Just a Hat
Written by S. Khubiar
Published by Blackstone Publishing
It’s 1979, and thirteen-year-old Joseph Nissan can’t help but notice that small-town Texas has something in common with Revolution-era Iran: an absence of fellow Jews. And in such a small town it seems obvious that a brown kid like him was bound to make friends with Latinos—which is a plus, since his new buds, the Ybarra twins, have his back. But when the Iran hostage crisis, two neighborhood bullies, and the local reverend’s beautiful daughter put him in all sorts of danger, Joseph must find new ways to cope at home and at school.
As he struggles to trust others and stay true to himself, a fiercely guarded family secret keeps his father at a distance, and even his piano teacher, Miss Eleanor—who is like a grandmother to him—can’t always protect him. But Joseph is not alone, and with a little help from his friends, he finds the courage to confront his fears and discovers he can inspire others to find their courage, too.
Primary ISBN: 9798200864973
Publication Date: July 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 12 or older
Community Represented: Iranian/Iranian American, Mexican/Mexican American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Allyship, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Religious, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Generation: 1st, Genre: Historical, Immigrant: Religious Freedom, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Christian, Religious Background: Jewish, Sports, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: United States (Texas)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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Source: www.skhubiar.com