Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

At a time when we are all asking questions
about identity, grief, and how to stand up for what is right, this book by the
author of A Thousand Questions will hit home with young readers who love
Hena Khan and Varian Johnson—or anyone struggling to understand recent U.S.
history and how it still affects us today.  

Yusuf Azeem has spent all his life in the small town of Frey,
Texas—and nearly that long waiting for the chance to participate in the
regional robotics competition, which he just knows he can win.

Only, this year is going to be more difficult than he thought.
Because this year is the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an
anniversary that has everyone in his Muslim community on edge.

With “Never Forget” banners everywhere and a hostile group of
townspeople protesting the new mosque, Yusuf realizes that the country’s anger
from two decades ago hasn’t gone away. Can he hold onto his joy—and his
friendships—in the face of heartache and prejudice?