A Map of Home

A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile multiple cultural identities or feeling like an outsider in their own home. It is particularly resonant for young people navigating the pressure of high expectations while yearning for personal autonomy. The story follows Nidali, a girl named for 'struggle,' as she grows up amidst the 1990 Iraqi invasion of Kuwait, a move to Egypt, and an eventual relocation to Texas. Through her eyes, the book explores the messy, often humorous, and sometimes painful realities of puberty, family secrets, and the search for a place to call home. It deals directly with heavy themes like displacement and strict parental dynamics, making it a powerful choice for mature teens who need to see their own complicated family lives reflected with honesty and wit. Parents will appreciate the book's ability to normalize the turbulence of the immigrant experience and the universal desire for self-determination.