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4.38 AVERAGE
4.38 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book! It absolutely made my heart ache! This book handles so many big and relevant issues but does so in a way that feels completely seamless and authentic to the story and characters. It truly is an achievement that this book touches on ideas of identity, racism, bullying, civic responsibility, family relationships, and shame but never once feels preachy or heavy-handed. Kareem is one of my favorite characters that I’ve read about in a long time. If you love Middle Grade, put this one at the top of your list!
I didn't need to cry today while reading a kid's book, but move over Bridge to Terebithia, there's a new sob fest in town. The lyrical beauty of the story in verse mixed with the very real turmoil that Trump's "Muslim ban" brought down on families across the country literally had me sobbing at the end. I also loved the fact that Kareem wasn't a perfect character. He made mistakes just like any kid would, creating a story that was so real that it was easy to get sucked into. This is a great addition to any middle grade library.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC.
challenging
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
3.5/5
Safadi constructs a memorable motif through her purposeful placement of text in this quick read.
I think this book would be an excellent text to use with students to discuss craft and characterization.
Kareem's inaction in the first half of the book is complex and could certainly challenge students in the act of perspective-taking.
Safadi constructs a memorable motif through her purposeful placement of text in this quick read.
I think this book would be an excellent text to use with students to discuss craft and characterization.
Kareem's inaction in the first half of the book is complex and could certainly challenge students in the act of perspective-taking.
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Great middle grade story exploring a Syrian immigrant family and Kareem's navigation of his different cultural identities, family, and coming into his own voice & agency as he encounters new friends, pursues his passion for football, and deals with the absence of his mom.
It's also a powerful critique and heartbreaking insight into the devastation & cruelty of Trump's Muslim ban.
It's also a powerful critique and heartbreaking insight into the devastation & cruelty of Trump's Muslim ban.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
emotional
informative
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fascinating to read this with all that recently happened in Syria and a reflection on the impact of the 2017 ‘Muslim ban’. The author captures how jerky adolescents can be and how unsure of themselves.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced