Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!
Written by Haleh Massey
Illustrated by Ghazal Qadri
Published by Yellow Jacket
Poupeh Babaee is an Iranian girl sent to live with her relatives in the United States. Although Poupeh understands and speaks English, the stress of entering a new school in a foreign land renders her mute, and she is diagnosed with selective mutism. Worse yet, a travel ban–which labels Iran a “dangerous country”–has barred her parents from entering the US!
In order to help her parents immigrate, Poupeh must find a way to speak up for them during an interview with an embassy officer or risk being separated. This powerful, heart-warming graphic novel debut shows the bravery and courage of a young girl who will do anything to reunite her family.
Primary ISBN: 9781499815276
Publication Date: August 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Iranian/Iranian American
Themes: Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Discrimination: Abilities, Discrimination: Cultural, Discrimination: Language Ability, Discrimination: Racial, Discrimination: Religious, Family Separation: Different Immigration Status, Family Separation: Living with Other Family or Friends, Format: Graphic Novel, Identity: Multilingual, Identity: Names & Pronunciations, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Muslim, Trauma & Healing, Welcoming by Individual
Setting: United States
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Immigrant
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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