Samira Surfs

Reach for this book when your child is facing a significant life upheaval or feels restricted by societal and family expectations. It is particularly powerful for children who are trying to find their footing in a new environment where they feel like outsiders. Samira Surfs follows a young Rohingya refugee living in Bangladesh who discovers a secret surf club. While her daily life is defined by the hardship of selling eggs to help her family survive, the ocean offers her a path toward agency and confidence. The free verse format makes the heavy themes of displacement and gender roles accessible for middle-grade readers. Parents will value how the story balances the harsh realities of the refugee experience with a soaring sense of personal triumph. It is a beautiful tool for teaching empathy, resilience, and the importance of finding a 'tribe' that supports your growth.