Author Book Launch - Kareem Between with Shifa Saltagi Safadi and Maleeha Siddiqui
Author Book Launch - Kareem Between with Shifa Saltagi Safadi and Maleeha Siddiqui
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WHAT: A hybrid event celebrating the publication of Kareem Between, a middle grade novel-in-verse for ages 8+, and a virtual discussion and Q&A with the author Shifa Saltagi Safadi in conversation with Maleeha Siddiqui.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 10 @ 4PM CST
WHERE: Chapterhouse Bookstore (3317 SW 6th Ave, Amarillo, TX 79106) and online: https://us05web.zoom.us/j/81325784073?pwd=54TEZpWai89zSJCg29mZIIsHpdjnnD.1
HOW: RSVP to reserve your seat OR RSVP with book to reserve a seat and a copy of Kareem Between that can be picked up at the event. All RSVPs with a book will receive a bundle of exclusive merchandise including a signed bookplate and bookmark. Or join us online via Zoom at the link above.
Choosing to RSVP with the book helps support our store and future programming. If you choose the RSVP with book option, please find us at the event to receive your book or contact us through Instagram (@chapterhouse_bookstore) or email (hello@chapterhousebookstore.com) to arrange an earlier pickup.
About the Book
This heartfelt coming-of-age novel in verse tells the powerful story of a seventh-grade Syrian American boy and his struggles, big and small, as he navigates middle school.
“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
Seventh grade begins, and Kareem’s already fumbled it.
His best friend moved away, he messed up his tryout for the football team, and because of his heritage, he was voluntold to show the new kid—a Syrian refugee with a thick and embarrassing accent—around school. Just when Kareem thinks his middle school life has imploded, the hotshot QB promises to get Kareem another tryout for the squad. There’s a catch: to secure that chance, Kareem must do something he knows is wrong.
Then, like a surprise blitz, Kareem’s mom returns to Syria to help her family but can’t make it back home. If Kareem could throw a penalty flag on the fouls of his school and home life, it would be for unnecessary roughness.
Kareem is stuck between. Between countries. Between friends, between football, between parents—and between right and wrong. It’s up to him to step up, find his confidence, and navigate the beauty and hope found somewhere in the middle.
About the Author: Shifa Saltagi Safadi
SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents when she was a young girl. She is a bilingual Arabic/English speaker, and is very familiar with the challenges of learning English and navigating two languages.
As a mom to four Arab American children, a Muslim Book Reviewer on Instagram, and an English teacher to Middle School students, (and an author of course!) she spends her time helping kids develop a love of reading and writing too. Shifa loves doing school visits and inspiring children with writing workshops and story times.
Shifa is the author of the forthcoming Middle Grade verse novel KAREEM BETWEEN (Putnam/Penguin Kids 2024), the AMINA BANANA chapter books (Putnam/Penguin Kids 2025), picture book THE GIFT OF EID (Holiday House 2025), and three published picture books (SPELL IT LIKE SAMAR, HEAVEN AT MAMA’S FEET, and PEPPERONI, PITCHES, and OTHER PROBLEMS) with Muslim publisher Ruqaya’s Bookshelf. You can learn more about her books here.
About Maleeha Siddiqui
Maleeha Siddiqui is an American writer of Pakistani descent who loves to tell unapologetically Muslim stories for all ages. By day, Maleeha works as a regulatory affairs professional in the biotech industry. She grew up and continues to reside with her family in Virginia. When she’s not working, reading, or writing, she likes to try new food and snuggle cats. Barakah Beats (Scholastic 2021) is her debut novel. Follow her on Instagram!
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