My Name Is Samim - by Fidan Meikle (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A courageous young refugee survives a desperate journey in this moving but wry middle-grade novel about struggles, hope and friendship.

Thirteen-year-old Samim is a refugee, forced to make a long, dangerous journey from his home in Afghanistan to the UK. But even then his safety isn't guaranteed: Samim must tell his story to convince the authorities to let him stay for good.

Samim relives the perils he faced and remembers the many friends he made and lost - the intrepid girl who dressed as a boy for safety, the courageous grandmother seeking a new home for her nine grandchildren, and especially his funny, spirited, best friend Zayn. Samim is one of the lucky ones, but has he really found a safe new home?

Review Quotes

'Meikle's lyrical prose captures the emotional weight of displacement and survival, offering middle-grade readers a heartfelt glimpse into refugee experiences. Poignant and lyrical.'--Kirkus Reviews

'A searing novel about an orphaned refugee fleeing Afghanistan... A sobering and illuminating volume.'--Publishers Weekly

'An affecting novel. Its everyday school scenes are well juxtaposed with the horror and hardships Samim encounters as he is "forced on a journey no one goes on by choice," inducing empathy.'--Foreword Reviews

'Meikle's debut is a powerful story of resilience, adaptability and hope.'--The Guardian

'Despite the book's charm and adept delivery, there is a deep sadness here, in so much of what Samim has to endure. Profound.'--The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'A great book to add to a list of books about different immigrant experiences.'--Karen Y, YA Books Central

About the Author

Fidan Meikle is an Azerbaijani-British writer and translator living near Edinburgh, UK.