The Eleventh Trade - by Alyssa Hollingsworth (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

From debut author Alyssa Hollingsworth comes a moving middle-grade story about living with fear, being a friend, and finding a new place to call home.

They say you can't get something for nothing, but nothing is all Sami has. When his grandfather's most-prized possession--a traditional Afghan instrument called a rebab--is stolen, Sami resolves to get it back. He finds it at a music store, but it costs $700, and Sami doesn't have even one penny. What he does have is a keychain that has caught the eye of his classmate. If he trades the keychain for something more valuable, could he keep trading until he has $700? Sami is about to find out.

The Eleventh Trade is both a classic middle school story and a story about being a refugee. Like Katherine Applegate, author of Wishtree, Alyssa Hollingsworth tackles a big issue with a light touch.

Review Quotes

"A heartwarming story of life as a refugee, about friendship, overcoming tragedy, and an exciting quest. A classic book relevant to the events in the world today." --Jess Butterworth, author of Running on the Roof of the World

"[The Eleventh Trade] sensitively portrays the contemporary challenges faced by refugees plagued by impossibly difficult experiences to work through and the ways friends can help them find a new home." --The Bulletin, starred review

"A moving debut about music and the power of community." --Booklist

"Sami's story sheds light on the special challenges, determination, faith, resilience, and post-traumatic stress that impact and shape the lives of many refugees. --School Library Journal

About the Author

Alyssa Hollingsworth was born in Florida and studied Writing for Young People at Bath Spa University. The Eleventh Trade is her debut novel. She lives in Hampton, Virginia.

Deborah Lee was born in Seoul, South Korea, and raised in New Jersey and Alabama. She always loved to draw, and currently works as a product designer and illustrator. Deb lives in the San Francisco Bay Area.