Wallflower
Written by Iasmin Omar Ata
Illustrated by Iasmin Omar Ata
Published by Viking Books for Young Readers
For as long as Marlena can remember, she has seen flowers growing on everyone she meets: personalized poppies and daisies and roses of every color that give away what their owners truly feel. Invisible to the rest of the world, the flowers have always felt too overwhelming, too much for Marlena to take in when they don’t always match what their owner shows. She’s long since given up convincing anyone else that they’re there.
Until she meets Ashe, a charming transfer student who can somehow see these mysterious flowers, too. Unfortunately for Marlena, Ashe wants nothing to do with her. But as their thorny connection blooms, so do hidden secrets buried years ago. In this stunning graphic novel where dreams are woven into reality and not everything is as it seems, Marlena and Ashe must unfold the truth together, no matter where it may lead.
Primary ISBN: 9780593117149
Publication Date: January 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Middle Grade, Graphic Novel, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Palestinian/Palestinian American, Unspecified (Middle Eastern)
Themes: Coming of Age, Cross-Group Friendship, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Graphic Novel, Genre: Fantasy & Folklore, Identity: Exploration, Mental Health, Religious Background: Muslim, Trauma & Healing
Setting: Unspecified
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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