This middle grade book tells the story of Yasmeen, a 13-year-old Arab-American girl who moves from her mostly Arab neighborhood in Detroit to San Antonio, Texas. She and her family face racism on their drive to their new home and Yasmeen continues to face it as she navigates 7th grade battles and friendships in a new school.

It is so wonderful to read about cultures that I am not very familiar with because I always learn something new. In this book I began to understand some of the nuances of the Israel/Palestine conflict and the struggles of the people on both sides. It also delves into the complicated history of the Alamo and how the teaching and telling of it affects Mexican-Americans today and the racism that they continue to face.

This is just such a great story about finding common ground, middle school friendships, standing up to bullies, and a true sense of community. Most of all, it’s a story about how a young girl finds herself and a place to belong.