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“This novel is especially poignant as our country continues to deal with prejudice against Southeast Asians and individuals from the Middle East. Readers will be drawn in to Sam’s story and her struggles to make sense of and combine her two cultures.” –Booklist

Shine, Coconut Moon

Written by Neesha Meminger
Published by Margaret K. McElderry Books

Sixteen-year-old Samar aka Sam is an Indian American teenager whose mom has kept her away from her old-fashioned family. It’s never bothered Sam, who is busy with school, friends, and a demanding boyfriend. But things change after 9/11. A guy in a turban shows up at Sam’s house–and turns out to be her uncle. He wants to reconcile the family and teach Sam about her Sikh heritage. She is eager to learn, but when boys attack her uncle, shouting “Go home Osama!” Sam realizes she could be in danger and just how dangerous ignorance is.

Primary ISBN:

Available As: Paperback
Young Adult, Age 14 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (New Jersey)

Character’s New Arrival/New American Status: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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