Kareem Between By Shifa Saltagi Safadi
It doesn’t matter how many Word documents you read, Goggle docs you add comments to, and screen shots you revise; to hold a physical book in your hands that you have been blessed to observe from the sidelines through numerous revisions, is mind blowing. Reading the final version from page 1 to page 324, plus the backmatter, has left me at a loss for words with tears streaming down my cheeks. I truly cannot imagine the book any other way. All past drafts and storylines, were just stepping stones to get the book to this version, and as a fan of literature my whole life, to see this metamorphosis in real time has added to my respect and admiration of authors. Enough about me though, this review is of the middle grade novel in verse that tells the story of Syrian American Kareem, a loveable boy caught in between choices, siblings, friends, labels, and global acts beyond his control. He makes mistakes, he tries to make things right, and at the center of it all is his Islamic identity, love of football, and genuinely good heart. I am biased in that I have self appointed Kareem as my nephew, but even after dozens of readings, I was moved to tears three times during the course of this reading. I made my teens read the book and they loved it, and like them, we hope we get more Kareem in the future.
SYNOPSIS:
Kareem loves football, particularly the Bears, and dreams of seeing his Arabic name on an American jersey one day in the NFL. Unfortunately, he hasn’t made the school team, his best and only friend Adam has moved away, and the coach’s son is offering to talk to his dad for Kareem in exchange for some school help. Add in a new Syrian kid at school, his mom going to Syria to take care of his grandfather, and the fruition of Executive Order 13769 aka the Muslim Ban, and seventh grade has Kareem scrambling on every down to say the least.
WHY I LOVE IT:
The football framing, the literary inclusions, the Arabic, the Islam, all combine with such tangible heart to create a seamless read both as a compelling story and as an example of literary craft. The language is on point and intentional, that even if you don’t know the character or novel referenced, the Arabic words included, or football terminology used, you will be invested in the characters and plot, and find yourself cheering for Kareem. Often debut authors show promise, but their stories have plot holes, or pacing issues, or inconsistencies, that is not the case with this book. The crumbs are there that tie everything together, the depth of the characters’ personalities reveal how developed they are, and the timeline keeps the book moving forward. There are no dry or slow spots in the entire novel, it is easily read in one sitting as you find yourself nervous for Kareem, and curious how it will resolve.
Boys and girls, Muslims and non Muslims, Arabs and non Arabs, all will find themselves drawn to this book, and thinking about the characters, particularly Kareem, long after the final page is read.
FLAGS:
Some stress and anxiety with missing parents. Death, bullying, cheating, fighting, lying, racism.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book is a solid middle grade, but the quality of writing and engaging plot makes it work for a middle school book club read as well. I cannot wait to share this book widely.
Preorders speak volumes and I truly hope if you are able that you will preorder a copy, you can do so here. Requesting your local public library to shelve the book is also a tremendous help to signal to publishers what type of stories and OWN voice authentic representation consumers will support.
