About This Book
Sara Farizan's 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' is a humorous and poignant young adult novel about Leila, an Iranian-American high school student who develops her first crush on a new female classmate, Saskia. The story beautifully explores Leila's internal struggle with her sexuality, her fear of disappointing her parents, and her journey toward self-acceptance. Praised by critics as a welcome addition to the coming-out/coming-of-age genre, this book offers an empowering romance and a relatable protagonist. It's an excellent choice for parents seeking stories that normalize LGBTQIA+ experiences, provide cultural representation, and encourage discussions about identity, friendship, and family expectations for teens aged 12-18.
When Leila develops a crush on a new female student she has to decide if her sexuality is something she wants to share with everyone else.
Concepts
Discussion Prompts
1
How does Leila's Iranian-American background influence her feelings about coming out? What unique challenges does she face?
2
Leila worries about disappointing her parents. How do family expectations, both cultural and personal, play a role in her journey?
3
Discuss the role of friendship in Leila's story. How do her trusted friends support her, and what does she learn about her classmates' own secrets?
4
What does the title 'Tell Me Again How a Crush Should Feel' suggest about Leila's experience? How does she learn to define her own feelings?
5
This book is described as 'empowering.' In what ways does Leila's story empower readers, especially those exploring their own identities?
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