One Half from the East

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the weight of rigid expectations or feeling restricted by the social boxes they have been placed in. It is a profound choice for young readers who are questioning the fairness of traditional roles or navigating a move to a new, unfamiliar environment. The story follows Obayda, a girl in Afghanistan whose family decides to dress and raise her as a boy, a practice known as bacha posh, to bring the family good luck. This transition grants her newfound freedoms but also creates a complex internal conflict as she discovers the joy of independence while fearing the inevitable return to her life as a girl. Through Obayda's eyes, children explore themes of gender identity, cultural tradition, and the deep bonds of friendship. It is an empathetic, eye-opening read for middle grade children that fosters global awareness and self-reflection.