The Friendship Blanket, written by Leonarda Carranza and illustrated by Erika Rodriguez Medina. North Winds Press, Scholastic. 2025. $19.99 ages 4 and up

 

"At recess the boy and his friend walk up to 
me. I hold my breath. He comes close to me 
and points at my braids. 

"I told you she's weird," he says to his friend. 
They laugh and whisper and laugh." 

It's very hard for Aurelia to leave her Abuelita behind as she and her mami prepare for their move to Canada. Her grandmother gifts her a colorful blanket to take with her to remind her of her old home. Aurelia is happy with her new room, and her mom's agreement to paint the walls like a sunset. Sleep does not come easily as the young girl has her mind on the next day, and her new school. What will it be like to have so many new friends? 

Her first impression of the school is a good one. It's bigger, and her teacher offers a desk beside a boy Aurelia hopes will be a friend. Unfortunately, that is not to be. He makes fun of her braids at recess, leaving Aurelia sad and anxious for recess to be over. After school, her mami promises a surprise. Home they race to paint her bedroom walls with all the colors of the 'sunsets back home'. If only Abuelita could see it, too. 

That night, Aurelia shares her worries as her mother soothes her to sleep. Recess the following day is another endless time of being alone. That night, while wrapped in her blanket, she dreams of her grandmother's love. With a yearning for friendship, Aurelia takes the feeling left from her dream to school. Once again, no one plays with her. At home, her mother offers comfort, and the simple truth that making friends is not always easy. Poor Aurelia! 

After another dream that offers family support to keep trying, Aurelia begins to notice that others are also lonely, as she is. When she notices another child alone at recess, Aurelia offers to share her blanket. It's the perfect way to begin a new friendship, one that helps make Aurelia feel more comfortable in her new home. 
                                                                                 

Don;'t Cause Trouble, written and illustrated by Arree Chung.Henry Holt and Company, Macmillan. Raincoast. 2025. $19.99 ages9 and up

 

"I'm tired of shopping at the thrift store.
I'm tired of not fitting in. And we don't 
have enough money. 

Never steal. You ask Ma-ma, Ba-ba for 
money.

But, Mom. We can't afford it! You and
Dad don't even have enough to send to 
Uncle ... or to give to the church. 

Plus, I'm making my own money."

Ming is looking for a fresh start in middle school. That is until his mother gives him the usual 'bowl' haircut that he hates. The clothes he wears come from a thrift shop (preferably 50% off). His immigrant parents are Chinese-speaking, and have great difficulty understanding why their son wants to be like all the other kids. His dad expects Ming to get grades that will assure his attendance at Stanford; both parents want him not to cause any trouble. 

Their dreams for their son are far different from what Ming wants for himself. When he is placed in an ESL class, while speaking perfect English, he is thankful that it should get him a great grade. Ming loves to draw more than anything else, and he is anxious to play basketball wearing brand new Air Elevates. Those shoes he will have to earn on his own. 

The realization that Ming should not be in ESL leads to his transfer to Honors English and new friends, Vikrum and Marcus. Finally, he has someone to be with him in times that don't necessarily meet his parents' expectations for staying out of trouble. Through basketball problems, Halloween hijinks, and a crush, the three are there for each other. A real test of their friendship comes when someone steals Ming's shoe money. Ming convinces his friends to support in a crazy shoplifting scheme. Might it be the end of their friendship? There is a lot for Ming to learn about his family and friends, and about being himself.   

Arree Chung writes about his own life in a graphic novel that touches on many issues familiar to middles schoolers. The artwork adds depth and emotion to every part of his life, showing those moments and characters that are sure to engage readers and perhaps provide a mirror to their own lives. 

An added bonus for those readers wanting to draw their own stories, Mr. Chung includes endnotes about writing and making the art for a graphic novel.

The Interpreter, written by Olivia Abtahi and illustrated by Monica Arnaldo. Koklia, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 6 and up

"Cecilia had been working overtime. 

She was so tired. 

Her friends wanted her to play outside
with them, but there was so much

left to do."

It's been ten days since we met Laila and learned her story of helping her Chinese parents navigate life in a new country. Today, I want you to meet Cecilia. She is center of attention on the title page, sitting at a desk while pouring coffee, chewing on toast, and having a serious look at a piece of paper in her other hand. A family photo holds pride of place on her desk. 

