UNSETTLED

A Pakistani girl’s life is uprooted when her family immigrates to the United States, where she struggles to fit in and remain true to herself.

Nurah is a 13-year-old girl living happily in Pakistan: She loves hanging out with her family and her best friend, but her favorite thing to do is swim. Everything changes when Nurah learns her father has accepted a job in America. While missing Karachi, they try to adjust to their new surroundings in Georgia, but learning to speak, dress, and act differently takes its toll on the family. Nurah and her older brother, Owais, find some happiness at the community pool. Although Nurah makes a friend in fellow swimmer Stahr, she becomes jealous of Owais, who has been more easily able to fit in and win swim meets. When a tragic incident befalls him—in part due to her jealousy—Nurah learns it’s better to stand up and stand out as who you are than try to conform. Faruqi’s use of free verse will captivate readers with its metaphors that emphasize feelings and details of daily life. Middle schoolers who struggle with fitting in will resonate with the story while also receiving a glimpse into the lives of a Pakistani immigrant family. Qureshi’s floral and paisley spot art and illustrations of hands with henna designs add delicate beauty.

Lyrical. Hopeful. Poignant.