basketball with kids who were smoking. Mustafa begs the imam not to tell his parents because his uncle is visiting. Amina overhears the conversation and bursts into tears.
- Second half
In what book do boys at lunch loudly tease a classmate after her crush on Justin gets out?
✓ Answer
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
Amina lets slip Emily's crush to Bradley, and Bradley is the one who spreads it. The boys mock both Justin and Emily across the lunchroom while Emily tries to act unbothered and ignore them.
- Second half
In what book does an uncle teach his niece a surah called Humazah that warns against backbiting?
✓ Answer
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
While reviewing Quran with Thaya Jaan, Amina learns that Humazah is a warning against speaking ill of others behind their backs. She panics, certain that her gossip about Emily means she will be punished.
- Near the end
In what book is a beautiful gold-domed mosque damaged by arson before firefighters can save it?
✓ Answer
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
Vandals try to burn down the mosque next to the community building. The fire department arrives in time thanks to a passing driver who spotted the smoke, but the interior is charred and the ceiling damaged.
