Samira’s Worst Best Summer

South Indian Muslim American tween Samira (a.k.a. Sammy) navigates a tumultuous summer in this heartwarming novel by Hamza (Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year). Sammy’s parents and her college-bound sister are headed to India, leaving Sammy and her autistic younger brother Imran in Minnesota with her Umma. Just before the family departs, their house is TP-ed, and Imran is convinced that it’s a hate crime: “Because we’re brown. Because we’re Muslim.” Meanwhile, Sammy is reeling from a falling-out with her former friend Kiera, who ditched her for another squad. To allay Umma and Imran’s fears that they are being targeted, Samira teams up with newcomer Alice to uncover the culprit behind the act of vandalism. But when Samira suspects Kiera, and Kiera tries to steal Alice away, Samira is forced to confront her anxieties surrounding their relationship if she hopes to save her summer—and her new friendship. As Sammy contends with intense feelings of love and loss, her loving community—which includes enthusiastic Imran and steadfast Umma, as well as numerous neighbors and teachers—offers continual support. It’s an emotionally resonant read that proffers empathetic messaging about prejudice, falling out, and building oneself back up again. Ages 8–12. (May)