WE'RE IN THIS TOGETHER

The co-organizer of the 2017 Women’s March on Washington shares the story of growing to be unapologetically herself in this young readers’ adaptation of her 2020 memoir.

Sarsour reminisces about growing up Muslim and Palestinian American in the 1980s and ’90s and her journey to becoming a community organizer. She reflects on visiting Palestine as a child, living in an underserved Brooklyn community, and how witnessing parallel injustices in both places sparked an understanding that would influence her future work. The author contrasts her youthful struggles with identity and her longing for recognition (many peers knew nothing about Palestine and questioned why it was not on the classroom map, and she was frequently mistaken for Puerto Rican or Italian) with later deciding to wear the hijab and thus being visibly Muslim in the aftermath of 9/11. She also describes grappling with personal tragedy and organizing social justice movements both locally and nationally. Weighty and challenging matters are addressed in a straightforward way in approachable language that allows young people to understand the triumphs and tribulations of an activist’s life. Much of what Sarsour writes will feel relatable to readers, especially her process of dealing with identity and loss, and she offers space for them to see their own experiences reflected in hers. The moments of accomplishment, struggle, sadness, and perseverance shown here provide a touching, uplifting image of America that is seldom represented.

Equal parts inspiring, emotional, and informative: a necessary read.