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jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
What a terrific book! This is the second book by Dumas I've read (Funny in Farsi is wonderful and you really need to read it), and I've come to adore her writing. Zomorod is such a compelling protagonist. She's smart, funny, observant, and kind. She's the kind of book character you wish existed in real life so you could be friends with her. Mohsen, her father, had me crying on more than one occasion. I love how much he loves his daughter and how much he believes in her. Dumas has done a beautiful job of creating characters who are interested in each other, show kindness and compassion to each other, and learn from each other.
zaphod46's review
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
3.25
cjf88's review
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
marieintheraw's review
4.0
I really enjoy middle grade historical fiction and this one is no exception. it takes in the more recent past of during the iran crisis which could have been handled badly. i was really pleased with this
bickie's review
4.0
Set in late 1970s Southern California when the Khomieni ousts the Shah as leader of Iran. Follows Zomorod and her parents who have lived in California a couple of times on business assignment for her father, an engineer with a petroleum company. When the political situation in Iran changes, they are horrified and scared. Zomorod (who goes by "Cindy" as in the Brady Bunch at school and with her friends) experiences many challenges to living in the US and, as a typical middle schooler, really wants to fit in. She makes some great friends who all read as white. She is a non-observant Muslim, friend Howie is Christian, friend Rachel is Jewish (and discusses how Iran has a large Jewish population).
Follows Zomorod from the beginning of 6th grade at a new school in a new community (Newport Beach; used to live in Compton when not in Iran) through near the end of 8th grade.
CW: mother appears to have depression, the family experiences harassment both personal and general (bumper stickers saying "Iranians go home" and people wearing T-shirts saying "Iranians wanted for target practice," etc.)
Follows Zomorod from the beginning of 6th grade at a new school in a new community (Newport Beach; used to live in Compton when not in Iran) through near the end of 8th grade.
CW: mother appears to have depression, the family experiences harassment both personal
Spoiler
dead hamster with note saying they should go back to Iran on doorstep, overflowing trashcans filled by others, tomatoes thrown by a classmate at Zomorod in the lunch roomaurelyarose's review
Haven't been able to think of much to say about this one. I mean I really enjoyed it. It's right there in the description "poignant yet lighthearted" MG novel.
Though, having read Persepolis made this a richer read for me. It was interesting hearing about how the Iranian Revolution affected people in America after reading (lol years ago) how it affected people in Iran. It really brought it home for me that this had been a part of the lives of some people I went to school with. Their parents and grandparents had fled from Iran during that time...
Though, having read Persepolis made this a richer read for me. It was interesting hearing about how the Iranian Revolution affected people in America after reading (lol years ago) how it affected people in Iran. It really brought it home for me that this had been a part of the lives of some people I went to school with. Their parents and grandparents had fled from Iran during that time...
shirleytupperfreeman's review
I really enjoyed this funny, and educational, middle reader. Eleven year old Zomorod Yousefzadeh has moved between Iran and the United States several times in her short life. As the family lands in a condo in Newport Beach, CA, Zomorod is determined to fit in to her new life. Even though she is still a loving and dutiful daughter (and translator) for her parents, she changes her name to Cindy and embraces new experiences and ideas. But the year is 1979 and as Khomeini comes to power and US hostages are taken, Zomorod and her family become the target of racism. A dead hamster is left on their doorstep, their garbage is vandalized etc. Fortunately, 'Cindy' has made some good friends and the community rises to the occasion. I read the ARC for this book to be published in May.
alittleoverdue's review
5.0
After her family makes their latest move to Newport Beach, eleven year-old, Zomorod grapples with growing up as the new Iranian family in town in the 1970s. Awarded the California Library Association’s John and Patricia Beatty Award in 2017, this semi-autobiographical novel provides a funny, yet touching portrayal of an Iranian girl facing cultural misunderstandings, financial worries, and rising fear and racism as the Iranian Revolution escalates.
Dumas is the author of bestselling adult memoir, Funny in Farsi (2004), and her first foray into middle grade fiction is an insightful and poignant story touching on themes of family, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. An important read and valuable addition to a middle grade library collection.
Dumas is the author of bestselling adult memoir, Funny in Farsi (2004), and her first foray into middle grade fiction is an insightful and poignant story touching on themes of family, friendship, and finding one’s place in the world. An important read and valuable addition to a middle grade library collection.
madcat29's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0