Ali is an eighth-grade kid with a lot going on.
Between the pressure from his immigrant parents to ace every class, his crush on Melissa, who lives in the rich area of town while he and his family live in a shabby apartment complex, and trying his best to fit in with his friends, he feels like heâs being pulled in too many different directions.
But harder still, Ali is becoming increasingly aware of the racism around him. Comments from his friends about Pakistani food or his skin color are passed off as jokes, but he doesnât find them funny. And when Ramadan starts, Ali doesnât tell anyone heâs fasting because it just seems easier. Luckily he finds solace in putting his feelings into wordsâand poems. But his father is dead set against him using art as a distraction when heâs got schoolwork and a future career as a doctor to focus on.
Aliâs world changes when he, his mom and his little brother are assaulted by some racist teens. Ali must come to terms with his roiling feelings about his place in the world, as a Pakistani immigrant, a Muslim and a teenager with his whole life ahead of him. With help from his grandfather, an inspiring teacher and his friend, Ali leans on his words for strength. And eventually he finds his true voice.
The epub edition of this title is fully accessible.
