A parent might reach for this book when their child is navigating the profound sense of loss and isolation that comes with moving to a new place, especially after a traumatic event. It tells the story of Sami, a young refugee from Afghanistan, who is trying to heal alongside his grandfather. When their most precious family heirloom is stolen, Sami begins a clever quest of eleven trades to buy it back. This journey gently explores deep themes of grief, resilience, and cultural identity, showing how community and kindness can help rebuild a sense of home and belonging. It’s an empowering story for any child who feels like an outsider.
A character makes an insensitive comment about Sami being a 'terrorist', which is addressed.
Character DeathModerate
The past death of the protagonist's father is a central part of his trauma and is often referenced.
Sensitive Topics
The book deals directly with the trauma of being a refugee, including memories of war, bombings, and the loss of a parent. These are presented through Sami's PTSD-like flashbacks and nightmares. The approach is secular. The resolution is hopeful, emphasizing the power of community and kindness in healing. Grief over his father's death is a constant, quiet undercurrent.
Ideal Reader
A child aged 9-12 who has experienced a significant move, loss, or feels like an outsider. This is particularly resonant for immigrant or refugee children, but also for any child struggling to find their place, make friends, or cope with grief while trying to appear strong.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared to discuss the refugee experience, PTSD, and grief. The flashbacks to violence in Afghanistan are brief but intense (e.g., pages 7, 60, 169). They describe explosions and fear. It would be helpful to preview these scenes and provide context about why people must sometimes leave their homes. A parent notices their child seems withdrawn, sad, or lonely after a move or family loss. The child might express feeling different or say things like "no one understands" or "I miss my old home." The parent is looking for a story that models resilience and finding community.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will likely focus on the exciting "trading up" plot, enjoying the challenge of Sami's quest. An older reader (10-12) will connect more deeply with the emotional layers: Sami's grief, his survivor's guilt, the nuances of cultural adjustment, and the power of community support.
What Makes It Special
Many books about refugees focus on the journey or the trauma. This book's unique angle is its focus on the aftermath and the proactive, child-led quest for healing. The trading plot provides a concrete, empowering structure for a story about intangible emotional recovery, making themes of resilience and community building very accessible.
Read plot summary
Sami, a young Afghan refugee in the US, is haunted by memories of the home he fled. His grandfather's rebab, a priceless family heirloom and a link to his past, is stolen. Sami finds it in a pawn shop but cannot afford it. Inspired by a story, he embarks on a quest to make eleven trades, starting with a single plastic soldier, to raise the money. Along the way, he navigates his new community, makes unexpected friends, and begins to heal from his trauma.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Sami feels he has to be the 'man of the family' for his grandfather. Why do you think he puts this pressure on himself? Have you ever felt you had to be strong for someone else?
2
When a boy at school calls Sami a mean name, another classmate, Dan, stands up for him. What makes Dan's action so important in that moment? Was it easy or hard for Dan to do that?
3
The rebab is more than just an instrument to Sami and his grandfather. What does it represent to them? Think about an object that is special to your family. What memories does it hold?
4
Sami's eleven trades connect him to many different people in his community. Which trade was your favorite, and why? How did that person help Sami with more than just the trade?
