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This heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh grade Syrian-American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle-school. Seventh grade begins and Kareem’s fall His best friend moved away, he bungled his tryout for the football team, and because of his heritage, he was volun Then like a surprise blitz, Kareem’s mom returns to Syria to bring her aging parents out of a war zone and to the United States. But a new executive order prevents her from coming home. If Kareem could throw a penalty flag on the fouls of his school and home life, it would be for Unnecessary Roughness.; Kareem is stuck between. Between countries. Between friends, between football, between parents--and between right and wrong. It’s up to him to step up, find his confidence, and navigate the beauty and hope found somewhere in the middle.
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A masterfully written, deeply resonant tale. Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
Dynamic and engaging, drawing readers in from page one .a story of identity, growing up, standing up for what s right, and boyhood. School Library Journal (starred review)
A beautiful story of hope, empathy, confidence, and courage Teen Librarian Toolkit
Heartfelt and personal . a tale of true depth. The Horn Book
For fans of Kwame Alexander, Daniel Nayeri, and sports-heavy books with broad appeal. Booklist
Riveting, powerful, and soul-stirring, this is a beautifully written story of triumph amid tragedy. S. K. Ali, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author
An immersive story that captures the nuances of middle school friendships, family challenges, and the difficult realities of being stuck between two different worlds. Maleeha Siddiqui, acclaimed author of Barakah Beats and Any Way You Look
Safadi cleverly weaves together spare verse, creating an emotionally compelling and action-packed story. Reem Faruqi, award-winning author of Unsettled
Kareem s story will pull you in with each emotion-filled play and pass . an important addition to middle grade literature, a new perspective we desperately need to find hope and empathy in our divided world. Aida Salazar, award-Winning author of Ultraviolet
