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: Indian/Indian American, Sikh/Sikh American
Themes: Discrimination: Cultural, Discrimination: Religious, Family Relationship: Grandparents, Family Relationship: Parents, Generation: 1st, Multiracial Identity, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Sikh
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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