Release: February 1, 2022
Format: Ebook
Publisher: HarperCollins
Source: Amazon
Find it at: Goodreads, Kindle
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This coming-of-age middle grade debut novel follows an Arab American girl named Yasmeen as she moves to San Antonio with her family and navigates finding friendship–and herself.
When twelve-year-old Yasmeen Khoury moves with her family to San Antonio, all she wants to do is fit in. But her classmates in Texas are nothing like her friends in the predominantly Arab neighborhood back in Detroit where she grew up. Almost immediately, Yasmeen feels like the odd girl out. And as she faces middle school mean girls and tries to make new friends, she feels more alone than ever before.
Then Yasmeen meets her neighbor, Ayelet Cohen, a first-generation Israeli American. As the two girls grow closer, Yasmeen is grateful to know someone who understands what it feels like when your parents’ idea of home is half a world away.
Then Yasmeen’s grandmother moves in after her home in Jerusalem is destroyed. Now Yasmeen and Ayelet must grapple with how much closer the events of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict are than they’d realized. Yasmeen begins to develop her own understandings of home, heritage, and most importantly, herself. Can the two girls learn there’s more that brings them together than might tear them apart . And that peace begins with them?
About the Author:
Jacquetta Nammar Feldman loves writing poetry and stories of all kinds. When she’s not curled up with a book or typing at her computer, she can be found hiking the beautiful hills of Austin, Texas. She earned her bachelor of science in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin, and she’s currently a candidate for a master of fine arts in Writing for Children and Young Adults at the Vermont College of Fine Arts.
Wishing Upon the Same Stars Review:
Firstly, I was captivated by the author’s portrayal of the complex emotions experienced by Yasmeen after her move to San Antonio. The author skillfully crafts scenes that depict Yasmeen’s internal struggle as she navigates a fractured friendship, the pressure to maintain a façade, and her yearning for acceptance in a diverse community. The novel effectively delves into themes of identity, assimilation, and the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst cultural differences, creating a seamless blend of these elements in a compelling middle-grade story.
Secondly, I found Yasmeen to be a remarkable protagonist. Her aspirations to bridge the gap between different cultures and languages resonated deeply with me. Throughout the book, she encounters bullying from the unpleasant Hallie and the Sapphires, experiences her first crush with Carlos, grapples with a complicated relationship with Waverly, and, most notably, forms a special bond with Ayelet.
Speaking of which, the author skillfully explores the multifaceted dynamics between Ayelet and Yasmeen. The author depicts the tensions arising from their families’ differences due to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict authentically. I admire the author’s adept handling of this subject matter, highlighting the notion that even parents can be fallible and that sometimes one must stand their ground to do what feels right.
Some of the most memorable moments in the story include witnessing the San Antonio Rodeo and Yasmeen’s discovery of her place in the Math Lab. Additionally, I also adored Sitti, who added depth and warmth to the narrative. Even Sarah was notable during the Spelling Bee scenes.
Overall, “Wishing Upon the Same Stars” is a beautiful middle-grade novel that exemplifies the importance of supporting and celebrating each other’s accomplishments, regardless of our diverse upbringings and backgrounds. This book truly enchanted me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
