Fish Cheeks Summary

In the story Fish Cheeks, who is the main character? (Somebody)

• Robert

• Amy's brother

• Amy, a young Chinese girl

• The minister's family

What did Amy WANT?

• She wanted a fruitcake for Christmas

• She wanted to move back to China

• She wanted to be an American girl and her crush, Robert

• Amy wanted a beige tweed skirt for Christmas

BUT what happened to Amy next?

• She became so embarrassed by her family's foods and customs. Especially when her dad belched loudly at dinner.

• She always wanted to have a big family Christmas

• She immediately started decorating and welcoming everyone at the door at Christmas

• Amy knew that after this Christmas, Robert would be coming over to her house more

SO what happens to Amy now?

• Amy's mom made her favorite dessert to get Amy to start talking again

• Amy's mom got angry and yelled that Christmas was cancelled

• Amy's mom gave her a Christmas present and told her she must always be Chinese on the inside, even if she wants to look American on the outside

• Amy's dad invited the minister's family over for Chinese New Year next

THEN we know that Amy experienced what?

• That Christmas night, Amy knew that she had been silly and should have eaten her favorite foods

• Then many years later, when Amy and Robert got married, she realized how silly she was being

• That Christmas, Amy made up to her parents by giving them the best Christmas gift

• Then many years later, Amy realized the lesson her mother was trying to teach her & the importance of all the foods her mom had made.

What was the THEME of Fish Cheeks?

• Always be proud of who you are and where you come from

• Give back to others and they will give back to you one day

• Honesty is the best policy

• Never skip eating your favorite foods because you are embarrassed

What statement below has the best imagery for food?

• There was noise in the kitchen

• Amy could see her mom cooking

• The bulging eyes of the slimy fish pleaded with Amy not to be thrown into the hot oily pan

• Amy could hear the doorbell

What is the SETTING of Fish Cheeks?

• They are all at church

• Everyone is at the minister's house

• They are all volunteering at a hospital

• Everyone is at Amy's house