About This Book
Reach for this book when your teenager is struggling with the quiet loneliness of being an outsider or feels the heavy pressure of preserving family tradition while trying to forge their own path. Arsalan Nizami lives a solitary life caring for his hundred year old great grandfather, rooted in a world of history and expectations that feels disconnected from his peers. When he is recruited by the bold and rebellious Beenish to learn a secret dance for a wedding, his rigid world begins to soften into one of connection and vulnerability. It is a poignant exploration of how we honor our ancestors without losing ourselves in the process. Parents will appreciate the respectful yet realistic portrayal of Muslim American life, the focus on intergenerational care, and the clean, heartwarming romance. It offers a gentle entry point for discussing identity, the complexities of grief, and the courage it takes to step out of one's comfort zone for the sake of friendship and love.
