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Samira's Worst Best Summer: A Humorous Tween Mystery About Friendship, Belonging, and Muslim Kids
From the author of Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year, this tween novel centers the experiences of an Indian American Muslim girl who fears that she’s going to have the worst summer ever, but finds a new sense of community. Filled with irreverent humor and lots of heart, and perfect for fans of Hena Khan and Karina Yan Glaser.
Samira has always been best friends with Kiera. But these days, Kiera would rather hang out with the cool girls, leaving Sammy to play with Imran, her little brother, who is on the autism spectrum. Then out of nowhere, Sammy’s house gets TP’d. Could Kiera be behind the prank? Or maybe it’s because they’re the only Muslim family on the street?
Sammy and her Umma try to convince Imran, who is upset that their house was targeted, that they weren’t being singled out. Their solution—asking a neighbor to TP their own house—works a little too well, and Sammy is left cleaning up soggy toilet paper after a surprise storm. It’s there that she meets new girl Alice. Alice wants to figure out who was responsible for the original TP’ing, and she wants Sammy to help her.
Suddenly, Sammy’s “boring” summer is full of clue-finding hunts, dinner parties, garage band practices, and getting to know her neighbors (and neighborhood) like never before. And when Kiera starts stealing Alice away, Sammy must decide whether she can continue on without a best friend or if she wants to stand up for her new pal. One thing is certain: this summer is either going to be the worst (or maybe the best) of Sammy’s life.
Samira has always been best friends with Kiera. But these days, Kiera would rather hang out with the cool girls, leaving Sammy to play with Imran, her little brother, who is on the autism spectrum. Then out of nowhere, Sammy’s house gets TP’d. Could Kiera be behind the prank? Or maybe it’s because they’re the only Muslim family on the street?
Sammy and her Umma try to convince Imran, who is upset that their house was targeted, that they weren’t being singled out. Their solution—asking a neighbor to TP their own house—works a little too well, and Sammy is left cleaning up soggy toilet paper after a surprise storm. It’s there that she meets new girl Alice. Alice wants to figure out who was responsible for the original TP’ing, and she wants Sammy to help her.
Suddenly, Sammy’s “boring” summer is full of clue-finding hunts, dinner parties, garage band practices, and getting to know her neighbors (and neighborhood) like never before. And when Kiera starts stealing Alice away, Sammy must decide whether she can continue on without a best friend or if she wants to stand up for her new pal. One thing is certain: this summer is either going to be the worst (or maybe the best) of Sammy’s life.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published May 14, 2024
9 people are currently reading
2490 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
June 3, 2024
This cover!! And the story on the inside matches the outside. CW: gaslighting, bullying
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts to keep up with 2024 middle grade releases. Although it wasn't high on my radar, I'm glad that I decided to pick it up. The story follows main character Sammy as she attempts to move on from a friendship break up. When she meets a new girl in the neighborhood (after an unfortunate TP incident), Sammy thinks that she has the chance to start over. Unfortunately, her ex best-friend comes back into the picture with the intention to steal Sammy's new friend away and Sammy must find the courage to stand up for herself and her new friend.
What Worked:I'm familiar with Nin Hamza through Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year; however, this is the first book that I've read from her. It was beautifully done and wonderfully written. Not only did Hamza do a great job with the character development, but she also perfectly captured what it's like to go through a friendship break during middle school. Kiera is HORRIBLE. This wasn't a friendship break up that just happened because they grew apart. Kiera was intentionally horrible to Sammy and gaslight her to the high heavens. Some people may feel like this is too much for a middle grade book, but I think it's a great way for this age group to begin to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships. Sammy knew that a lot of things Kiera was doing was wrong, but she had to build up the courage to defend herself and Alice. Additionally, if you're looking for a middle grade book that does a wonderful job developing secondary characters, look no further than this book. The side characters were AMAZING. I absolutely loved Imran. He's Sammy's brother and helps Sammy (whether intentional or not) learn a lot about herself and the way that she treats/interacts with people. He's on the spectrum and I think that Hamza handled his character development with grace and care. And there's Umma. She has got to be the closest thing that I've read to a perfect grandmother. She's caring, fun, charming and such a great support system for Sammy.
