Description:

Kareem Between by Shifa Saltagi Safadi is a novel in verse about Kareem, a Syrian American boy navigating life between cultures, friendships, family expectations, and his own hopes for the future. As he adjusts to changes at school and in his community, Kareem works to understand where he belongs while finding his voice and embracing all parts of his identity. Through heartfelt poetry, the story explores themes of belonging, faith, friendship, family, resilience, and the experience of growing up between worlds.

Discussion Questions:

• What was it like reading a novel in verse?
• At the beginning of the book, Kareem fails to make the football team. Could you relate to that? Have you ever wanted something really bad, worked hard, and still failed at it?
• Was he a good friend to Fadi? What makes a good friend?
• What was something new you learned from the book or Kareem’s experiences? 

(Questions from The Youth Desk Book Club)