★ 03/27/2023
Via gorgeously written alternating first-person POVs, debut author Shukairy interweaves the differing cultural experiences of two Syrian teenagers—one in the U.S. and one in Syria—in this powerful debut. Syrian American high school senior Khadija Shaami recognizes her privilege as an affluent member of a predominantly Syrian Muslim Detroit community. Even so, she struggles to connect with her family, especially her socialite mother, who disparages Khadi for not being a “proper Syrian girl.” Worse, happy summers in Syria with extended family stopped after the civil war, and she’s been experiencing more frequent racism surrounding her hijab at school, making boxing at a local gym her only escape. Things at home become more complicated when high school senior Leene and her mother, both Syrian refugees, come to stay. During Leene’s journey to America, she experienced devastating losses and endured myriad traumatic experiences. Though her arrival in Khadi’s home initially causes tension, the girls eventually embark on a friendship that simultaneously buoys Khadi and grounds Leene. Both teens are presented as complex and dynamic protagonists, and while their individual challenges are perceivably vastly different in scope, Shukairy portrays each with sensitivity and understanding, making for an illuminating read that interrogates themes of war, trauma, and healing. Ages 12–up. Agent: Serene Hakim, Ayesha Pande Literary. (Mar.)
★ 12/15/2023
Gr 9 Up—Between boxing and dreams of travel, Khadija has never been the "perfect Syrian daughter" her mother wants. On the outside, Leene seems to be like any other Syrian refugee adjusting to a new country, however, demons of her past haunt her constantly. When Leene and her mom are invited into Khadija's home, the teens become a collision of misconceptions and suspicion. But as Khadija uncovers Leene's painful past, the girls begin a journey that may show they have more in common than they realized. With a 2018 backdrop, Shukairy delivers a story of the ongoing conflict in Syria that is honest and complex, authentically not shying away from the reality of war. Told in the alternating viewpoints of Khadija and Leene, the novel explores what a country can symbolize for its people as the two teens beautifully show pride in their identity and love for their country. As an unforgettable connection grows between Khadija and Leene, a friendship blooms through challenges, loss, and hope. Khadija's halal romance is icing on the cake. A trigger warning may be needed for a suicide attempt. VERDICT A must-read story of two strong, young Muslim women, and a definite purchase for library shelves.—Emily Walker
★ 2022-12-14
When the lives of Syrian American Khadija and Syrian refugee Leene collide, an unlikely friendship pushes them to fight for their truths in this debut told in alternating first-person voices.
Khadija is privileged, growing up in Detroit’s upper-crust Syrian Muslim community. Beneath the perfect facade, her family life is broken. She finds her escape at the boxing gym with her crush, Younes, a Somali American boy, and dreams of traveling the world with her Tunisian American best friend, Nassima. When Khadija’s mother decides to host refugees Leene and her mother, Khadija is not pleased at first. Meanwhile, Leene is just trying to hold herself together, still reeling from her traumatic experiences in Syria and during her journey to America. Though at first both are hesitant and prickly, Khadija and Leene eventually find themselves in a budding friendship, one that remains genuine and solid as both girls fight against inner demons and an unforgiving world. Khadija’s experiences in the Syrian American community will ring true to those from similar upbringings. Her family problems and her feelings of being an outsider give dimension to her character, but those struggles pale in contrast to Leene’s that are unfolding alongside them. The framing of Leene’s story never feels exploitative, however, and Shukairy respectfully portrays the horrible realities faced by many refugees. She gives both girls a nuanced space and identity.
A story of friendship and family that finds hope through heartbreak. (Fiction. 13-18)
Praise for The Next New Syrian Girl:A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023 A Junior Library Guild Selection A Kirkus Best YA and Teen Book of 2023 *"A story of friendship and family that finds hope through heartbreak." —Kirkus, starred review
*"...an illuminating read that interrogates themes of war, trauma, and healing.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
*" Emotional, with respites of dry hilarity (plus an adorable halal romance), every page in Shukairy's debut exudes purpose."—Booklist, starred review
"The Next New Syrian Girl is a powerful and (sadly) relevant story...a testament to the power of young girls to change the world when they stand with one another instead of competing like society wants them to. Unputdownable, heart-breaking, and heart-healing all at once."—Yamile Saied Méndez, Pura Belpré medalist author of FURIA, a Reese’s Book Club selection
“Real, raw, and enthralling, Ream Shukairy crafts a moving story of friendship, redemption, and hope. You’ll fall in love with Khadija and Leene and the journey they take toward each other.” —S. K. Ali, bestselling and award-winning author of Love from A to Z
“The Next New Syrian Girl is an engrossing, crackling debut. Shukairy kept me tearing through the pages with masterfully executed twists, fraught family dynamics, and the blossoming friendship between Khadija and Leene. Heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and altogether healing.”—Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic
"A poignant story of two girls who are so different yet the same. Shukairy lays out both sides of a diaspora and a refugee and the longing both feel towards a home that has lost too much. As a Syrian, I was seen. One word to describe this debut: beautiful.” —Zoulfa Katouh author of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
"The Next New Syrian Girl by Ream Shukairy is a remarkable debut. Shukairy's cross-cultural narrative skillfully weaves a rich tapestry of sisterhood, family, and friendship. Examining themes of generational trauma, PTSD, immigration, culture, and religion, Shukairy is unapologetic in asking tough questions about who we become based on the privileges we have or don't have. Shukairy's page turning writing is gracious, humorous, and insightful, offering the reader food for thought and soul. "—Echo Brown, Morris Award finalist and author of Black Girl Unlimited and The Chosen One
"The Next New Syrian Girl captures the importance of friendship and the complicated journey one undertakes in the present to reconcile both past and future. A heartfelt and multifaceted novel that sings of hope." —Laila Sabreen, author of You Truly Assumed
“The Next New Syrian Girl finds empathy, light, and connections in a story that sheds insight into war, trauma, and loss. Khadija and Leene’s journey will stay with you long after the last page.”—Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating
