SOME OF US ARE BRAVE

In Houston, Texas, in 2017, the worlds of three middle schoolers collide. Pakistani American Yasir Manzoor wants to become eighth grade soccer team captain. White and South Asian American Mona Jennings-Shah is a talented artist who’s fascinated by flood stories from world mythology. Cody Bevin, who’s white, is the current soccer team captain—and a bully who’s been raised on racist, anti-immigrant propaganda. The hurricane compels them to face their worst fears, which don’t seem as scary when they’re surrounded by people who are willing to help. Faruqi turns her firsthand experience of the hurricane into a powerful work of fiction, much like Mona who continues to sketch, creating beauty amid disaster. The author depicts Mona’s struggles with sensitivity and insight; she helps care for her younger brother, Omar, while her parents travel to academic conferences. The evolving relationship arc between Yasir and Cody is moving: Both boys learn more about each other, going beyond initial impressions. Instead of oversimplifications that classify people as heroes or villains, Faruqi puts her characters into situations where their innate goodness can shine. The supporting cast members, especially Omar, Yasir’s mother, and a dog named Killer, infuse the story with joy and unconditional love. Weather reports add a realistic touch, and the flood myths from different cultures allow readers to reflect on how humans make sense of natural calamities through stories.