In Amy’s Metaphor, the protagonist Amy struggles with feeling different from her classmates because of her heritage. She feels like she doesn’t fit in and is constantly trying to hide that part of herself. She is embarrassed by her Korean heritage and tries to blend in with her American classmates. However, through a school project where she is tasked with creating a metaphor about herself, she learns to embrace her heritage and see it as a valuable part of who she is.
In From Scratch, the protagonist also struggles with feeling different, but in a different way. She feels self-conscious about her weight and compares herself to her thinner classmates. She struggles to accept herself and seeks validation from others. However, through a cooking class where she learns to bake from scratch, she gains confidence in herself and realizes that her worth is not determined by her appearance.
Both stories explore the themes of identity, self-acceptance, and overcoming societal expectations. Both girls struggle with feelings of inadequacy and insecurity, but ultimately learn to embrace who they are and see their differences as strengths.
While both stories share some similarities in terms of their themes, they also have distinct differences. Amy’s struggle is more outwardly focused, as she grapples with her cultural identity and how others perceive her. On the other hand, the protagonist in From Scratch is more internally focused, dealing with body image issues and self-esteem.
Overall, both stories offer valuable insights into the struggles that young girls face in navigating their sense of self in a complex and judgmental world. They both serve as reminders that everyone is unique and should celebrate their differences rather than conforming to societal expectations.