Overall, this was a fun read. It definitely is the definition of love, friendship, and community. Now that I've read this one, I definitely need to go back and read more from Hamza.
Samira's Worst Best Summer is yet another one of my attempts to keep up with 2024 middle grade releases. Although it wasn't high on my radar, I'm glad that I decided to pick it up. The story follows main character Sammy as she attempts to move on from a friendship break up. When she meets a new girl in the neighborhood (after an unfortunate TP incident), Sammy thinks that she has the chance to start over. Unfortunately, her ex best-friend comes back into the picture with the intention to steal Sammy's new friend away and Sammy must find the courage to stand up for herself and her new friend.
What Worked:I'm familiar with Nin Hamza through Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year; however, this is the first book that I've read from her. It was beautifully done and wonderfully written. Not only did Hamza do a great job with the character development, but she also perfectly captured what it's like to go through a friendship break during middle school. Kiera is HORRIBLE. This wasn't a friendship break up that just happened because they grew apart. Kiera was intentionally horrible to Sammy and gaslight her to the high heavens. Some people may feel like this is too much for a middle grade book, but I think it's a great way for this age group to begin to recognize the signs of unhealthy relationships. Sammy knew that a lot of things Kiera was doing was wrong, but she had to build up the courage to defend herself and Alice. Additionally, if you're looking for a middle grade book that does a wonderful job developing secondary characters, look no further than this book. The side characters were AMAZING. I absolutely loved Imran. He's Sammy's brother and helps Sammy (whether intentional or not) learn a lot about herself and the way that she treats/interacts with people. He's on the spectrum and I think that Hamza handled his character development with grace and care. And there's Umma. She has got to be the closest thing that I've read to a perfect grandmother. She's caring, fun, charming and such a great support system for Sammy.
Overall, this was a fun read. It definitely is the definition of love, friendship, and community. Now that I've read this one, I definitely need to go back and read more from Hamza.
September 28, 2024
I love the cover. The writing is okay. The plot seems familiar. Love the representation. I find the trying to fit in kind of struggles and finding real friends in the story quite realistic.
Will be good for beginners and younger middle grade audience.
Will be good for beginners and younger middle grade audience.
December 19, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy of this title; this is a review of an uncorrected e-proof.
3.5 stars, why aren't there more book about Indian Americans? Thankfully we have authors like Nina Hamza who are telling their stories.
This is not a story about a recent immigrant family; it is a story of Samira/Sammy who is experiencing the highs and lows of tween friendship. For years, she was friends with Kiera. Worse than growing apart; Kiera gaslights and bullies Samira/Sammy. Then Alice moves in. Alice is all the things Samira/Sammy is not. She is outspoken and outgoing; she has a YouTube channel with hair and make-up tutorials. Could Alice be the friend Samira wants and needs? Or will she too choose Kiera over Samira/Sammy? With a friend like Kiera, who need enemies?
Fans of middle school friendship stories or anyone looking for a story about a family who is living their Indian customs, this is for you.
3.5 stars, why aren't there more book about Indian Americans? Thankfully we have authors like Nina Hamza who are telling their stories.
This is not a story about a recent immigrant family; it is a story of Samira/Sammy who is experiencing the highs and lows of tween friendship. For years, she was friends with Kiera. Worse than growing apart; Kiera gaslights and bullies Samira/Sammy. Then Alice moves in. Alice is all the things Samira/Sammy is not. She is outspoken and outgoing; she has a YouTube channel with hair and make-up tutorials. Could Alice be the friend Samira wants and needs? Or will she too choose Kiera over Samira/Sammy? With a friend like Kiera, who need enemies?
Fans of middle school friendship stories or anyone looking for a story about a family who is living their Indian customs, this is for you.
April 17, 2024
Look, how can you NOT judge a book by this cover? It is gorgeous! Middle Grade books always get the most beautiful covers (or maybe it’s that I have the aesthetic of a tween girl). The characters are just as engaging and stunning as the cover. I loved Samira as well as her whole family, especially Umma!
