A Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year - Kid's Indie Next List - Featured in Today Show's AAPI Heritage Month list - A Kirkus Children's Best Book of 2021 - A National Council of Teachers of English Notable Verse Novel - Jane Addams 2022 Children's Book Award Finalist - 2021 Nerdy Award Winner - Muslim Bookstagram Award Winner for Best Middle School Book
This powerful, charming immigration story follows a girl who moves from Karachi, Pakistan, to Peachtree City, Georgia, and must find her footing in a new world. Reem Faruqi is the ALA Notable author of award-winning Lailah's Lunchbox.
When her family moves from Pakistan to Peachtree City, all Nurah wants is to blend in, yet she stands out for all the wrong reasons. Nurah's accent, floral-print kurtas, and tea-coloured skin make her feel excluded until she meets Stahr at swimming tryouts.
And in the water Nurah doesn't want to blend in. She wants to win medals like her star athlete brother, Owais--who is going through struggles of his own in the U.S. Yet when sibling rivalry gets in the way, she makes a split-second decision of betrayal that changes their fates.
Ultimately Nurah slowly gains confidence in the form of strong swimming arms and also gains the courage to stand up to bullies, fight for what she believes in, and find her place.
"A lyrical coming of age story exploring family, immigration, and most of all belonging." --Aisha Saeed, New York Times bestselling author of Amal Unbound
"This empowering story will resonate with people who have struggled to both fit in and stay true to themselves." --Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor author of The Night Diary
Recommended Age: 9-15
About the Author
Reem Faruqi based this book on her own experiences as a young Muslim girl immigrating to the United States. She lives in Atlanta, Georgia. Lea Lyon is an award-winning children’s book illustrator, painting teacher, and portrait artist who has made a childhood dream come true.
Format: Hardback
Pages: 368
Publication Date: 2022
ISBN: 9780063044715
Dimensions: 19 x 13 x 2.5 cm