Language: R (47 swears, 1 “f”); Mature Content: PG (mild innuendo); Violence: PG-13 (off-page murder, dead body, vandalism, hate speech racism)
BUYING ADVISORY: MS, HS - OPTIONAL
AUDIENCE APPEAL: HIGH
17yo Safiya Mirza is a desi Muslim with Indian immigrant parents. She is also the editor for her school paper at DuSable Prep, a “limousine liberal” private school that pretends to be “woke” because it makes them look good. Jawad Ali is a 14yo Muslim son of Iraqi immigrants in a Chicago public school. He is also an aspiring inventor who loves to build things. When he wore a “jet pack” he made for a Halloween costume to school, his English teacher called the police. Although he was not arrested, he was treated like a criminal and called “bomb boy,” after the incident. When he disappeared a month later, he continued to get bad press. The book starts when Safiya find’s Jawad’s dead body and pursues her own investigation into his murder. The story is told in alternating chapters from Jawad (as a ghost) and Safiya. There are also news articles and other sources mixed in.
Ahmed's newest novel is a compelling story that reflects the racism, propaganda, and general division between sides in the United States today. The author clearly researched all aspects of the topic and I learned a great deal that I am still processing. This powerful story with its authentic characters and Chicago setting kept me engaged through all 300+ pages as Safiya investigated Jawad’s murder and other racist incidents happening at her school and mosque. It is a murder mystery, an eye-opening social justice exploration, and a heartbreaking, but hopeful story of two teenagers who long to be seen as much more than their race, religion, and skin color. Mature middle schoolers could handle this book, but it would be a great classroom novel at the high school level, if our political climate allows it to be. Most people will be fired-up in a good way after reading this novel.
Reading Teacher, Stacee S.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment