New Releases by Reem Faruqi

From the award-winning author of Unsettled, Reem Faruqi, comes a stirring coming-of-age story about a Muslim girl who, during the Partition of India, must learn to cope with loss, guilt, and change in order to grow. Perfect for fans of Amil and the After and The Partition Project and inspired by real-life events. "A simultaneously gentle and gripping story led by a strong-willed protagonist eager to advocate for herself in a changing world." — Publishers Weekly (starred review) You can notice differences if you look really close, which lately everyone seems to be doing. Zarina loves her life in Poona, India. She spends her days happily hanging out with her best friends, Geeta and Jahana, and playing with her three brothers. However, Zarina and her family are given unsettling news: Muslims and Hindus are to separate by religion. Hindus are expected to stay in India, while Muslims are expected to move to a new land, Pakistan. Zarina is heartbroken at having to move away from all she knows and loves, and after the frightening journey to Pakistan, she feels unsure that the unfamiliar country will ever feel like home. When an accident happens that leaves Zarina grappling with extreme guilt, she decides it’s best to attend boarding school far away, much to the protest of her mom. Will a fresh start at a new school give Zarina the chance to thrive in Pakistan, or will the divisions within herself and her family continue to widen? From award-winning author Reem Faruqi comes a heartening coming-of-age story, inspired by her grandmother’s life, that reminds us that through overwhelming change can come the most beautiful growth. Praise for Zarina Divided: "This poignant novel in verse follows 11-year-old Zarina before, during, and after India''s partition... An engaging read with realistic characters that brings the time period to life in new ways." — Booklist (starred review) "Written in verse, the poetic form flows smoothly and creates an immersive and emotional journey... to effectively punctuate the formative depth of Zarina’s experience. This moving and ultimately hopeful work is perfect for readers who might be slightly young for Hiranandani’s The Night Diary." —The Bulletin of the Center for Children''s Books "Zarina, an 11-year-old Muslim girl, is forced to move from India to the newly formed country of Pakistan during the Partition of India in 1947... Told in verse, Faruqi’s novel skillfully weaves history with personal narrative, that adds to the growing—and needed—number of stories about this time period." — School Library Journal "Faruqi’s thoughtful use of verse emphasizes the fragmented nature of Zarina’s life…Ultimately, Zarina’s is a story of resilience." — Horn Book Magazine "A heartfelt novel with a wise and enduring message for all time." —Shirin Shamsi, author of Zahra''s Blessing: A Ramadan Story "Another homerun from Reem Faruqi... A great beacon of hope [shines] in this lovely novel in verse." —Meg Eden, award-winning author of Good Different "A poignant, emotional journey inspired by the author’s grandmother’s life that explores displacement, identity, and resilience." —Kiran Razzak Khan, Anokhi Life magazine "In her trademark style, Faruqi has woven yet another poignant story about how hope and beauty can be found even amongst the most difficult circumstances." —Thushanthi Ponweera, award-winning author of I Am Kavi

In this heartwarming holiday picture book, House misses being decorated for the winter holidays . . . but is delighted to be lit up for Eid instead. After seeing all of its neighbors'' twinkling lights for the winter holidays, House hopes to shine too. When Huda and her family move in, House thinks its time to sparkle has finally come. But, Diwali, Hanukkah, and Christmas come and go without a shimmer. Quickly, House learns that every family celebrates joy and togetherness in their own way, no matter the season. And a few months later House will see that this new family has its own holiday to shine for. This book is sure to be a holiday classic, complete with back matter about the holidays mentioned, including the one House lights up for–Eid.

"With colorful, appealing cartoon illustrations and a text that reads aloud well, this touching story encourages kids not only to accept people from different cultures and religions but to stand up for themselves when they''re being bullied." --ALA Booklist (starred review) From award-winning author Reem Faruqi, of Amira''s Picture Day, Lailah''s Lunchbox, Milloo''s Mind, and Unsettled, comes an empowering picture book about a girl who stands up for her Muslim culture and identity and counters bullying with love, peace, and kindness. My name is Salma, which means peace. Islam also means peace. I wish more people knew that. Salma is Muslim, an identity she takes pride in. But not everyone understands Salma''s religion the way she does, including news reporters, and even a boy in her class, who bullies Salma for belonging to the culture and faith she loves. However, when things go too far, Salma says, "Enough is enough!" and finds the courage to defend herself while also spreading a message of peace.

Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in this warm-hearted novel of interconnected stories that celebrates the diversity of South Asian American experiences in a local community center. Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in the fictional town of Maple Grove, New Jersey, where the local kids gather at the community center to discover new crushes, fight against ignorance, and even save a life. Cheer for Chaya as she wins chess tournaments (unlike Andrew, she knows stupid sugary soda won''t make you better at chess), and follow as Jeevan learns how to cook traditional food (it turns out he can cook sabji-- he just can''t eat it). These stories, edited by bestselling and award-winning Pakistani-American author Hena Khan, are filled with humor, warmth, and possibility. They showcase a diverse array of talented authors with heritage from the Indian subcontinent, including beloved favorites and rising stars, who each highlight the beauty and necessity of a community center that everyone calls home.

Growing up in Damascus, the pool was Yusra Mardini’s happy place. She learned to swim before she could walk. And with swimming came a dream—to compete in the Olympic games. But when war came to Syria, Yusra’s home—and her pool—were no longer safe. Yusra and her sister set out on a harrowing journey, crossing the sea in search of safety. In the inspirational tale that follows, Yusra’s courageous spirit shines. Crammed on a too-small refugee boat, disaster strikes when the boat’s motor breaks! Scared but determined, Yusra plunges into the water and starts swimming. Infused with hope, Yusra’s story encourages readers to pursue their own dreams, revealing how she met waves of danger with strength and perseverance. One breath at a time. Readers will dive into this courageous tale of an athlete, refugee, and hero who inspired the world with her resolve to pursue her Olympic dream.

"An emotional tale of a family’s grief and healing, full of courage and hope" —Kirkus Reviews "Faruqi renders this tender story of loss with a deft hand, employing vivid details surrounding Adnan’s Pakistani Muslim identity . . . and nuanced characterizations to present a tear-jerking ode to family." —Publishers Weekly (starred review) "A realistic, moving exploration of family, loss, and healing." —ALA Booklist "Faruqi takes on the difficult subject of family loss with beauty and grace in her gentle lyrical style. She allows Adnan, a young table tennis enthusiast, to go through grief while holding not just sadness but love and joy, in an honest and nuanced story that is ultimately filled with hope." —Veera Hiranandani, Newbery Honor author of The Night Diary For fans of Planet Omar and The Ethan I Was Before, award-winning Pakistani author Reem Faruqi of Unsettled delivers a middle grade novel in verse about table tennis player Adnan, who dreams of the championship and a fun-filled family trip to Florida. But when tragedy strikes, he and his family must cope with a terrible loss and come together as one again. This poignant story about a Muslim family learning to heal is hope-filled and moving. Now in paperback! Adnan Zakir loves table tennis. He''s also colorblind and left-handed and has a fondness for the aviation alphabet. He''s super close with his sister, Aaliyah, who is a great dancer and memorizer of the Quran, and he loves his little toddler brother, Rizwan, who only wants to grow up and play table tennis like his big brother. All Adnan dreams of is making it to the Ultimate Table Tennis Championship in Florida, and if he qualifies for the tournament, he knows he will get to spend the Eid holiday with his cousins. But when the family travels there, unthinkable tragedy strikes, and Adnan swears he''ll never play table tennis ever again. Slowly, he and his family must learn to make peace and move forward, as a family. A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection pick!

Seventh grader Aafiyah Qamar loves playing tennis, reading weird-but-true facts, and hanging out with her best friend, Zaina. However, Aafiyah has a bad habit that troubles her--she''s drawn to pretty things and can''t help but occasionally "borrow" th

From the author of Lailah''s Lunchbox and Unsettled comes a powerful picture book biography about Maryam Faruqi, the founder of the Happy Home Schools, which provided education to thousands of girls across Pakistan at a time when girls weren''t encouraged to go to school. Maryam was a trailblazer for women''s education and the author is her granddaughter, creating a personal, inspiring tale. Perfect for fans of Malala''s Magic Pencil and She Persisted! Milloo lives in a time when school is considered unnecessary for girls. But to Milloo, education is essential. When Milloo reads, her thoughts dance. Milloo courageously dreams of becoming a teacher, but in fifth grade her parents tell her she has had enough school. Milloo is heartbroken but finds a way to achieve her educational goals, graduating high school and college with honors. When she''s married, Milloo''s husband tells her to stay home, but she does not let that stop her. She decides to open a school in her house and later opens more schools around Karachi, Pakistan, fulfilling her dreams.

From the award-winning author of Unsettled, meet Anisa, the adorable Pakistani American heroine of this irresistible younger middle grade novel about a girl who introduces her class to the art of mehndi for International Day. Filled with fun black-and-white interior art, recipes, and activities in the back matter and perfect for fans of Meet Yasmin! Anisa is super-excited about International Day and can’t wait to share her mother’s samosas with her class. But when someone else has the exact same idea, Anisa is crushed. Going to her aunt''s dholki party gives her an idea for the perfect activity instead—mehndi! There’s only one problem: Anisa’s best friend doesn’t seem to like the idea. She doesn’t even seem to like Anisa anymore. Will Anisa ever get to enjoy International Day?

A stirring, hopeful immigration story of Nurah and her family, who move from Karachi, Pakistan, to Peachtree City, Georgia, from Reem Faruqi, ALA Notable author of the award-winning picture book Lailah''s Lunchbox. Powerful and charming, Other Words f

Ramadan has come to an end, and Amira can''t wait to stay home from school to celebrate Eid. There''s just one hiccup: it''s also school picture day. How can Amira be in two places at once? An ALSC Notable Children''s Book Just the thought of Eid makes Amira warm and tingly inside. From wearing new clothes to handing out goody bags at the mosque, Amira can''t wait for the festivities to begin. But when a flier on the fridge catches her eye, Amira''s stomach goes cold. Not only is it Eid, it''s also school picture day. If she''s not in her class picture, how will her classmates remember her? Won''t her teacher wonder where she is? Though the day''s celebrations at the mosque are everything Amira was dreaming of, her absence at picture day weighs on her. A last-minute idea on the car ride home might just provide the solution to everything in this delightful story from acclaimed author Reem Faruqi, illustrated with vibrant color by Fahmida Azim. A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year A CBC/NCSS Notable Social Studies Trade Book A Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of the Year A CSMCL Best Multicultural Children''s Book of the Year

"Zahra loves spending time with Kyle at school, but when her other classmates start teasing her for helping him she starts making choices she regrets"--

*2019 Daybreak Children''s Picture Book Award -- Recognizing Muslim Women''s Contributions to Literature* *Notable Social Studies Trade Book For Young People 2016, a cooperative Project of the National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS) and the Children’s Book Council* *Featured Book of the Month, Anti-Defamation League* *American Library Association Notable Book for Children 2016* *Skipping Stones Honor 2016* *International Literacy Association Choices Reading List* Lailah is in a new school in a new country, thousands of miles from her old home, and missing her old friends. When Ramadan begins, she is excited that she is finally old enough to participate in the fasting but worried that her classmates won’t understand why she doesn’t join them in the lunchroom. Lailah solves her problem with help from the school librarian and her teacher and in doing so learns that she can make new friends who respect her beliefs. This gentle, moving story from first-time author Reem Faruqi comes to life in Lea Lyon’s vibrant illustrations. Lyon uses decorative arabesque borders on intermittent spreads to contrast the ordered patterns of Islamic observances with the unbounded rhythms of American school days. Fountas & Pinnell Level N

Moez and Hala are excited when their parentsagree to get a pet. But they each have differentideas of what the perfect pet should be.