Out Of Nowhere

Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian, published in 2013, is a young adult novel that explores the intersections between culture and religion, as well as friendship and prejudice in a post-9/11 world. The narrative unfolds in the small town of Enniston, Maine, which struggles to redefine its identity amidst a surge of Somali refugees, who have been forced to leave their home country after it was severely impacted by war. The story centers on Tom Bouchard, captain of the local high school soccer team, popular among his peers, and third in his class. His life changes when four Somali refugees join his soccer team. The novel explores themes like Friendship Across Cultural Divides, Racism and Prejudice, and Cultural Diversity and Integration. From midcoastal Maine, author Maria Padian is the author of five novels for young adults. She is known for stories that interweave the everyday concerns of high school life with complex national and transnational issues. Awarded the 2014 Maine Literary Award and the 2014 Lupine Award, Out of Nowhere weaves together a multifaceted story about a significant part in the American timeline.