AustLit

'A young adult novel that shines a light on contemporary society. With unforgettable characters, this heartfelt novel explores cross-cultural friendships, difficult family relationships, racism and redemption.

'We all love someone. We all fear something. Sometimes they live right next door - or even closer.

'Kane will do everything he can to save his mother and his little brother Sam from the violence of his father, even if it means becoming a monster himself.

'Mrs Aslan will protect the boys no matter what - even though her own family is in pieces.

'Ada wants a family she can count on, while she faces new questions about herself.

'Mr Bailey is afraid of the refugees next door, but his worst fear will take another form.

'And Gugulethu is just trying to make a life away from terror.' (Publication summary)

'Muslim people in Australia come from over seventy countries and represent a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and experiences. Yet we are constantly bombarded by media stories feeding one negative stereotype. What is it really like to grow up Muslim in Australia? In this book, famous and not-so-famous Muslim-Australians tell their stories in their own voices.

'The migrant, the convert, the participant in an arranged marriage - these are all familiar images associated with Muslim people. But delve deeper and there are many other stories: the young female boxer entering the ring for her first professional bout; a ten year old boy who renounces religion; a young woman struggling to reconcile her sexual identity with her faith. These honest and heartfelt stories will resonate with all readers, providing different snapshots of Muslim life in Australia, dispelling myths and stereotypes, and above all celebrating diversity, achievement, courage and determination.' (Publisher's blurb)

'What happens when a Turkish girl discovers she's pregnant? What happens when the father is Greek?

'This culturally rich and engaging story takes the reader on a journey from the streets of Meadow Heights, Daylesford, to the cotton fields of Turkey, and is scattered with sunflower seeds, Turkish coffee, ignorant minds and loveable characters that are reluctant to change. Or are they?'

Source: Allen & Unwin website, http://www.allenandunwin.com/
Sighted: 15/09/2008