Call Me Al
Written by Wali Shah
and Eric Walters
Published by Orca Book Publishers
Ali is an eighth-grade kid with a lot going on.
Between the pressure from his immigrant parents to ace every class, his crush on Melissa, who lives in the rich area of town while he and his family live in a shabby apartment complex, and trying his best to fit in with his friends, he feels like he’s being pulled in too many different directions.
But harder still, Ali is becoming increasingly aware of the racism around him. Comments from his friends about Pakistani food or his skin color are passed off as jokes, but he doesn’t find them funny. And when Ramadan starts, Ali doesn’t tell anyone he’s fasting because it just seems easier. Luckily he finds solace in putting his feelings into words—and poems. But his father is dead set against him using art as a distraction when he’s got schoolwork and a future career as a doctor to focus on.
Ali’s world changes when he, his mom and his little brother are assaulted by some racist teens. Ali must come to terms with his roiling feelings about his place in the world, as a Pakistani immigrant, a Muslim and a teenager with his whole life ahead of him. With help from his grandfather, an inspiring teacher and his friend, Ali leans on his words for strength. And eventually he finds his true voice.
Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: March 2024
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older
Community Represented: Pakistani/Pakistani American
Themes: Arts, Canadian Connection, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Family, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Economic, Discrimination: Immigration Status, Discrimination: Microaggression, Discrimination: Racial, Discrimination: Religious, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Family Relationship: Siblings, Identity: Exploration, Immigrant: Economic, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Muslim, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Physical Assault, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: Canada
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Source: Orca