Final answer:
Meena from 'Same Sun Here' found a sense of belonging in her pen-pal relationship with River, paralleling how characters and individuals in literature find belonging in various aspects such as culture, academic environments, and online communities.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the novel Same Sun Here by Silas House and Neela Vaswani, the character Meena found a sense of belonging primarily through her pen-pal relationship with River. This connection provided her with a sense of understanding and intimacy that she may not have found in her immediate surroundings. While Meena's story isn't explicitly mentioned, using similar examples from literature can help us draw conclusions. Sandra Cisneros, for instance, found a sense of belonging in writing as she felt detached from both the cultures she was part of. Inayah, another character from a different story, found academic success and companionship with friends after school. Caitlin discovered a lot about herself and her culture while being an exchange student in Spain. In another instance, a student recognized her culture in an art textbook, and a writer, Allison Levy, found a community of like-minded individuals online. Thus, finding a sense of belonging can come from various sources, whether it be family, friends, cultural recognition, or connections made through shared interests and experiences.