Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) — Content Guide for Parents
Themes present
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Content themes
Factual summary of themes present in this book. No opinion — just the facts.
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Religious themes
PRESENTContains references to prayer and church attendance. A minister character plays a supporting role in two chapters.
About this book
Liliana Cruz is a hitting a wall--or rather, walls.
There's the wall her mom has put up ever since Liliana's dad left--again.
There's the wall that delineates Liliana's diverse inner-city Boston neighborhood from Westburg, the wealthy--and white--suburban high school she's just been accepted into.
And there's the wall Liliana creates within herself, because to survive at Westburg, she can't just lighten up, she has to whiten up.
So what if she changes her name? So what if she changes the way she talks? So what if she's seeing her neighborhood in a different way? But then light is shed on some hard truths: It isn't that her father doesn't want to come home--he can't...and her whole family is in jeopardy. And when racial tensions at school reach a fever pitch, the walls that divide feel insurmountable.
But a wall isn't always a barrier. It can be a foundation for something better. And Liliana must choose: Use this foundation as a platform to speak her truth, or risk crumbling under its weight.
Frequently asked questions
Is Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) appropriate for a 7-year-old?
The story includes references to violence, including a memory of a very drunk man tied to violence and mentions of past drug abuse. Additionally, gang violence is a significant theme, affecting the protagonist's life. No scary content or themes detected in the narrative of the book.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have violence?
The story includes references to violence, including a memory of a very drunk man tied to violence and mentions of past drug abuse. Additionally, gang violence is a significant theme, affecting the protagonist's life.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have scary content?
No scary content or themes detected in the narrative of the book.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have religious themes?
No religious content or themes detected in the narrative of the book.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have racial/cultural content?
The book addresses themes of race and identity, emphasizing the importance of viewing individuals beyond their racial or ethnic backgrounds. It critiques racial stereotypes and explores the complexities of race relations.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have profanity?
The narrative includes infrequent strong language, such as 's--t,' 'f--king,' and 'bitch,' along with a mention of the n-word in a group discussion context.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have climate change?
No climate-related themes or discussions detected in the narrative of the book.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have sexual identity?
The book contains mentions of kisses and making out, as well as discussions around condoms in a sex education context. However, these instances are not described in detail.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have gender roles?
The protagonist, Liliana, is portrayed as a strong role model who balances family responsibilities and academic achievement, reflecting modern feminist themes of empowerment and resilience.
Does Don't Ask Me Where I'm From (Export) have lgbtq+ themes?
The book includes a lesbian side character and a flamboyant gay actor. Another central character is suggested to be pansexual or bisexual, indicating LGBTQ+ representation within the narrative.
