It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

Firoozeh Dumas
71 pages2-hour read
Fiction
Novel
Middle Grade
Published in 2016

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Book Brief

Firoozeh Dumas

It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

Fiction | Novel | Middle Grade | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Humor

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Southern California • 1970s

Theme
Immigration

•

Coming of Age

•

Friendship
Topic
World History
First Publication Year

2016

Publisher

Clarion Books

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

730L

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

4.3

5,089 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read It Ain't So Awful, Falafel?

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.

4.3

5,089 ratings

86%

Loved it

12%

Mixed feelings

2%

Not a fan

Character List

The protagonist of the story, Zomorod navigates life in Newport Beach, California, during a tumultuous time, exploring themes of identity and cultural integration.

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.

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Historical Fiction

•

Humor

•

Children`s Literature
Setting

Southern California • 1970s

Theme
Immigration

•

Coming of Age

•

Friendship
Topic
World History
First Publication Year

2016

Publisher

Clarion Books

Audience

Middle grade

Recommended Reading Age

8-12 years

Lexile Level

730L

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