In the Year of the Boar and Jackie Robinson is a big proponent of the American Dream, which says that coming to the U.S. of A. offers anyone the chance to achieve anything they want. Shirley is excited by all the new and shiny gizmos in America, like the washing machine ad her new giant bed, but she also finds out that it's the land of opportunities for kids like her. By learning about Jackie Robinson, Shirley comes to realize that she can do just about anything in America—just like her hero. Who knows what her future might hold?
Questions About Visions of America
- Does Shirley achieve the American Dream by the end of the book? Why or why not?
- Do you think the American Dream is still alive today?
- Why is Jackie Robinson the perfect American story for Shirley to aspire to?
Chew on This
Try on an opinion or two, start a debate, or play the devil’s advocate.
America offers more opportunities for Shirley's future than her future in China may have.
America just offers different opportunities than China for Shirley's future—one place isn't better than the other.