diverse teen fiction (Iranian/Jordanian-American deals with cyber bullying, microaggressions and racism, with minor LGBTQAI interest, #ownvoices)
Well done writing brings Bijan's story to life, and many teens should be able to identify with him and his friends and learn from him regardless of their ethnic background. Recommended. ( )

This is a lot more than just a basketball book. But--hook them with the basketball, and they'll learn about homophobia, racism, bullying, and standing up for yourself and your friends. ( )

Funny and sharp, this would be a good readalike for The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Give it to your readers who are into basketball, social justice, or slice of life books. It deals with serious topics in a super accessible way, touching on racism, homophobia, classism, and bullying without feeling preachy: plus cute crush/romantic moments. ( )

*I WAS SENT A PHYSICAL COPY IN RETURN FOR AN HONEST REVIEW BY THE PUBLISHER. THIS DOES NOT AFFECT MY HONEST REVIEW*

Here to Stay really changed my perspective on my everyday school life, and even aspects in my public life. Sara Farizan has to be another new favorite author, as this book of hers has really opened my eyes.

Farizan brings the topic of Islamaphobia—and even regular racism mixed with prejudice—into the light, and she doesn't let that light shine off of it until the point was made clear.

And trust me, anyone who reads this book should get that point from the first few chapters alone.

Bijan is a character I felt for deeply. He's just trying to survive high school like the entire teenage population, and he also has his eyes set on the beautiful and ever-popular Elle. But everything changes when his face is photoshopped onto a terrorist's body.

Throughout the book, it's made apparent that this will not stand. And I used the points made to try and pick apart my everyday life at school. I tried to see if I was unaware of racism at my own school, and to my horror, I have been unaware of it.

A good example of one of the many ways schools are unaware of racism happens to be in a quote I tabbed while reading this.

"...the way all the books we read in English class describe people's food color using metaphors."

I couldn't help but make sure to NOT to forget this quote. This was an excellent point that was made, and it both saddened and angered me that I never noticed it before. I don't want my friends to be uncomfortable having to read state-issued textbooks with descriptions like these. It's rude, it's uncomfortable even for me, and it's disrespectful to anyone of color.

What I hope everyone gathers from this book just like I have, is to keep their eyes open and see what they're missing. To see what is happening under their noses without their realization. I want people to read this and think, "What can I do to help?" And not only that, but I also want people to think, "Do I have privilege? If so, how can I use that privilege to help strengthen the fight against racism?"

However, this book not only dealt with the topic of racism, but it also dealt with the topic of sexuality. Bijan was not the only victim in this book, as there was also a picture released of two lesbian characters that I absolutely felt for and wished nothing but happiness.

Do you ever feel that for characters? Wanting to jump in the book, give them all a hug and tell them everything would be okay. That you would stick with them well through the end? I wanted to do that for EVERY SINGLE CHARACTER in this book, and I wished so badly to make their pain end.

This book shocked me, and I absolutely loved everything about it. The characters were absolutely amazing, and they were well developed throughout the story. The plot was well thought out and perfectly executed. I loved this book, and I thank Sara Farizan for writing this.

My rating for Here to Stay is 5/5 stars. ( )

Bijan is shy and tough. He gets pulled from anonymity off the bench to lead his team to victory in a varsity playoff basketball game. Soon he finds himself on the team. When his crush is working on the cause to change the mascot from Gunners he joins is too. A photo is soon sent of him to the whole student body picturing him as a middle eastern terrorist. He tries to navigate staying focused on school and basketball while coping with racism and poor treatment from other students. He has a supportive family and network of people around him. But he wants his decision to get involved or not on his own terms. While there are some heavy subjects here, there are moments of humor, sports actions, and sweetness. It was a book that drew me in and I found myself anxious to finish. ( )