Readers quickly learn that Cecilia has two jobs that keep her busy at every turn ... she is the interpreter for her Spanish-speaking family with the doctor about their sick baby, at the DMV, at the bank and when the car needs an oil change. Her older brother helped at one time, but he is away at college and is no longer always available. 

Her other job is being a soccer-playing elementary school student. Too often, one job is confused with the other. There is even a Persian connection between child interpreters for their respective parents. It all feels like too much, and Cecilia is having difficulty coping. When a teacher asks how she is doing at parent-teacher conferences, Cecilia lets it all out. Showing her parents just how hard she has been working results in needed change. Getting some help from her aunt and her brother makes all the difference, allowing Cecilia to do both jobs.

Cecilia's story encourages readers to look with empathy at how helping immigrant parents can often be overwhelming for their children. She loves that she can help, but also wants to be a kid. Kids who are navigating similar circumstances will appreciate seeing themselves in the pages of this book. In watercolor and pencil-crayon artwork, Ms. Arnaldo invites readers to have a clear and lightly humorous look at Cecilia's days. Using orange word bubbles for Spanish, blue for English, and pink for Farsi in one encounter with another immigrant family is helpful for full understanding. The tense double-page outburst clears the air, and leads to the changes needed. Cecilia's double life is cleverly shown in the attire worn as she navigates her roles, and the resulting confusion at times. Front and back endpapers are wonderful, as is the book's cover beneath the dust jacket. 

Little Bird Laila, written by Kelly Yang and illustrated by Xindi Yan.Dial Books for Young Readers, Penguin Random House. 2025. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Mama and Baba want to take English classes, 
but they cost too much money. 

(People say America is free, but it's actually 
really expensive.)

I wish there was a way. One night, as I'm 
watching my neighbor's TV, an idea comes 
to me. 

Maybe I can be their teacher."

Laila is the daughter of Chinese immigrants who don't speak or read English. Laila is with them whenever they face new and often challenging situations. Opening a bank account, filling in forms (which are not always done perfectly), and protecting them from the taunts of neighbors. It isn't fun to have others make fun of them. 

Laila knows how clever and capable her parents are, how kind their actions are at every turn, and how funny they really are. They can't afford to take lessons in English. Laila makes it her work to teach them. It is not easy for Laila as she is learning very difficult language lessons herself. 

"C'mon, out with it! 
Don't beat around the bush!

This is getting out of hand! 

You really missed the boat on that one!"

It's a lot to understand and share with her parents. There are many obstacles. Laila is persistent even though it is tough going. They share jokes in both languages and improve day by day. Mama and Baba make their daughter proud. At the first parent-teacher conference, they are able to communicate and explain that it is due to Laila's teaching. 

Warm art, created digitally, shares the emotional journey when learning a new language Expressions are clear as the three show persistence and patience navigating their new reality. Young readers will be interested to see the speech bubbles that show both Chinese and English words. This is Kelly Yang's debut picture book, and shows promise for what comes next. 

The Eidi Bag, written by Shazia Afzal and illustrated by Shiva Delsooz. Owlkids, 2025. $22.95 ages 4 and up

 

"Today is a big day. It's Sarah's first Eid in her 
new country. She plans to spend the day with 
family and friends - and collect LOTS of Eidi 
money! Then she'll buy candy to share with 
her best friend, Jessica, something nice for 
Dada ji, flowers for Mama, and a set of 
markers so she can draw with her baba." 

Ramadan began on Friday, February 28 this year and will encompass a full month of fasting for Muslims around the world. That fasting lasts each day from dawn until sunset; during Ramadan, Muslims do not eat or drink anything during daylight hours. 

Sarah is celebrating Eid in a new country, after the family's move from Pakistan. She and her Mama wish each other Eid Mubarak early in the morning. Sarah extends her Eidi bag toward her mother, who hands her coins. Mama reminds Sarah that asking for Eidi is impolite; she must wait for others to offer it to the young girl. Baba is asked, as is Dada ji, as they enter the kitchen. Both offer money for her small bag. 

To say Sarah is excited is an understatement. She is keen to collect her Eidi money and then use it for giving to others. At the celebration, Sarah shares the many wonderful traditions of her family and friends. Showing her Eidi bag to her aunt results in a compliment, but no coins. The same happens with her uncle who is busy saying hello to their guests. Her neighbor Salma reacts in the same way. 

It is humbling and sad to learn that traditions in her new home are not the same as they were in Pakistan. As the day passes, Sarah learns that guests will be arriving later than they usually do. It is not an open house all day long. As the guests arrive, they bring food, candies, a plant, flowers, and a gift of markers from Sana Khala. Though her Eidi money bag is not full, Sarah has much more than she ever expected ... including a new use for her bag. 

