Samira Teens [UPD]

This must-read novel poses a powerful question to readers -- could American democracy be endangered or possibly even destroyed by a culture of fear, racism, and hate? The storyline of Internment has numerous references and comparisons (some subtle and some with explanations) to the deportation of Jews during the Holocaust and the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II, which some readers may not immediately understand. But this offers an excellent opportunity for teens and parents to talk about why minorities are so often targeted (even in democracies) and what lessons can be learned from these past tragedies.

samira teens

Internment is a YA book that reminds readers how powerful communities and resistance can be. Samira Ahmed has written a showstopping book about teens leading the resistance and making change. This novel deserves a permanent place on all bookshelves.

In many ways, Kamala is a revolutionary girl. A recurring theme young adult author Samira Ahmed uses in her works describing her Islamic YA protagonists; who are often Muslim teens who struggle against the world despite all odds to make a profound and long-lasting cultural impact of sorts.

The U of T students have gained a whole new perspective on the neighbourhood through the teens. That includes an understanding of how concepts like socially-mixed housing and redevelopment play out in the real world, says Mehta.

Haruko and Margot meet at the high school in Crystal City, a "family internment camp" for those accused of colluding with the enemy. The teens discover that they are polar opposites in so many ways, except for one that seems to override all the others: the camp is changing them, day by day and piece by piece. Haruko finds herself consumed by fear for her soldier brother and distrust of her father, who she knows is keeping something from her. And Margot is doing everything she can to keep her family whole as her mother's health deteriorates and her rational, patriotic father becomes a man who distrusts America and fraternizes with Nazis.

Description: The Florida Teens Read (FTR) program is a student-choice reading award program to determine which YA book wins the annual award as the favorite of Florida students in grades 9-12. #teens 041b061a72