One Half from the East

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Description

Perfect for fans of Rita Williams-Garcia, Thanhha Lai, and Rebecca Stead, internationally bestselling author Nadia Hashimis first novel for young readers is a coming-of-age journey set in modern-day Afghanistan that explores life as a bacha posha preteen girl dressed as a boy.

Obaydas family is in need of some good fortune, and her aunt has an idea to bring the family luckdress Obayda, the youngest of four sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.

Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. Their transformation wont last forever, thoughunless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure.

Nadia Hashimis first novel for adults, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, was a bestseller that shares a bacha posh character with One Half from the East.

Reviews

Like its young protagonist, One Half from the East dances between hope and hard realities. Obaydas struggle to define herself in a world that is all too eager to do the job for her is captivating. Cassie Beasley, author of Circus Mirandus Told in clear, vivid prose that combines detailed descriptions of daily life with a good dose of adventure, this story... This is an excellent title that will offer students a window into life in Afghanistan and open interesting, age-appropriate conversations about gender expectations and roles in different countries. School Library Journal (starred review) By focusing on gender inequality as seen through the lens of a traditional society, Hashimi lets readers see themselves in Obaydas emotions, even as the outcomes remain true to the Afghan culture Hashimi portrays so fluently. The Horn Book The first-person point of view in this novel will be impactful and meaningful to readers. Hashimis Obayda will provide readers with insightful information about Islamic culture, and particularly the Afghani culture, as it relates to girls. Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA) With beautiful language, rich characters, and a perspective not often seen in childrens literature, this heartbreaking story will leave a lasting mark. Booklist

Author Bio

Nadia Hashimi was born and raised in New York and New Jersey. Both her parents were born in Afghanistan and left in the early 1970s, before the Soviet invasion. Nadia is the author of three books for adults, as well as the middle grade novel One Half from the East. She is a pediatrician and lives with her family in the Washington, DC suburbs. Visit her online at www.nadiahashimi.com.