It's the late 1970s, and Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh is the new kid on the block ... for the fourth time. California's Newport Beach is her family's latest perch, and she's determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch name. Fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes U.S. headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Neither summer camp nor puka shell necklaces can distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home.
Consider some of the following quotes found in the story:
- "... remember that everyone deserves dignity."
- "My dad says religion is kindness and that's what everyone should practice."
- "A girl without an education has no power; she is always at the mercy of others."
- "I imagine it is very hard for Americans to understand the value of human rights and free speech. How can you appreciate something you have always had?"
This book explores the themes of family, kindness, stereotypes, bullying and belonging through an engaging plot and relatable characters. I highly recommend It Ain't So Awful, Falafel to upper elementary and middle school readers. To preview discussion questions, click here. Explore related topics and links to the author's web site on the Grade 5 page.
Happy reading!
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