The Next New Syrian Girl

Praise for The Next New Syrian Girl: A School Library Journal Best Book of 2023 A Junior Library Guild Selection A Kirkus Best YA and Teen Book of 2023

“A story of friendship and family that finds hope through heartbreak.” –Kirkus, starred review

” Emotional, with respites of dry hilarity (plus an adorable halal romance), every page in Shukairy’s debut exudes purpose.”–Booklist, starred review*“…an illuminating read that interrogates themes of war, trauma, and healing.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review“Real, raw, and enthralling, Ream Shukairy crafts a moving story of friendship, redemption, and hope. You’ll fall in love with Khadija and Leene and the journey they take toward each other.” –S. K. Ali, bestselling and award-winning author of Love from A to Z“The Next New Syrian Girl captures the importance of friendship and the complicated journey one undertakes in the present to reconcile both past and future. A heartfelt and multifaceted novel that sings of hope.” –Laila Sabreen, author of You Truly Assumed“The Next New Syrian Girl by Ream Shukairy is a remarkable debut. Shukairy’s cross-cultural narrative skillfully weaves a rich tapestry of sisterhood, family, and friendship. Examining themes of generational trauma, PTSD, immigration, culture, and religion, Shukairy is unapologetic in asking tough questions about who we become based on the privileges we have or don’t have. Shukairy’s page turning writing is gracious, humorous, and insightful, offering the reader food for thought and soul. “–Echo Brown, Morris Award finalist and author of Black Girl Unlimited and The Chosen One”The Next New Syrian Girl finds empathy, light, and connections in a story that sheds insight into war, trauma, and loss. Khadija and Leene’s journey will stay with you long after the last page.“–Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating”The Next New Syrian Girl is an engrossing, crackling debut. Shukairy kept me tearing through the pages with masterfully executed twists, fraught family dynamics, and the blossoming friendship between Khadija and Leene. Heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and altogether healing.“–Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic”The Next New Syrian Girl is a powerful and (sadly) relevant story…a testament to the power of young girls to change the world when they stand with one another instead of competing like society wants them to. Unputdownable, heart-breaking, and heart-healing all at once.“–Yamile Saied Méndez, Pura Belpré medalist author of FURIA, a Reese’s Book Club selection“A poignant story of two girls who are so different yet the same. Shukairy lays out both sides of a diaspora and a refugee and the longing both feel towards a home that has lost too much. As a Syrian, I was seen. One word to describe this debut: beautiful.” –Zoulfa Katouh author of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow