The mere thought of singing in front of a crowd twists my stomach into knots.
-- Amina (Narration) (chapter 1 paragraph 1)

Importance: This quote introduces the issue that Amina has with public speaking and performance. This is important because the problem persists throughout the entire novel and it affects other plot points.

It has too many onions in it, and I push my food around on my plate with my naan, wishing I were eating the rest of my peanut butter sandwich from lunch instead.
-- Amina (Narration) (chapter 2 paragraph 3)

Importance: This quote encapsulates Amina's struggles to balance both cultures and establish an identity for herself, because at this point in the novel, she appears to be more inclined towards Western culture than her heritage.

Everything about this past week - from wishing I were singing in the concert, to being in the worst pioneer wagon, to wondering why Soojin and Emily are acting so chummy - is making me wonder why I...
-- Amina (Narration) (chapter 3 paragraph 1)