A downright funny book about a girl in middle school who moves to Newport Beach, CA from Iran by way of Compton. Her name is Zomorod, but in an effort to fit in better, she decides to go by Cindy. This book provides a unique glimpse into a very specific time in U.S. history: the late 1970s during the Iran hostage crisis.
That description probably makes this book sound random, but it's really a tight story. Through Cindy and her family, we get a look at a special kind of immigrant experience, one in which Cindy is expected to live a normal American life while knowing that her friends, her family, and the place she considers "home" are suffering indescribable injustices, fear, and turmoil. It's rare in a children's book, but Cindy's family is just not a typical, happy family. They are sad, and they become depressed. In the end, though, because it is a children's book after all, thanks to the kindness of friends and neighbors, everything turns out fine.
Now that description probably makes this book sound heavy and serious, but it's really such a fun read! Cindy is determined to make friends and have all-American experiences, despite her parents' lack of desire to assimilate themselves. She's smart and plucky and well-adjusted, and her energy is practically contagious.
This book offers so many relatable child-of-immigrant experiences, including having a name no one can pronounce, being your parents' translator, and having a family that doesn't openly communicate like the American families on TV. The details of life in the late 1970s might be new to young readers, but it was perfectly nostalgic for me, what with the passing mentions of Sears, cassettes, and pop culture references from my childhood.
Being an immigrant from Iran was bad enough because Cindy was frequently treated as an "other", but when the Iran hostage crisis happens, her life is upended. Now suddenly she is associated with the most hated country in America, and she is forced to face xenophobia head-on.
I was born in the 1970s, but growing up I knew nothing about Iran beyond hearing about "the Iran hostages" and associating Iran with Ayatollah Khomeini. This book provided an eye-opening lesson in U.S. history at a level appropriate for young readers. Most kids born and raised in America know about freedom of speech, but I can imagine some lines in this book could make a real impression on those who might not realize that not all countries enjoy such freedoms.
One small heads-up for parents who may want to know: There is a passing mention of "venereal disease" in the context of a classroom prank.
An excellent "window" book for today's middle grade readers, both entertaining and educational!
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