Kareem Between

 

Bibliography

Safadi, S. S. (2024). Kareem Between. G.P. Putnam's Sons. 

ISBN: 9780593699263

Plot Summary

Kareem is living between two cultures and identities; throughout the story, you can see how he struggles. He changes how he speaks, acts, and even how he pronounces his name, depending on who he is with, so he can fit in better. As the reader, you will see and feel his confusion, how he is divided, and the struggle of understanding who he is. This poem is a great look into the struggles of children of immigrants and their battle of finding a sense of self while balancing, bringing their two worlds together.

Critical Analysis

“His name means ‘generous’, but some only hear ‘foreign.’” This line emphasizes the cultural misunderstanding and the prejudice that Kareem faces not only to people but to himself. The poem explores themes of identity, displacement, and the struggle of cultural identity. Like any teenager, Kareem is trying to figure out who he is and who he wants to be. But he has the load of trying to figure out how he can keep his culture in this new person he wants to be. If I had read this as a teenager, I would have shared some problems he was facing. I was an Army Brat, so I was always moving every 2-3 years to a new state or country. I would have to figure out how to fit in, and reading Kareem's struggles, I was able to picture moments of my life that matched his. This poem is written with simple but emotional words that are layered with meaning. There is a lot of mention of division because Kareem is “between” worlds. When reading, I noticed references, mirrors, lines, and borders to help see the division in his life. When reading, you feel Kareem’s sorrow and frustration, but then there is hope and resilience. Overall, this book is great for any reader who can relate to coming to a new country, the love of football, or moving. It is also a great book for teachers to see the side that can be eye-opening for students who come into our classroom, who are just like Kareem.

Review Excerpts

“The exact type of book I would’ve loved, and needed, as a kid.” —Jasmine Warga, New York Times bestselling author and Newbery Honor recipient for Other Words for Home

Awards and Recognitions

• Global Read Aloud Selection 

• School Library Journal Best Middle Grade Book 

• Chicago Public Library Best Fiction for Older Readers 

• PEOPLE Magazine Best Kids Book 

• Junior Library Guild Selection

• Texas Lone Star Reading List selection 

• Common Sense Media Selection for Families

• Cybils Novel in Verse Award Winner

• Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist

• ILA Notable Book for a Global Society

• Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of the Year

Connections

• Have students create a plan of action on how they can help all new students. As this is created, move to get it approved for your campus to make a difference for all those who are like Kareem. 

• Learn about different cultures and how to be respectful of them.