Call Me American

Abdi’s identity as “Abdi American” has brought him both great joy and great danger. What is suggested about Abdi’s view of the United States by the end of the book, especially in his desire to become Somalia’s first Rahanweyn president?

Teaching Suggestion: Encourage students to think about the idea of the “American Dream” and how this dream may differ from reality, especially given the United States’ political interventions in Somalia and the challenges of the visa process for refugees.

Differentiation Suggestion: For a visual approach that promotes organizational structure, consider allowing students to chart the evolution of Abdi’s vision of America by describing his views in a T-chart with columns labeled “Before” and “After,” comparing his perspectives before and after his arrival in the United States.