"Don't trust a book by its cover" is a common idiom that means people should not prejudge individuals based on appearance alone. Thematically, there are several examples of this idiom throughout the novel Seedfolks by Paul Fleischman. At the beginning of the novel, Ana spots a Vietnamese girl hiding behind a refrigerator at the lot on Gibb Street digging into the dirt. Ana immediately thinks the girl is burying drugs, money, or a gun. Instead of calling the police, Ana travels down to the lot and begins to dig in the same spot where she saw the Vietnamese girl working the ground. Ana discovers the girl was planting beans, not hiding drugs. Ana initially viewed the girl as a criminal but later changed her opinion of the girl. Another example of prejudging a people by their appearances takes place in Chapter 9. Amir mentions that all of the gardeners were afraid of Royce, who looked rather dangerous. As they begin spending more time in the garden with Royce, they find out about his situation and develop a friendship with him. The community gardeners learn Royce is a kind, trustworthy individual, and begin to give him food in exchange for his services. The community initially viewed Royce as a threat, but after getting to know him, they change their opinion of him.
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