An author's note explains for readers Eid ul-Fitr and the customs that take place during that time. She also includes a welcome glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar to readers. Ms. Delsooz fills the book's spreads with bright colors and interesting details to help young readers understand the celebration. 

Home in a Lunchbox, written and illustrated by Cherry Mo. Penguin Workshop, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

 

"Hello! 

Hel ... lo!

What's your name? 

Th ... ank
you ..." 

This heartfelt immigration story begins and ends with telling endpapers. At the front, readers see the energy and bustle that is Hong Kong on the verso. Crossing the gutter brings attention to a street in the suburbs, where an international moving van is making its way along that street. The title page shows a loving mother kissing her smiling child goodbye as she heads off to school. 

It's Monday at the bus stop. The girl is waiting when another girl walks up. They say hello and she is asked her name. Jun, who does not speak English, checks her palm where three phrases are written in Chinese script with an English translation beside each. To the girl's question, she replies 'Th ... ank you ...' It is a mystifying response. 

Problems with communication and understanding endure, leaving Jun unhappy and unsettled. The only thing that brings peace during the school day happens when she opens her lunch box, which is filled with her favorite foods. After the first few difficult days, the girl from the bus stop shows interest in her lunch. This leads to some sharing with the kids around her. It is a new beginning for Jun and her classmates. A final spread shows her arrival home, with friends in tow. What a difference comes with kindness. 

This warm tale is told primarily in sensitive artwork that is varied in perspective. Changes in color reflect how Jun is feeling as she deals with the anxiety of being the new kid, and the family memories her lunches inspire. A glossary of Cantonese words is much appreciated, as is a captioned look at and description of what is in Jun's lunchbox. 

The final endpapers allow a look at Jun's framed artwork that shows her memories from before the move and, on the recto, the happiness found in her new life. 
                                                                          

Memory Garden, written by Zohreh Ghahremani and illustrated by Susie Ghahremani. Godwin Books, Henry Holt and Company. Raincoast. 2024. $24.99 ages 4 and up

"We take everything to the waste bins. 
Close by, the bird feeders on Nana's 
apple tree are empty. I look for our 
regular hummingbird, but it isn't 
there today." 

How lovely to read stories of immigrant families that connect their life today to the life they lived before moving. The little girl who shares her story here is happy to be working in the garden with her Nana. As they work, her Nana shares the names of the flowers they are planting and stories from her homeland. Her granddaughter loves that best. 

Today they are planting geraniums, only a few compared to what they planted in the gardens they created for playing when she was a child. There were no parks or playgrounds where she lived. As a young girl, Nana planted flowers of every color - and trees, too. As they work together, the young girl allows herself to imagine how that garden might have looked. There were pots filled with flowers, a fish pond, and beautiful fragrances emanating from every corner. 

While they are watering, they talk about all the fruit trees they grew ... apricots, cherries, persimmons and even a pomegranate tree! Nana says her favorite was the mulberry which her granddaughter has never seen. The two continue talking and sharing stories as they spend extra time in Nana's garden. 

As they carry what is waste to the bins, they talk about the birds that visit and look for food in their feeders. They will fill them when they have taken time for an apple snack and a rest. As they rest, Nana shares that she cannot return to her old garden. They have made the choice to plant a new one where they are now. 

Notes from both author and illustrator (mother and daughter) speak to their heritage and culture, and the memories shared by family who have moved to a new and welcome place. 

A Garden Called Home, written by Jessica J. Lee and illustrated by Elaine Chen. tundra, Penguin Random House. 2024. $24.99 ages 5 and up

"Mama doesn't like winter. She spends the whole 
season wrapped up in big quilted jackets, making 
steaming pots of congee and taking care of her 
houseplants. She never wants to go outside."

A mother and her young daughter cannot seem to agree about the weather. With winter's approach, Mama stops smiling and starts bundling up to keep her warm through the colder weather. Her daughter loves catching snowflakes and seeing the beauty in the outside world. 

Mama was born 'where summers there are hot and humid, and the winters are filled with warm rain'. 
Quite the contrast, indeed. The child has never seen her mother's homeland; this winter will change that. The two are going to make a trip to visit Mama's sister. No winter coat will be needed. A long flight later, the two deplane into air that causes hair to frizz and t-shirts to stick. 

