A middle grade novel in verse about Samira, an eleven-year-old Rohingya refugee living in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, who finds peace and empowerment in a local surf club for girls.
Ages 8-14.
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Samira thinks of her life as before and after: before the burning and violence in her village in Burma, when she and her best friend would play in the fields, and after, when her family was forced to flee. There’s before the uncertain journey to Bangladesh by river, and after, when the river swallowed her nana and nani whole. And now, months after rebuilding a life in Bangladesh with her mama, baba, and brother, there’s before Samira saw the Bengali surfer girls of Cox’s Bazar, and after, when she decides she’ll become one.
“A compelling novel that spotlights the history and contemporary circumstances of the Rohingya while tackling universal themes of friendship, belonging, and identity. Pair with other works about trailblazing young women, such as Julie Abery’s Yusra Swims or a biography of Malala Yousafzai.” School Library Journal - starred review
“This novel is peopled with layered, fully formed characters who experience trauma and triumph in equal measure. Samira’s internal growth and changing relationships are well-plotted, and her narratorial voice is earnest and bold. A compassionate and well-rounded picture of refugee life.” Kirkus Reviews
“[T]his novel shines a light on a subject rarely addressed in middle-grade fiction.” Booklist
A Publisher’s Weekly Best 2021 Novel in Verse. Awarded NCTE 2022 Notable Verse Novel. An ALA RISE: A Feminist Book Project List 2022 selection. A Center for the Study of Multicultural Literature Best Books of 2021 selection. A Society of Illustrators Original Art show 2021 selection.
When Leila looks in the mirror, she doesn’t know if she likes what she sees. But when her grandmother tells her the saffron beads on her scarf suit her, she feels a tiny bit better. So, Leila spends the rest of their family dinner night on the lookout for other parts of her she does like.
Follow Leila’s journey as she uses her senses of sight, smell, taste, touch to seek out the characteristics that make up her unique identity, and finds reasons to feel proud of herself, just as she is. Ages 4-8.
“A glorious book that’s a feast for both eyes and ears, this story set in a multicultural context will ring true for children of all stripes.” Kirkus Reviews
"Leila’s journey is a beautiful one to behold, and children will want to take it with her as they discover the power of love and family traditions." School Library Journal
"A lyrical story about identity, family origins, and self-worth." Publishers Weekly
"This is a warm celebration of extended family and the way that such intergenerational connections can help model futures for youngsters negotiating their own identity." BCCB
Choose to Read Ohio "Floyd's Pick" honor title. Pennsylvania Young Reader's Choice Award Master List. Ohioana Book Award Finalist. Picture This Recommendation List. Choose to Read Ohio Booklist Selection
Mina loves to play soccer all year around. Nothing comes close to it. But when the monsoon arrives, Mina is stuck indoors and she can’t help feeling restless and bored. Her ammi doesn’t understand. The doodhwalla doesn’t understand. So Mina decides to chase away the clouds herself. When she tries, Mina makes an unexpected discovery. Soccer will never be the same!
A picture book about a special bond between mother and daughter on a rainy day. Ages 4-6.
"On close inspection, it is so much more than it seems: a delightful picture book about a girl child discovering a wondrous secret about her mother." Kirkus - starred review
"This charming bilingual book has universal appeal and cultural specificity...a richly colored palette and crisp digital illustrations combine with a story that is refreshingly free of stereotypical tropes, making this a delightful addition to the #OwnVoices offerings for younger readers." Booklist
"Mina is a ray of sunshine in a bright shalwar kameez, anklets tinkling and henna decorating her hands..." Foreword Reviews
“Both words and pictures create context for the book's cultural and geographic setting, while effortlessly incorporating universal themes that speak to children everywhere. A winner for storytime or one-on-one sharing.” School Library Journal - starred review
A Kirkus Best Picture Book of 2018 about kids at work and play