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Tagging Freedom

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( 222 ratings, 67 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Tagging Freedom follows Kareem Haddad, a boy from Damascus, Syria, who is drawn into graffiti activism after witnessing injustice amid the Arab world revolutions. As he and his friends paint messages of freedom around their city, his cousin Samira in the United States grapples with fitting in at school and her own artistic talents. When Kareem moves to live with Samira's family, their lives intersect, challenging Samira to choose between popularity and standing with her cousin's cause. This middle grade novel offers a poignant exploration of art, activism, and the impact of war on young people.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$1999
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

Ideal for middle school readers interested in stories about social justice, art, and cultural identity, especially those who have enjoyed books like Other Words for Home and A Good Kind of Trouble.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

This inspiring story about the Arab Spring, filled with hope, freedom, and activism, is perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and A Good Kind of Trouble.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Out of the revolutions across the Arab world comes this inspirational story of hope, freedom, and belonging, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and A Good Kind of Trouble.

Kareem Haddad of Damascus, Syria, never dreamed of becoming a graffiti artist. But when a group of boys from another town tag subversive slogans outside their school, and another boy is killed while in custody, Kareem and his friends are inspired to start secretly tagging messages of freedom around their city.

Meanwhile, in the United States, his cousin, Samira, has been trying to make her own mark. Anxious to fit in at school, she joins the Spirit Squad, where her natural artistic ability attracts the attention of the popular leader. Then Kareem is sent to live with Samira's family, and their worlds collide.

As graffitied messages appear around town and all eyes turn to Kareem, Samira must make a choice: does she shy away to protect her new social status, or does she stand with her cousin?

Informed by her time as a journalist, author Rhonda Roumani's Tagging Freedom is a thoughtful look at the intersection between art and activism, infused with rich details and a realistic portrayal of how war affects and inspires children. It is similar to middle grade books for middle schoolers such as those by Aisha Saeed, The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandi, or Refugee by Alan Gratz.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781454950721

Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 November 2023

Country: United States

Imprint: Union Square Kids

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 208.0mm

Height: 134.0mm

Weight: 380g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Rhonda Roumani is a Syrian American journalist who lived in Syria as a reporter for U.S. newspapers. She has written about Islam, the Arab world, and Muslim-American issues for more than two decades. Currently, she is a contributing fellow at the Center for Religion and Civic Culture at USC. Rhonda lives in Connecticut with her family.

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  • Tagging Freedom
    Age range 8 to 12 Out of the revolutions across the Arab world comes this inspirational story of hope, freedom, and belonging, perfect for fans of Other Words for Home and A Good Kind of Trouble. Kareem Haddad of Damascus, Syria, never dreamed of becoming a graffiti artist. But when a group of boys from another town tag subversive slogans...
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