Zevi and I both read this book and really liked it. I thought it was well written and honest. It was clever, but some of the humor bothered me because the life of the protagonist was so difficult! I was surprised by, and very much liked the ending because it shows that so many people have so many different sides to them. I also am pleased that it provided hope for young adults, the intended audience. ( )

Delightful book about being a sixth grade Iranian immigrant during the Iran hostage crisis -- hard, yet hopeful, and full of funny moments. Particularly good at portraying what it's like to be the translator kid -- the bridge for your parents between the weird new culture and the old one. I like Cindy's voice, because she's fierce, in her own way, without being disrespectful. I also really like that it's based on some of the author's experiences. Well written, great read. ( )

Zomorod Yousefzadeh, otherwise known as “Cindy,” has moved for the fourth time. This time to Newport Beach, California. Cindy’s family is Iranian. Her father is an engineer hired by the United States, and her mother, who does not speak English, stays at home. Unfortunately, Iran’s government is in turmoil and tensions escalate with the United States. When American hostages are taken, the Yousefzadeh family is confronted with harassment and racism. This book seamlessly interweaves important history with contemporary issues of stereotypes and xenophobia.

historical fiction (Iranian family living in SoCal during 1978-1980--Iran Hostage crisis; being new at school, discrimination). ( )

This was a very very very slow book, but it would be a great book for 5 - 7 graders. It has historical relevant content as well as issues that people face today; Racial Profiling, being uprooted to another country for your parent's work, breaking the shy wall in a new place and first crushes . All this through the eyes of a middle school-er from Iran. Some parts cute, like the budding romance and awkward puberty incidents, the creating and breaking of friendships and the cute education of an older Iranian to speak English. I would give this to a 6th grader - maybe a low 7th grader, never 8th and above.