Safadi, Shifa Saltagi. Kareem Between. Penguin Random House/G. P. Putnam’s Sons, 09/2024. 324pp. Fiction. Trade $18.99. 978-0-5936-9926-3. GRADES 3–7. OUTSTANDING.
Kareem is a Syrian American seventh grader who loves American football more than anything, but his year so far feels like a total blitz. His best friend moved away, he hasn’t made the school football team, and when things couldn’t get worse, the 47th President of the United States signed Executive Order 13769 (aka the ”Muslim Ban”) immediately impacting Kareem’s family and community. Torn between wanting to belong and feelings of alienation, Kareem’s story seamlessly ties in references to favorite books that help him make sense of his world, while also sharing important aspects of his life as an Arab American Muslim boy. Told from Kareem’s perspective and written from the author’s own experiences, the novel’s dynamic, heartfelt verse comes alive on the page. Some football terms may be unfamiliar, but they add depth to Kareem’s journey and make sense within the story’s context. Consider recommending this powerful story to middle grade students who enjoy realistic fiction and sports fiction, fans of works by Jasmine Warga, and teachers looking for book club titles to spur group discussion.
Brianna Arellano-Meli—Oakland Public Library