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

Winner of the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize 2026 - Book of the Year by Writers of Colour in the UK and Ireland

'A powerful novel that encourages empathy in its handling of friendship, love, war, and the emotional journey of refugee children and their families. Recommended for all collections.'--School Library Journal, Starred Review

'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 unflinching and vital narrative makes a refugee's plight accessible to children.'--Booklist

'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

'Moving, emotional and paced perfectly. Both timelines are compelling and heartbreaking. An accessible, hopeful account of one refugee's experience that will promote both empathy and understanding.'--Youth Services Book Review

'I was invested, emotional at the end, and Samim will stay with me for a while. The book has a lot of heart, you really can't help but feel for Samim.'--Islamic School Librarian

About the Author

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