Abdi Nor Iftin first fell in love with America from afar. As a child, he learned English by listening to American pop artists like Michael Jackson and watching films starring action heroes like Arnold Schwarzenegger. When U.S. marines landed in Mogadishu to take on the warlords, Abdi cheered the arrival of these real Americans, who seemed as heroic as those of the movies. Sporting American clothes and dance moves, he became known around Mogadishu...

"Sadiq is looking forward to being a drummer in the school band when he's old enough. When Hooyo shows Sadiq a family heirloom--a drum called a durbaan--Sadiq can't wait to show his mother's drum to his friends at school. His new friend Gabi, who's deaf, shares his love of drums. But then a mishap occurs with Hooyo's durbaan. How will Sadiq explain it to Hooyo, and can he make things right?"--Provided by the publisher.

When Sadiq and his friends form a theater club Sadiq, as director, thinks he must do everything until the director of his big sister Aliya's show tells him about delegating. Includes glossary, discussion questions, and writing prompts.

Sadiq's third grade class decides that they want a classroom pet, and their teacher, Ms. Battersby, is okay with the idea, so the students form a club to decide what kind of pet to get, and to research how to take care of it.

Eight-year-old Sadiq wants to try out for the youth football team like his friends, but his parents feel he is too young, and instead suggest that he take up running and join the track club--Sadiq feels that running is wimpy, but the coach convinces him that running races can be fun as well.

Even though it is summer Sadiq goes to religious school four days a week to study the Quran; he and his friends find their teacher, Mr. Kassim, strict and intimidating, but when Sadiq finds out that Mr. Kassim has a injured shoulder he decides to volunteer to help with the gardening--and he convinces his friends to volunteer as well.

"Sadiq wants to earn money to buy a birthday gift for Hooyo. A lemonade stand provides inspiration and, after some business advice, Sadiq, Zaza, and Manny start a cookie delivery business! Sadiq's brother and sister join in to help, but starting a business turns out to be tricky--and messy. With a sick baker, a cookie crash, and other baking boo-boos, will Sadiq's cookie biz be a bust? Somali American author Siman Nuurali offers another installment...

"Sadiq is eager to join the new school newspaper. He's a good writer, and he likes asking lots of questions! But when Katy, the student editor-in-chief, hands out reporting assignments, Sadiq doesn't agree with her idea of 'news.' Instead of reporting on important things happening at school, Katy seems intent on embarrassing people! Can Sadiq find the courage to speak up and replace the paper's gossip stories with real news? Somali American author...

Sadiq and his friends are starting a video game club at school and planning a tournament for the whole school to participate in, but their teacher reminds them that they also have to have a service pledge, and they are not really sure how video games fit in with the goal of helping others--until a visit to an assisted living home where his mother volunteers gives him an idea.

"Adapted for Young Adults". Adapted from the adult memoir, this gripping story follows one boy's journey into young adulthood and offers an intimate account of modern immigration. Abdi Nor Iftin grew up amidst a blend of cultures, far from the United States. At home in Somalia, his mother entertained him with vivid folktales and bold stories detailing her rural, nomadic upbrinding. As he grew older, he spent his days following his father, a basketball...