SAMIRA'S WORST BEST SUMMER

When a seventh grader’s favorite tree gets toilet-papered, it’s the catalyst for either her worst or best summer ever.

Sammy’s school year was terrible. Not only did her former best friend, Kiera, dump her, but she even became Sammy’s bully. But the last day of school seems to set the tone for a summer that Sammy dreads. The beautiful maple in front of her house that she loves to sit in and read is T.P.’d, upsetting the whole family, especially Imran, her autistic 7-year-old brother. After Sammy mentions prejudice as a possible motive, Imran becomes fixated on the idea that they’ve been targeted because they’re Indian American and Muslim. Making things worse, Sammy’s parents and older sister, Zaara, will be visiting India, while Sammy will stay behind with Imran and Umma, their grandmother. But things start looking up when a new girl moves in nearby. Alice and Sammy become fast friends until Kiera tries to split them apart. What Sammy doesn’t anticipate is how the power of Umma’s quiet strength and compassion will transform not only Sammy herself, but the whole community. Hamza takes readers on a roller coaster of emotions in this authentically written story that addresses important topics, such as bullying, finding a sense of belonging, learning how to self-advocate, building community, and staying true to one’s identity. The characterization is robust: Against the backdrop of her rich cultural heritage, Sammy’s middle school struggles are hugely relatable, and Imran is sensitive, insightful, and funny.

Simply charming.