In the book, "Girl In Translation" by Jean Kwok, a young girl Kimberly immigrates from Hong Kong to America with her mother. Her life becomes very difficult in America because of her and her mothers financial situation. The two girls work for Kimberly's aunt in a factory under harsh conditions and under the constant watch of aunt Paula. When Kimberly is offered a full scholarship to an amazing private school, she finds it difficult to keep her biggest secret from her peers and best friend.
Being different can always be hard. Kimberly is considered different to other people because she doesn't have everything that normal girls around her have. For example, she does not have a bra and only has one underwear. Other girls think she is unsanitary and gross for this, but they don't realize that she does not have the same privileges as they do. She works at a factory with her mom for a very low pay. She cannot afford what girls at her private school might consider necessities. She can only afford to have the absolute necessities. She is also an immigrant from Hong Kong and does not speak perfect English or know the normal American social cues , this seems very strange in a very American community. At first, other girls judge her and underestimate her. All they see is a poor Asian girl with baggy unfitting clothes protecting her. But, behind that cheap polyester blazer, there is an amazingly intellectual girl with a lot of potential.
  Though Kimberly may seem strange and different to other students, she has a special gift that will lead her to success and already has: intelligence. Kimberly is an extraordinarily intelligent student with amazing learning abilities. So far, her outstanding academic level has brought her the opportunity to attend a stellar and very exclusive private school. And in this private school, she becomes an amazing student with a very good work ethic, learns English better, and learns how to be more sociable. Kimberly's level intelligence has brought her amazing things, but also some not so amazing things. When Aunt Paula finds out that Kimberly got into the private school she wanted her son to go to, she becomes furious with jealousy. She stunts Kimberly by lowering her and her mothers pay, not letting them move out of their awful apartment, and subtly criticizing her. She needs to feel more dominate and successful because she is older and more wealthy. However, Kimberly will be able to achieve amazing things with the great education she is getting and her overall level of success so far.
All in all, I believe Kimberly will become very successful even with her differences and disadvantages. Intelligence is very powerful and important. It can provide opportunities and advantages for intelligent people who seek it out. Intelligence, above all, should be respected and valued for its power and importance.