As they make the trip to her auntie's house, the child gets a chance to take in the scenery and notice the lack of snow despite the season. There is so much to see as they spend time with family visiting all the happy places that were once Mama's home. At Uncle's farm, the two take note of the many vegetables that Mama ate as a child. Too soon, it is time to return to their home. The families share sad goodbyes. 

"Back home, Mama waters her houseplants. She wears 
big quilted jackets but never goes outside." 

Her daughter spends her days learning about plants, and keeping track of the trees, pine cones, birds and everything else she can see in her visits to the forest. Her excitement is apparent when she invites her mother to join her on a winter walk; she will be happy to teach her all she has been learning. She wants her to know there is beauty in her new home, too. 

In the spring, the two plant a garden that includes some of the things her mama has always loved to eat; there are also local flowers to grow and name. 

"Together, we are growing a 
garden that feels like home."

Such joy to be found in both places! A glossary helps with unfamiliar words, and is accompanied by a glimpse of their garden as it grows.                                                                                     

I'm Gonna Paint: Ralph Fasanella, Artist of the People, written by Anne Broyles and illustrated by Victoria Tentler-Krylov. Holiday House, Penguin Random House. 2023. $24.99 ages 9 and up

"But in the 1940s, Ralph's fingers twitched
and tingled, possibly from arthritis. To help 
with the pain, a friend handed him a pencil 
and paper. "Draw something." Ralph drew
for the first time when he was thirty-one 
years old. 

Then he couldn't stop drawing."

Young readers will very much enjoy this upbeat look at Ralph Fasanella's life from his early days as a kid growing up in the 1920s in New York. He was a brave and daring child, wandering the streets of the big city all day long. He had no need for school. He taught himself to read by perusing any newspaper he could find. 

Ralph's family was large; their apartment was small. Dinnertime conversations were lively, often led by his mother who shared big ideas like the benefit of unions. He attended union meetings and her workplace with her. Ralph paid careful attention to what was happening there. He also followed his father as he delivered ice to his many customers. 

Ralph found himself in trouble, after being caught selling stolen goods. He was sent to reform school for his misdeeds. He longed for the dinnertime conversations at the family table. Following his four years there, he worked running errands, and taking whatever work he could get. He joined a union, finally becoming an organizer. 

Drawing became a passion when a friend suggested he try it. As he had learned to read on his own, now he learned everything he could about art and artists. His own paintings were filled with memories of his life, and the events that were happening around him. 

"He painted ordinary people, city streets, everyday working life." 

Though he wasn't making a living being an artist, he continued painting until a folk-art dealer decided to show his work. Ralph then took time to do valuable research, and ultimately create eighteen paintings reflective of workers fighting for their rights. Fame led to his art being shown in museums around the world, and in places where people could see themselves in his paintings and be proud of the work they did.

Back matter is extensive; it includes further information about Ralph, archival photographs, reproductions of two of his paintings, a time line of his life, a list of his paintings that capture historical events, and a list of other artists whose work was focused on ordinary people (social realism), with the title of a picture book biography written about each one,  Finally, it includes a bibliography of books, print articles, video, web articles and exhibition catalogs to provide what is needed should a reader want to know more. 

The endpapers are stunning. 
                                                                               

Molly Misses Nainai, written by Emma Chen and illustrated by Sean Huang. Red Deer Press, 2023. $23.95 ages 5 and up

 

"She was here
when Molly took 
the plane with 
Mama and Baba 
to their new home 
in Canada. 

She was here
when Molly picked 
her new room in 
the new house."

Nainai has always been a part of Molly's short life. She was with her when they lived in China, and she came with them when they moved to Canada. The two did everything together: playing at the park, making and eating Molly's favorite foods, reading books and singing lullabies. 

Now, Nainai is not beside Molly anymore. Her visa allowed her to stay for six months. That time is up. Yesterday, Nainai returned to her home in China. Molly is filled with sadness. She fills her lonely time with writing a letter to her beloved grandmother. The pages are filled with hearts, the only thing Molly knows how to draw. The hearts are colorful and filled with all the love the little girl feels. The letter is mailed. 

Luckily, Molly lives at a time when she can video chat with her grandma. Though she seems too far away, the two can share memories of their time together, an experience that soothes their souls and brings the warmth of all those times together to mind.  

Last Flight, written by Kristen Mai Giang and illustrations by Dow Phumiruk. Levine Querido, Raincoast. 2023. $25.99 ages 5 and up

 

"Ba worked for an American airline
called Pan Am. "When it's time, we will 
go to America," Ba said. 

