Leffingwell Elementary School

Page 3:

"Farid, the older of my two brothers, had been sent to Philadelphia the year before to attend high school. Like most Iranian youths, he had always dreamed of attending college abroad and, despite my mother's tears, had left us to live with my uncle and his American wife. I, too, had been sad at Farid's departure, but my sorrow soon faded- not coincidentally, with the receipt of a package from him. Suddenly, having my brother on a different continent seemed like a small price to pay for owning a Barbie complete with a carrying case and four outfits, including the rain gear and mini umbrella."

This passage stuck out to me because all too often it seems like inanimate objects overcome the power of family. A luxury like a Barbie was something Firoozeh had never experienced before; so when that opportunity came her way, she was amazed by it. With her being so young combined with the thrill of getting a present from America, it's not completely surprising that she would forget her sorrows for the time being. However, I think that deep down, despite receiving a Barbie, Firoozeh still misses her brother and would any day give up her Barbie for him to come home.

Page 5:

"Before her marriage, my mother, Nazireh, had dreamed of becoming a midwife. Her father, a fairly progressive man, had even refused the two earlier suitors who had come for her so that his daughter could pursue her dream."

In Iran, an arranged marriage is expected. This is also true with Cambodia; Khmer girls marry Khmer boys. In Children of the River, there are also struggles with relationships and having to follow tradition by having an arranged marriage. Also, girls normally don't receive a formal education. They are expected to stay home, take care of the kids, clean, and cook. However, Nazireh had a dream of becoming a midwife. The fact that her father supported her, and even turned down possible marriages to allow her to follow her dream, shows that he really cares about his daughter, and that women might be taking a different stand in Iranian culture. Women deserve to make their dreams come true just as much as men, so it was a great deed when her father allowed that to happen. I think this shows just how strong and closely bonded Firoozeh's family is; whether they're in Iran or America.