House of Yesterday

Gr 9 Up–Fifteen-year-old American-born Sara Rahmat lives on Long Island, where her Afghan-Uzbek family has lived since fleeing Afghanistan. However, the summer before her sophomore year is different as Bibi jan, her maternal grandmother, was diagnosed with dementia; Madar and Padar, her mother and father, are separated; and she is on the outs with her best friend and neighbor, Sam. When Madar ropes Sara into taking photos for the family house-flipping business, the Sumner house is not what she expected. Instead of creating a much-needed distraction, it brings a family mystery to light. In the house, Sara sees what appears to be a younger version of beloved Bibi and a mysterious little girl. As Sara tries to figure out what secrets the Sumner house holds, she starts to unravel, causing her family great worry. Inspired by her own Afghan-Uzbek heritage, Zargarpur has beautifully written a mysterious and haunting story about family. Sara’s ability to see ghosts and some of the events that take place provide a bit of magical realism to the story. However, those who don’t enjoy fantasy won’t be turned off by this book. Aspects of Afghan-Uzbek culture are wonderfully presented throughout the book, and the message of family is marvelously delivered. This well-written story will have readers turning the page to uncover the secrets of the Sumner house along with Sara.