“Thirteen-year-old Samim is a loyal friend, a gifted chess player – and a refugee. Even after her makes the long, dangerous journey from Afganistan to the UK, his safety isn’t guaranteed. Can Simon convince the authorities to let him stay?”
Meticulously researched, My Name in Samim tells the eye-opening story of so many young people who risk everything to leave dangerous homes in the hope of a safe future. Samim’s story is honest, engaging and thought-provoking. Told in first person, readers are able to understand Samim’s deepest thoughts, worries and hopes. His relationship with his ‘ghost-friend’ Zayn reveals his anxiety as well as the calming power of reciting the decimals of pi and playing chess.
Throughout the story, Samim recounts his perilous journey through Afganistan, Iran, Turkey, Greece, Italy and France until he finally reaches the challenges of UK immigration. His journey is far from over as he must convince the authorities of his age and navigate foster care and a new school. Even once he reaches safety, cultural differences and blatent racism make day to day life difficult.
My Name is Samim is a powerful story encouraging empathy by providing readers with a clearer idea of what being a refuge really means. It’s a must-have for secondary school libraries – particularly well-suited to Key Stage 3.
Thank you to Floris Books and Kirstin Lamb for a copy of this important book!
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