An Impossible Thing to Say

An Iranian American teenager discovers the power of the written word in Shahi’s emotionally vulnerable verse debut. In July 2001 Arizona, Omid awaits the arrival of Baba Joon and Maman Joon, his maternal grandparents who are emigrating from Iran to the U.S. and whom he’s never met. Upon their meeting, Baba Joon gives Omid a journal, hoping it may help Omid manage his tumultuous emotions. While finding the words for feelings surrounding his experiences navigating his identity, the Islamophobic bigotry he faces in the aftermath of 9/11, and his epic crush on a girl at his new prep school isn’t always easy, he discovers that writing in the journal helps him process. Inspired by a Shakespeare unit in his honors English class and the play he auditions for to get closer to his crush, Omid attempts to express himself using varying methods of writing that improve communication in everyday life. When his friend Sammy, who is Black, burns him a rap mix CD, the music unlocks a new medium through which Omid unearths his self-confidence. As Omid explores new facets of himself, his first-person narration develops into that of a self-assured protagonist whose voice leaps off the page; Shahi employs Shakespearean dialogue and original rap to kinetic effect. Ages 13–up. (Sept.)