Don't Be Scared - by Saadia Faruqi

Book Synopsis

Riz is determined to prove to his dad that movies matter and ghosts are real, but he and his friends might be in over their head when they investigate the local creepy mansion. Join for the spooky adventure full of family drama, folklore from different cultures, and new-found friendships from acclaimed author Saadia Faruqi and artist Shadia Amin!

Riz Choudhry lives for two things: movies and anything spooky. His dad? Not so much. While Riz dreams of filmmaking and jump scares, his father dreams of Riz going to med school and law school--and neither one includes ghosts.

But the film club is Riz's safe haven, a place where other supernatural-obsessed first-gen kids swap scary stories from their cultures. So, when the group decides to film a documentary about the creepy old mansion in town, Riz is all in. But there's a problem. His dad wants Riz to quit the club. AND the building is about to be demolished. Now Riz and his friends must use the power of filmmaking to save the mansion...before it vanishes forever.

Packed with shivers, laughter, and heart, Don't Be Scared celebrates friendship, heritage, and daring to fight for what matters--even if it means disagreeing with your family.

About the Author

Saadia Faruqi was born in Pakistan and moved to the United States when she was 22 years old. She writes the Yasmin series and popular middle-grade novels such as Yusuf Azeem Is Not A Hero. She was featured by Oprah Magazine as a woman making a difference in her community. Besides writing books for kids, Saadia also loves reading, binge-watching her favorite shows, and taking naps. She lives in Houston with her family.

Shadia Amin is a Colombian comic artist based in GA. She has a Masters Degree in Sequential Art from SCAD. Some of her works include Shiny Misfits, Aggretsuko, Spider-Ham, as well as collaboration on anthologies like When I Was Young and Alloy: Electrum. She graduated from the Savannah College of Art and Design, earning her BFA and MFA in Sequential Art. Her work focuses on slice of life and fantasy, with tons of fun and heartfelt moments.