One Half from the East

Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune. Her father lost one of his legs in a bomb explosion, forcing the family to move from their home city of Kabul to a small village, where life is very different and Obayda’s father almost never leaves his room. One day, Obayda’s aunt has an idea to bring the family luck--dress Obayda, the youngest of her sisters, as a boy, a common practice called bacha posh. Now, Obayda is Obayd. Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets Rahim--formerly Rahima--everything changes. Obayd and Rahim can explore the village on their own, climbing trees, playing sports, and more. But Rahim’s time as a bacha posh is almost over--unless the two best friends can figure out a way to keep Rahim from turning back to Rahima for good.

“"With beautiful language, rich characters, and a perspective not often seen in children's literature, this heartbreaking story will leave a lasting mark."”

“Like its young protagonist, One Half from the East dances between hope and hard realities. Obayda’s 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 Obayda’s 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. Hashimi’s 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 children’s literature, this heartbreaking story will leave a lasting mark.” — Booklist

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.

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