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Not the Girls You’re Looking For
Safi’s YA debut addresses identity, female friendship, and finding your place in the world. High school senior Lulu Saad doesn’t fit neatly in anybody’s boxes—and it’s a real pain. Lulu sees herself as American and Arab: her father is an Iraqi immigrant; her Catholic mom is from Louisiana. But her Houston classmates just see her as Arab (and therefore a terrorist). She likes to party with her three best friends, but she fasts during Ramadan—and her family doesn’t see her as being Muslim enough. Things get messier as she strives to straddle the racial and religious tensions of her two worlds, but is it even possible? Kirkus calls this “delightful and funny but still giving voice to serious issues of sexual consent and xenophobia.” Publisher recommends for ages 13+.
About the Book
Publisher’s description:
Lulu Saad doesn’t need your advice, thank you very much. She’s got her three best friends and nothing can stop her from conquering the known world. Sure, for half a minute she thought she’d nearly drowned a cute guy at a party, but he was totally faking it. And fine, yes, she caused a scene during Ramadan. It’s all under control. Ish.
Except maybe this time she’s done a little more damage than she realizes. And if Lulu can’t find her way out of this mess soon, she’ll have to do more than repair friendships, family alliances, and wet clothing. She’ll have to go looking for herself.
Debut author Aminah Mae Safi’s honest and smart novel is about how easy it can be to hurt those around you even if —especially if—you love them.
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