Call Me Adnan

May 1, 2023
Twelve-year-old Adnan Zakir is looking forward to going to Florida to see cousins and participate in a table-tennis competition when tragedy strikes, changing his family forever. Adnan lives in Atlanta, Georgia, with Abu, Amma (who is pregnant), 13-year-old sister Aaliyah, and 2-year-old brother Riz. He dreams of playing table tennis professionally or maybe becoming a pilot. When Adnan qualifies for the Ultimate Table Tennis Championship Tournament taking place in Orlando over Eid weekend, his family decides to make it a vacation with extended family. What was supposed to be a fun-filled trip turns tragic when Riz drowns in the pool of their rented house. Adnan blames himself: "If I hadn't gone to Florida to play table tennis, / Riz would still be here." But with support and guidance from his parents, friends, and table tennis coach, he starts to accept that he is not at fault. Observing his mother channel her grief into educating others about water safety, Adnan finds the courage to return to what he loves. In this verse novel, Faruqi depicts strong community bonds, seamlessly interweaving Adnan's Pakistani Muslim identity. The story includes details about the family's time at the masjid (where Adnan also discovered his love for table tennis), Eid rituals, Riz's funeral, and more. An author's note discusses a real-life experience that inspired this story. An emotional tale of a family's grief and healing, full of courage and hope. (swimming resources, ABCs of water safety, recipe, glossary) (Verse fiction. 8-12)

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Starred review from May 15, 2023
In stirring, lilting verse, Faruqi (Golden Girl) delivers a heartbreaking novel about grief and moving forward in which a tween attempts to cope with the death of a loved one. Effervescent 12-year-old Adnan Zakir knows exactly who he is: an avid table tennis player, a loved member of his tight-knit Muslim family, and big brother to and frequent caretaker for his toddler brother, Riz. Excited to participate in a prestigious table tennis tournament in Orlando, he’s looking forward to his family traveling from their Atlanta hometown to visit relatives during Eid. But when Riz drowns in the pool at their rented house, Adnan wrestles with guilt (“Abu always says,/ Watch out for your baby brother./ But I didn’t watch him.../ and now he’s gone”) and feelings of loneliness, and struggles to find joy in his passions. Faruqi renders this tender story of loss with a deft hand, employing vivid details surrounding Adnan’s Pakistani Muslim identity—including sensate depictions of Eid celebrations, attending masjid, and Riz’s funeral—and nuanced characterizations to present a tear-jerking ode to family. Swimming resources and a glossary conclude. Ages 8–12.

June 1, 2023
Grades 3-7 Adnan Zakir, a 12-year-old Pakistani Muslim boy living in Florida, wants to become a professional table-tennis player or a pilot. He lives with his parents and his older sister, Aaliyah, and his two-year-old brother, Riz. Adnan is colorblind and small for his age, and his teacher repeatedly mispronounces his name at school. But he spends a lot of time at the masjid, which is where he first fell in love with table tennis. He ends up qualifying for the table-tennis tournament finals over Eid weekend, during which his whole family gathers. Tragically, Adnan's little brother drowns in a pool. This horrible situation and the devastated family's grief are handled in a manner that is appropriate for the intended audience. The author's style of verse writing--including the use of short stanzas, creatively and thoughtfully arranged--enhance the emotional impact of the story. Additional resources include an author's note that discusses personal inspiration behind the story, safety resources, and a glossary. A realistic, moving exploration of family, loss, and healing.

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