Samira's Worst Best Summer - by Nina Hamza (Hardcover)

About the Book

"When a seventh grader's favorite tree gets toilet-papered, it's the catalyst for either her worst or best summer ever. Sammy's school year was terrible. Not only did her former best friend, Kiera, dump her, but she even became Sammy's bully. But the last day of school seems to set the tone for a summer that Sammy dreads. The beautiful maple in front of her house that she loves to sit in and read is T.P.'d, upsetting the whole family, especially Imran, her autistic 7-year-old brother. After Sammy mentions prejudice as a possible motive, Imran becomes fixated on the idea that they've been targeted because they're Indian American and Muslim. Making things worse, Sammy's parents and older sister, Zaara, will be visiting India, while Sammy will stay behind with Imran and Umma, their grandmother. But things start looking up when a new girl moves in nearby. Alice and Sammy become fast friends until Kiera tries to split them apart. What Sammy doesn't anticipate is how the power of Umma's quiet strength and compassion will transform not only Sammy herself, but the whole community"--

Book Synopsis

From the author of Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year comes another wryly humorous tween novel about finding belonging in an unexpected place. A must-read for fans of Hena Khan, Kelly Yang, and Karina Yan Glaser.

Samira knows this is going to be the worst summer ever. Her best friend, Kiera, ditched her for the cool girls. Her parents and older sister are taking a trip to India, so Sammy is staring down endless weeks spent with Imran, her little brother, and her Umma. To top it all off--literally!--her house gets TP'd.

The TP'ing upsets Imran, who is convinced that they're being targeted because they're the only brown family on the block. When Sammy attempts to solve the problem, she creates a bigger mess instead. But she also meets new girl Alice, who is determined to figure out who was behind the TP'ing.

Suddenly, Sammy's "boring" summer is full of clue-finding hunts, garage band practices, and getting to know her neighbors like never before. But when Kiera starts stealing Alice away, Sammy must decide if she wants to stand up for herself. One thing is certain: This summer is either going to be the worst (or maybe the best) of Samira's life.

Review Quotes

"Hamza takes readers on a roller coaster of emotions in this authentically written story that addresses important topics. Simply charming." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"A bolstering pick for introverts and fans of friendship dramas, with positive incidental representation of autism in the family." - Booklist
"An emotionally resonant read that proffers empathetic messaging about prejudice, falling out, and building oneself back up again." - Publishers Weekly