Pan Am promised to fly us out, but not 
yet. Every day, the booms grew louder. 

Some days, tear gas stung our eyes like 
chili peppers." 

The year is 1975. The place is Saigon, Vietnam. There is action everywhere. A mother and her two children are making their way across a busy street, carefully and with determination. The war has brought changes to their beautiful home. Loud boots, shrill whistles, and booms that grow nearermake life harder. Life goes on, and now the family has six children with no time to worry until they hear that Saigon is in trouble. 

Every day brings new concerns. The children imagine flying away from it all.  Ba's company promised to fly them out when the time was right. The war came nearer, untiil only one more plane could leave. People needed paperwork to assure their freedom. Help was needed. Her father's boss, an American, came up with the idea of adopting as many Vietnamese citizens as could fill a plane. Where would they get a plane, a pilot and crew? 

The family packs in preparation. Would an airplane arrive in time to help them leave? Yes! 

"We poured into 
the plane. 
I held my sister's 
hand tight. 
Ma held the
baby. 
Ba helped
my brothers. 

All was clamor
and crush and 
push push push."

This story of escape just prior to the surrender of Saigon is palpable in its urgency. It is a family story, assembled from family memories of being on the last commercial flight to leave. It is an imagined story, though based on clear memories from life in Vietnam and the fact that Mr. Allan Topping made it possible. It is a story told from a grateful heart. 

 Clear, and compassionate images speak to the many emotions felt as the family must consider leaving their homeland for safety and a new life. Flight facts and a Bibliography are appended. 

My Strange Shrinking Parents, written and illustrated by Zeno Sworder. Thames and Hudson, Penguin Random House, 2023. $23.99 ages 9 and up

 

"Every morning, my parents would go 
to work in the city. 
They struggled to get by. 

Still, they tried to give me the 
same as the other children." 

In this heartbreaking (and heartwarming) story of love, sacrifice and selflessness, Zeno Sworder describes what  parents give up to ensure a better life for their child.  

In respect of that, he dedicates his book: 

"To my immigrant parents. And to all parents who burden and narrow their own lives in the hope that their children will be free to go further." 

The following pages celebrate and honor the steadfast love parents show to make sure their children are safe from the daily trials and tribulations they face as they make a new life in new and unfamiliar circumstances. Using a first-person voice gives the story a sense of immediacy, and the stunning artwork takes readers from the child's birth through to adulthood. All the while, both text and illustrations focus on parents whose lives shrink back in order to allow their child to move forward. 

Zeno Sworder, in an author's note that follows the story's end, tells those who read it that the events are loosely based on his memories of growing up with parents who knew their life would be hard. But it was worth it for the benefit of their children. 

He describes the payment extracted for wanting their son to have what others have came from their own bodies, and the height they lost as they provided a birthday cake (two inches) or the cost of school (three inches each year). While he grows taller, his parents shrink in size.

"We all comfortably 

fit in our small bed ... 
and could share the 
same clothes. 

More importantly, there was more room 
for dancing in the kitchen." 

Life for the boy is not always easy. He is teased about his parents' size and blames them for the shrinking. Growing into adulthood and having a family of his own, he realizes that his courage is a direct result of what he learned from his parents at every turn. Despite their size, their love for each other is eternal and unconditional. 

 "Our hearts are just as big."

"Our love is just as good."                                                                                    

                                                                                                 

Luli and the Language of Tea, written by Andrea Wang and illustrated by Hyewon Yum. Neal Porter Books, Holiday House. Penguin Random House, 2022. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 

"Luli poured the first cup and gave it to 
Maxim, who gave it to Anaya, who gave 
it to Kerem, who gave it to Nikou, who 
gave it to Hakim, who gave it to Valentina,
who gave it to Matthias, who gave it to 
Tishala, who gave it to Pedro."

Here I sit at the computer having my first cup of tea for the day. One early memory of making tea concerns my dad's sister, my Aunt Anne. She loved tea, and made it the 'right way', she told me. You didn't just dip a tea bag into hot water. You did it the British way. The Brits knew about tea, she said. Today, I often drop a tea bag into my mug, pour hot water over it and drink. She would not be impressed. 

In Andrea Wang's book about the children who spend their time in day care while their parents take an English as a Second Language class, we meet Luli first. Her first entrance into the day care classroom is a touch surprising. There is no noise. Luli can't speak English, nor can any of the other children. Each one plays alone. The last time she attended, it was the same. This time, Luli has an idea she shares in a drawing for her teacher. Her teacher approves. 

