The story Gharib tells is an important one, but the graphics don’t lend themselves to the story. Simple line drawings and maybe 3 colours used throughout... I don’t know if the writer or the publishers are trying to make a point about race and colour by removing colours from the story. No clue. It’s mind-numbing and took me, what, 2-3 weeks to read? Graphic novels shouldn’t take that long. I’m giving this three stars, but really it’s a two star disappointment.

For anyone who feels othered by peers for having more than one cultural identity.
Hard enough feeling othered by relatives but when communities and peers do this thing, that is one difficult obstacle to break down.
Everyone should get a say in what they call or label themselves first especially during the tween years.

This is a great book that will look familiar to anyone who grew up with immigrant parents and families who have invested their future in the Promise of the American dream.

Malaka comes from a Filipino Egyptian family. Her illustrations are fun and yet show the feelings that she is experiencing as an American with immigrant parents.
I loved it and recommend it.