JASMINE ZUMIDEH NEEDS A WIN

It’s 1979 and Jasmine Zumideh dreams of attending New York University for journalism and writing for rock magazine Creem.

Auntie Minah has come from San Francisco to stay with Jasmine and her younger brother, Ali, in Los Angeles while their dad travels for work. Their mom is at Grandma Jean’s in Kansas, considering divorce. Meanwhile, Jasmine’s school guidance counselor tells her she needs to beef up her record to help her get into a top East Coast college. When stuffy, xenophobic Gerald announces he’s running for senior class president—and, worse, also applying to NYU—Jasmine jumps at the chance to run against him. Beating Gerald should be a cakewalk, but with the NYU early decision deadline only two days away, surely it’s all right to put down that she’s senior class president-elect? Growing up with a Persian Muslim dad and Irish Protestant mom, Jasmine previously hadn’t paid much attention to news from Iran, but since the revolution, she’s worried about her grandmother’s safety. When Americans are taken hostage in Tehran, Gerald villainizes Iran in his campaign; Jasmine describes herself as Persian, hoping he won’t connect the dots, but Ali vocally educates classmates about Iran’s history. Caught between separated parents, figuring out her identity, and maintaining her integrity, Jasmine is a sympathetic character who makes some questionable decisions. Humor offsets the heavier themes. The supporting cast represents the area’s diversity.

A thoughtful coming-of-age story with a relatable protagonist.