Kareem Between

Gr 5 Up–Stuck between his Syrian heritage and his American citizenship, a boy looks for meaning in this powerful novel in verse. It’s the end of 2016’s summer, and huge Chicago Bears fan Kareem has lost the chance to play quarterback for the school team. When the coach’s son and reigning bully strikes a sketchy deal with him, Kareem is stuck lying and cheating in hopes of securing a spot during spring training. His parents welcome a new Syrian family into their community and start pushing for a friendship between their son and Kareem, and it becomes apparent how reluctant he is to embrace where he comes from. His mom travels to Syria to aid her ailing parents but is prevented from returning by the executive order known as the “Muslim Ban,” upending their household and leaving Kareem feeling even more lost. Kareem finds meaning in fighting against prejudice and ignorance; however, he’ll have to look inward to straighten his own moral compass. This novel seamlessly merges all-American football and NFL terms with Arabic language and Syrian culture. The nonlinear text makes the story dynamic and engaging, drawing readers in from page one. Safadi weaves a story of identity, growing up, standing up for what’s right, and boyhood.