Tagging Freedom
Written by Rhonda Roumani
Published by Union Square Kids
Kareem Haddad of Damascus, Syria, never dreamed of becoming a graffiti artist. But when a group of boys from another town tag subversive slogans outside their school, and another boy is killed while in custody, Kareem and his friends are inspired to start secretly tagmessages of freedom around their city.
Meanwhile, in the United States, his cousin, Samira, has been trying to make her own mark. Anxious to fit in at school, she joins the Spirit Squad where her natural artistic ability attracts the attention of the popular leader. Then Kareem is sent to live with Sam’s family, and their worlds collide. As graffitied messages appear around town and all eyes turn to Kareem, Sam must make a choice: does she shy away to protect her new social status, or does she stand with her cousin?
Primary ISBN: 9781454950714
Publication Date: November 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Muslim/Muslim American, Syrian/Syrian American
Themes: Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Activism, Allyship, Arts, Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Discrimination: Racial, Discrimination: Religious, Family Separation: Different Immigration Status, Format: Audiobook, Generation: 1st, Identity: Multilingual, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Muslim
Setting: Syria (Damascus), United States (Allansdale MA)
Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country, 1st Generation
Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience
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