Kareem Between

Praise

Longlisted for the National Book Award
A Junior Library Guild Selection
A Common Sense Media Selection for Families

★ “A masterfully written, deeply resonant tale.” – Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“A beautiful story of hope, empathy, confidence, and courage.” — Teen Librarian Toolkit

“As an Arab-American and a football fan, this book spoke directly to me. It’s the exact type of book I would’ve loved, and needed, as a kid. A perfect mix of a fun and enjoyable read, while being an important book, too.” —Jasmine Warga, New York Times bestselling author of and Newbery Honor recipient for Other Words for Home

“Riveting, powerful, and soul-stirring, this is a beautifully written story of triumph amid tragedy that I know every young reader—and their adults—will love. Fresh, accessible, and compelling, middle grade at its very best!”— S. K. Ali, New York Times bestselling and award-winning author

“An immersive story that captures the nuances of middle school friendships, family challenges, and the difficult realities of being “stuck” between two different worlds.” —Maleeha Siddiqui, acclaimed author of Barakah Beats and Any Way You Look

“Safadi cleverly weaves together spare verse creating an emotionally compelling and action-packed story.” —Reem Faruqi, award-winning author of Unsettled

I was moved by this tender-hearted story told in verse about Kareem, a Syrian-American boy, who dreams of playing for the NFL. Like in a game of football, Kareem’s story will pull you in with each emotion-filled play and pass — as he navigates friendships, straddles between childhood and adolescence, discovers the U.S. isn’t always a safe place for his family and people, and learns how to find his power and voice. From the sidelines, my heart raced and ached for Kareem and his family hoping all would be well when he reached the other side of the field. KAREEM BETWEEN is an important addition to middle grade literature, a new perspective we desperately need to find hope and empathy in our divided world. —Aida Salazar, award-Winning author of Ultraviolet