At home, she makes necessary preparations for putting her plan into action. At school, she brings out all of the items needed ... 'a thermos, a canister, a stack of cups, and a fat-bellied teapot'. Luli prepares the tea, and after a deep breath announces Cha! in Chinese. Her announcement gets the attention of all of the children in the room. Each child responds with their own pronunciation of tea, which are all quite similar. The languages are Russian, Hindi, Turkish, Persian, Arabic, Spanish, German, Swahili, and Portuguese. 

The joy of sharing the tea with the others creates a small problem for Luli. A solution is quickly determined by the children and all is well. Luli has one final surprise ... a word she knows in English. What a remarkable difference can be made with warm and thoughtful actions. Well done, Luli! 

Colored pencil illustrations create a warm community of children from around the world. Changes in perspective allow readers a close look at the ceremony and the growing comfort as children realize they have much in common. Back matter includes an author’s note and details about the children, their languages and their own personal history with tea drinking.                                                                                   

The Good Fight, written by Ted Staunton and illustrated by Josh Rosen. Scholastic, 2021. $16.99 ages 9 and up

 

"SIDNEY!
What's with the sour puss?
C'MERE, you look like you 
need to HIT something. 

I hear there was some doings 
on the BOARDWALK last 
night. You weren't THERE
were you?"

August 1933 in Toronto is wrought with many difficulties for its residents. The Depression has led to long breadlines for people needing food to survive, and unable to afford it. Racial tensions are out of control as those who agree with the Nazi regime concerning Jewish people are brazenly sharing their views. In the midst of the chaos, two best friends, Sid Klein and Plug Venditelli, are doing their best to earn enough money to exist and to help their families do the same. Their methods are many; running errands, selling newspapers, picking pockets, busking, even catching cockroaches for money. 

Baseball games are perfect for picking pockets. Their gang, poor and desperate Jewish and Italian immigrants, is known to police. When they are caught, the police offer a way out. They need the boys to steal a paper from a man they believe to have communist tendencies. The boys agree, putting their plan in action at the next baseball game. A riot caused by Nazi supporters creates havoc. In the midst of it all, Sid sees what they have stolen. It is a list of people who are doing their best to organize unions meant to improve working conditions. Sid sees his father's name there, as is Plug's mother's. Sid does what he thinks is right. 

I knew nothing about the Christie Pits Riot in Toronto, despite being very interested in Canadian history in high school and at university. This is a story needing telling - this graphic novel gives readers a picture of a dark time in our history. It is a very compelling and appropriate read for middle grade students. The illustrations stand out in presenting the fears of the time and the sense of foreboding that permeates. They absolutely place readers in the middle of the action - both time and place.  

Home Is Not a Country, written by Safia Elhillo. Make Me a World, Penguin Random House. 2021. 23.99 ages 12 and up

 

"I know something happened on the news again
because my mother has stopped wearing her scarf
to work    & instead tucks each strand of her hair
into a knit hat   the nape of her neck new
& tender in the light   she who once said 
I will never be ashamed of where I come from 
I will never let you be ashamed of who we are
seems to have changed her mind    & I wonder
if this means I should feel ashamed too "

Nima has never felt comfortable being who she is. Her father died before her birth. Her mother chose to leave family and friends for a new life. Nima doesn't feel at home in this new life in America., and doesn't feel any real connection to her culture. She has one friend ... Haitham. Following his hate-crime beating and while he is recuperating, she has no one. Her days are spent with no social contact and little communication with her mother. The reality of this life where she is bullied for not speaking English without an accent, the poverty that is the life of a single mother raising a child alone, the hate for Muslims at the time, and her inability to speak with Haitham while he is in a coma lead her to a belief about what life could be, if only she knew about her home country and heritage. 

Her dreams offer a different way of life; the kind of life she has never known. In that other reality, her father is still alive, her extended family is large and welcoming, and her mother has time away from work to spend with her. Her dream world, and Yasmeen, lead her to take risks she might never take in the real world. Yameen could be her other self, the one who knows what her life might have been. 

The narrative voice in this novel in verse is authentic, and often heartbreaking. The fantasy that allows a life of belonging and love in the land of her birth soon collapses, and points Nima toward a new appreciation for what she does have and who she is. Gaining that perspective makes for a hopeful conclusion to her story.