Quick Look
- A vivid, emotive depiction of a boy's perilous journey from Afghanistan to the UK in search of safety
- Samim's story is at once heartbreaking and uplifting as it details the hardships and the moments of hope that punctuate his journey
- Shines a light on the difficulties facing young asylum seekers in the UK, including racism, cultural barriers and a challenging immigration system
- An astonishing debut novel from Fidan Meikle -- a powerful new voice in middle-grade fiction
Thirteen-year-old Afghan refugee Samim has fled to the UK. But to gain asylum he must tell his story. A moving, wry debut novel about courage, resilience and friendship from a vital new voice in children's fiction.
Description
"I must make it. I will make it. And I will tell their stories."
Thirteen-year-old Samim is a loyal friend, a gifted chess player -- and a refugee. After his family is killed in a bombing, Samim makes a long, dangerous journey from Afghanistan to the UK. But even then his safety isn't guaranteed: Samim must tell his story to convince the authorities to let him stay for good.
Samim relives the perils he faced and remembers the many friends he made and lost -- the intrepid girl who dressed as a boy for safety, the courageous grandmother seeking a new home for her nine grandchildren, and especially his funny, spirited best friend Zayn.
With his past never forgotten, Samim begins to build a new life in the UK: starting school and making new friends. But he also faces bigoted bullies and an uncertain future. Will Samim be granted asylum and allowed to stay in his new home?
My Name is Samim is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story of courage, resilience and friendship. Highlighting the experiences of young refugees and asylum-seekers, readers will empathise with Samim as he strives for a safe home and a better future. Fidan Meikle is a stunning new voice in middle-grade fiction. Her wry, heartfelt and immersive writing will draw readers into Samim's world.
Author
Fidan Meikle is an Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. She writes poetry and prose for children and adults. When she isn’t writing, Fidan can be found teaching languages, indulging her love of Azerbaijani cuisine, or exploring the Scottish Highlands with her husband and children. Her debut middle-grade novel, My Name is Samim, is inspired by the true stories of young refugees who undertake courageous journeys in the hope of finding a safe home. She lives in West Lothian, Scotland.
