Girl In Translation by Jean Kwok is about a young Chinese girl who just immigrated to the United States with her mother from Hong Kong and struggles to find her place in New York City. Kimberly and her mother immigrated to America along with the help of her aunt Paula, hoping to start a new life despite her dad's death. Yet, Kim begins to experience the brutality of the world around her, and learns that she can help herself only by working harder.
While reading this text, I was thinking about the first social action inquiry question, what really difficult or complex things are happening in the text? Identity is a large issue that Kim struggles with. She's a normal schoolgirl at day, but a factory worker at nigh. For a while, Kim skipped school because she can't deal with the fact that she once was the best student in class back in Hong Kong, but now she can't even communicate with her teachers. Kim can't fit in at the factory where her mom works or at school where she once really enjoy.
Another complex issue is child labor. Although it is illegal for children to work in factories because of the harsh environment, Kim is forced to work in order to improve her life. In addition to that, Kim's aunt, Aunt Paula would always find excuses to give them the lowest payment. This is because she takes advantage of Kim's mother's vulnerability. They made skirts for 1.5 cent cents each everyday. Kim worked as soon as she got to the factory after school and all day during breaks. She would do her homework on the way to the factory or at school to save time. Until she has the ability to earn money, Kim depends on the factory to live.
In conclusion, Kimberly struggles with her responsibility and learns to move on in order to make her life better. Kimberly finds her own way to fit in and to fulfill her dreams.
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