71 pages • 2 hours read
It Ain't So Awful, Falafel
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Southern California • 1970s
2016
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
Super Short Summary
In It Ain't So Awful, Falafel, Zomorod, an 11-year-old Iranian girl, moves with her family to Newport Beach, California, amidst the Iranian Revolution and ensuing hostage crisis. She navigates cultural dislocation, makes new friends, and faces discrimination, while her family struggles with the impact of the political upheaval on their lives.
Humorous
Nostalgic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
4,888 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas is a charming and insightful middle-grade novel that explores the immigrant experience through the eyes of a young Iranian girl in 1970s America. Critics appreciate its humor, relatability, and the author's ability to tackle complex themes such as cultural identity and political turmoil. However, some feel the narrative pacing could be improved. Overall, it is lauded for its warmth and educational value.
Who Should Read It Ain't So Awful, Falafel?
Readers who enjoy humorous, heartfelt coming-of-age stories with a cultural twist will love It Ain't So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas. Fans of Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhha Lai and Front Desk by Kelly Yang will find this tale of an Iranian girl adjusting to life in 1970s America relatable and engaging.
4,888 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
384
Novel • Fiction
Southern California • 1970s
2016
Middle grade
8-12 years
730L
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