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“As with the novels of Benjamin Alire Saenz or Randa Abdel-Fattah, Daria’s thought-provoking journey will resonate with teen readers of all backgrounds.”

—Booklist, Starred Review

“The ferociously authentic Daria is a memorable protagonist”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Will resonate with readers who have felt like they don’t know where they belong or who they want to be, and certainly with the children of immigrants who feel caught between worlds.”

—Publishers Weekly

“Surprisingly powerful…will appeal to any reader searching for identity and belonging, particularly those whose lives include two different cultures.”

—Voice of Youth Advocates

The Authentics

Written by Abdi Nazemian
Published by HarperCollins

The Authentics is a fresh, funny, and insightful novel about culture, love, and family—the kind we are born into and the ones we create.

Daria Esfandyar is Iranian-American and proud of her heritage, unlike some of the “Nose Jobs” in the clique led by her former best friend, Heidi Javadi. Daria and her friends call themselves the Authentics, because they pride themselves on always keeping it real.

But in the course of researching a school project, Daria learns something shocking about her past, which launches her on a journey of self-discovery. It seems everyone is keeping secrets. And it’s getting harder to know who she even is any longer.

With infighting among the Authentics, her mother planning an over-the-top sweet sixteen party, and a romance that should be totally off limits, Daria doesn’t have time for this identity crisis. As everything in her life is spinning out of control—can she figure out how to stay true to herself?

Primary ISBN: 9780062486462
Publication Date: August 2017
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 13 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Beverly Hills CA)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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

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