My Favorite Chaperone

Okimoto says she does not read YA fiction. Discuss how that might influence her writing. Does this story share traits with other YA literature? How does it deviate from genre tropes?

What is the relationship like between the Maya and Nurzhan? Discuss their interactions. What effect does this have on their characters and the story as a whole?

Consider how the historical context in which this story was published, particularly the aftermath of 9/11, affects its themes.

How would the story change if it did not have a positive ending? How would this change the themes and alter the message?

Discuss how Okimoto uses American media tropes—the Spring Fling, sports teams, the principal’s office—to tease out the story’s themes.

Okimoto names many background characters in this story, often with first and last names. Discuss how she uses names. What do these names say about these characters and this society?

“My Favorite Chaperone” is anthologized in First Crossings, which contains 10 other stories featuring teen immigrant protagonists. Compare this story to another in the collection. Where do the authors’ perspectives align, and where do they diverge? How does the other author build their story differently?

Research Kazakh culture and compare your findings to the story’s depiction of the Alazovas. How accurate is the story’s depiction? Where does Okimoto take liberties?