Yusuf Azeem has spent all his life in the small town of Frey, Texas—and nearly that long waiting for the chance to participate in the regional robotics competition, which he just knows he can win. Only, this year is going to be more difficult than he thought. Because this year is the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks—an anniversary that has everyone in his family on edge. After reading his uncle’s journal from that time, Yusuf feels like he almost understands what that nationwide fear and anger felt like. But when certain people in town start to say hateful things to Yusuf and his community, he realizes that the anger hasn’t gone away. And soon he will have to find the courage to stand up to the bullies, with understanding, justice, and love.

Lone Star Reading List 2023-24

I’m Your Neighbor Social Action Book Award 2022

Project LIT 2022 selection

Junior Library Guild selection 2021

School Library Journal’s Best Middle Grade Books of 2021

Nerdies award 2021

Reading the West award nominee

Golden Dome Book award nominee

Black-Eyed Susan Book award nominee

Keystone to Reading award nominee

Young Hoosier book award nominee

 

High-res cover Excerpt Educator Guide

 

PRAISE FOR YUSUF AZEEM

“Faruqi finds engaging ways to explore how myriad tragedies of 9/11 have lodged in our memories.” New York Times

“Gripping, well-paced, and poignant, this is an essential purchase for all libraries and a must-read book of our times.” School Library Journal Starred Review

“(A) timely, hopeful middle grade novel.” Publisher’s Weekly

“A timely, emotional story full of hope and love even in the face of discrimination and prejudice.” Kirkus Reviews

“Faruqi’s emotional story will resonate with older readers who lived through the events many years ago, and younger readers will gain insight on the lasting effects that the 9/11 attacks had on Americans and why they are an important part of history.” Booklist

“Faruqi effectively probes complexities of radical activism vs. peaceful accommodation as Muslim response to prejudice, as well as the non-Muslim community’s deep discomfort in stepping beyond a bystander role in defense of their neighbors.” Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

“This emotional read will give readers plenty to think about. A must for all collections.” School Library Journal’s Teen Librarian Toolbox

“Perfect for helping kids make sense of 9/11.” Reading Middle Grade

Publisher: HarperCollins/Quill Tree Books
ISBN: 9780062943255
Publication: 9/7/2021
Cover image: Hazem Asif
Formats: hardcover; audiobook; paperback; e-book