Failure in the novel is presented as an opportunity to learn. Kareem’s storyline demonstrates this, as he repeatedly finds the courage to do what is right only after first doing what is wrong. Nevertheless, each effort builds on the preceding one, and Kareem emerges as an advocate not just for himself and his family but for others who have been in his situation.

Austin’s bullying of Fadi and Kareem himself provides Kareem with many opportunities to choose what is right, but initially, he chooses what is easy. The day he refuses to eat lunch with Fadi in the cafeteria, Kareem feels terrible. On the ride home, he thinks:

I feel

like my team got

a penalty,

my stomach churning,

so I blurt out

the only thing

I think

could help

Do you want to work

together on the math project? (105).

Knowing he failed Fadi, Kareem’s impulse is to try to make amends. His stomach churning illustrates that he is aware of his shortcomings, as does the football analogy; penalties only happen when a team breaks the rules. Although this is not the last time Kareem lets Fadi down, it establishes that the ensuing moral discomfort serves as a learning experience. Ultimately, Kareem publicly stands up to Austin and reconciles with Fadi by writing him a letter in Arabic, both of which require bravery (Kareem struggles with Arabic and is also exposing himself to the possibility of rejection). The contents of the letter reaffirm that Kareem has grown through his mistake. In it, he says that he would prefer “never [to] play a minute if being quarterback / means [he] hurt[s] [his] friends” (251). This apology reflects both an awareness of where he has gone wrong and a willingness to make sacrifices in the service of what is right.

Kareem also demonstrates courage that stems from failure when he tries to bring Mama home from Syria, as his own impulsivity and selfishness contribute to her plight. In an effort to keep his fight with Austin a secret, Kareem hides his father’s phone, which results in Baba missing an opportunity to get a flight for Mama and Jido. Kareem thinks, “Fumble after fumble, / I failed my team” (167), revealing his awareness of the fact that his mistakes (and his efforts to cover them up) are repeatedly hurting himself and his family. After this moment, he takes accountability and tries to make amends. When he learns about the travel ban, Kareem tells Jameelah, “[W]e have to do something. / We have to tell everyone / how wrong this law is!” (210). Together, they convince Baba to take them to the rally at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport. Later, he posts an Instagram message about Mama’s disappearance and then breaks into the news station with the intent to spread the message to a wider audience. The latter in particular is risky, but Kareem goes through with it because he feels that he must.

That Kareem ultimately goes on television “to / talk about how wrong the ban is” even after his mother returns safely to America underscores the moral courage he has developed (299). He no longer needs to expose himself in this way to make amends or to help his own family, but past experience has emboldened him, allowing him to speak out on behalf of others. Ultimately, Kareem gains courage through his missteps and proves that failure is just an opportunity to grow.