Here to Stay

Here to Stay was an exceptional novel. From the cover, I didn’t know if I’d enjoy it, but once I got into the second chapter, I was hooked! I finished it in a day and a half! As a Muslim, I can relate to some of the things in this book. When I read the news, I sometimes feel small and belittled because of the small-minded insults out there. One of the worst is “terrorists.” Just because you’re black or brown or from a certain country or religion doesn’t make you a terrorist. When 16-year-old Bijan scores the winning basket, suddenly his world changes before his eyes. People everywhere recognize him: his teammates, his friends, and just total strangers.

Some people aren’t as happy about Bijan’s big win.

When a photoshopped picture of Bijan in a terrorist outfit, holding a gun, goes around the school, Bijan wants to just forget about it. But the school faculty is horrified, and Bijan’s mother is very, very angry. Bijan realizes he has to stand up and be a voice for hundreds of other students just like him. What will he choose?

This is one of my favorite book review books so far. I give it five stars and more.