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384
Novel • Fiction
•
Humor•
Children`s LiteratureSouthern California • 1970s
•
Coming of Age•
Friendship2016
Clarion Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
In It Ain't So Awful, Falafel, Zomorod, an 11-year-old Iranian girl, moves with her family to Newport Beach, California, amidst the Iranian Revolution and ensuing hostage crisis. She navigates cultural dislocation, makes new friends, and faces discrimination, while her family struggles with the impact of the political upheaval on their lives.
Humorous
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
5,089 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas is a charming and insightful middle-grade novel that explores the immigrant experience through the eyes of a young Iranian girl in 1970s America. Critics appreciate its humor, relatability, and the author's ability to tackle complex themes such as cultural identity and political turmoil. However, some feel the narrative pacing could be improved. Overall, it is lauded for its warmth and educational value.
Readers who enjoy humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age stories with a cultural twist will love It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas. Fans of Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai and Front Desk by Kelly Yang will find this tale of an Iranian girl adjusting to life in 1970s America relatable and engaging.
5,089 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Zomorod’s mother, who faces challenges adjusting to life in America, often longs for her homeland, and maintains strong ties to Iranian culture within her family.
Zomorod’s father, an engineer whose work brought the family to the United States, values the opportunities in America yet contends with issues arising from the Iranian Revolution.
Zomorod’s best friend, who aspires to be a journalist and shows a deep interest in understanding Zomorod’s Iranian identity, providing a supportive friendship.
Initially a source of tension for Zomorod, Brock evolves from a bully to a friend, highlighting the importance of understanding and acceptance.
384
Novel • Fiction
•
Humor•
Children`s LiteratureSouthern California • 1970s
•
Coming of Age•
Friendship2016
Clarion Books
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
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