Compare and contrast the two main characters. How does Clements use their character perspectives to communicate his book’s message of shared humanity in diversity?

Consider how Abby’s feelings toward her extra-credit project and education in general change as she learns more about Sadeed and Amira. What do you think Clements intends his American middle grade reader to learn from this?

Despite their differences, Sadeed and Abby become curious about each other’s lives, and treat each other with respect. Consider a time when you met someone very different from yourself. How did you react? Has reading Extra Credit altered how you would react in future?