Ally Goeman Hannah Vanderstelt Lindsey Carlson

1. By: Julia Alvarez I Want to be Miss America Ally Goeman Hannah Vanderstelt Lindsey Carlson

2. About the Author 1.) Julia was born in New York City but was raised in the Dominican Republic until the age of ten. 2.) Julia’s family tried to overpower the dictator of the Dominican Republic, but was unsuccessful. 3.) She was first known as a poet but now is appreciated for her great novels.

3. Historical Background • This text was written in 1999. • It was written because it showed how her and her family struggled to adapt in America. • In the 1960’s the cold war continued and became more distraught. Also, John F. Kennedy was elected as the President of the United States of America.

4. Summary “I Want to be Miss America” is about Julia Alvarez who is one of four sisters that just moved to America from the Dominican Republic. She goes on to tell her story of watching Miss American on television and wishes she could be just like on of the contestants on the show. Along with her sisters, she decided to dress and look like the contestants to fit in at school. But later on in the story she realizes that her foreign characteristics are what made her unique and beautiful. The main idea of the story is that you should be happy with the way you are and shouldn’t try to be like anyone else.

5. RELEVANCE • In our groups opinion this text is important to American history because it expresses our country’s freedoms allowing you to be whoever you desire. Julia’s text was also vital because around this time many people didn’t accept certain ethnics.

6. Literary Devices • Personification: “They stood, fifty puzzle pieces forming the pretty face of America.” • Simile: “…the queen came down the runway in her long gown with a sash like an old world general’s belt of ammunition.” • Onomatopoeia: “…we were one step closer to that runway, those flashing cameras, those oohs and ahhs from the audience.”