This book focuses on mean girls and bullying, and I do feel like some of the toxic friendships in this book are realistic to how girls so often treat one another. It also touches on Islamophobia in the US in a way that is not only very realistic but also very accessible to young readers. The grocery store scene - this book is probably reading just for that one scene. I loved it!
There were a few components of this book that kept me from really connecting with the story. I felt that the chapters were a little choppy, and the overall story could have been edited down to a much shorter book. Not only would that make the writing more concise, but the book would be more palatable to young readers. I think some of the characters and scenes could have been condensed as well.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book that I will be adding to the elementary library!
This book focuses on mean girls and bullying, and I do feel like some of the toxic friendships in this book are realistic to how girls so often treat one another. It also touches on Islamophobia in the US in a way that is not only very realistic but also very accessible to young readers. The grocery store scene - this book is probably reading just for that one scene. I loved it!
There were a few components of this book that kept me from really connecting with the story. I felt that the chapters were a little choppy, and the overall story could have been edited down to a much shorter book. Not only would that make the writing more concise, but the book would be more palatable to young readers. I think some of the characters and scenes could have been condensed as well.
Overall, this was an enjoyable book that I will be adding to the elementary library!
June 4, 2024
The first 15% of this 336 page book were rough, the internalized Islamophobia/othering, the excessive discussion of Halloween and being toilet papered, but then I don't know, something suddenly changed, and I was hooked. There really is no plot, the reader just spends the summer with Samira, the highs the lows, you see it all through her tween eyes, which worked great for me because I truly loved her voice. Her dry witty humor, the short choppy chapters, once the forced Islamic rep faded (I know, the irony is not lost on me), the book was hard to put down. It has Muslamic flags: music is a HUGE part of the book, there is lying, mention of beer, parties with boys, Halloween, dancing, bullying, racism, ageism, Islamophobia, stereotypes, but it also has a lot of heart, finding yourself and voice, amazing sibling support, community, a super grandma, a little brother who is on the spectrum and absolutely a star who holds his own. It is very idyllic even for middle grade, but I think if you are ok with the aforementioned flags and have a middle grader trying to find their place or has had some friend trouble, this book will resonate and be well loved.
SYNOPSIS:
Sam/Sammy/Samira is wrapping up a school year that did not go as planned even though she found she loved being a photographer for the yearbook. She had a huge falling out with her best friend Keira, and she cannot wait for a summer of never leaving her room. Her parents and older sister are heading to India, leaving her with her little brother Imran, and Umma, their Grandma who came from India to watch them. The end of school culminates with the yearbooks being delayed, her house being toilet papered, the talent show performance that she quit- being completely changed and incredibly racist, Keira spreading lies, and a new girl moving in to the neighborhood. It is a lot for Samira, and summer is just getting started. Umma knows the whole neighborhood before the week is out, and starts building a community that rallies around the three of them. Samira becomes a roadie for a band, Imran gets an old artist to teach him to paint, parties are planned, voices are found, friendships are established, and videos are made celebrating the success and obstacles of it all. Every time they call the rest of the family in India, even the reader realizes just how much they all have grown.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I just love Samira, she is relatable, funny, and you just cheer for her. I wish her lens though was Islamic. She doesn't wear a swimsuit because she misread the dress code, but had no Islamic perspective hesitation of going to a swimming party with boys. She gets blamed for sneaking beer to a gathering and it says she doesn't drink, but doesn't stress, that it would be a huge, huge deal Islamically, not just because she is underage. Music and dancing aren't even blips on the radar. Umma prays, Sammy finds it annoying that her prayers seem to take longer when Sammy is waiting for her. Once it mentions that Sammy was told to pray, but it never shows her praying. Islam seems very forced, just enough for the character to mention Islamophobia in other instances where the label creates stress for the family.
The character development of Imran and Umma, even though they don't change at all, has depth and grounds the story. I read a digital copy that doesn't have any backmatter, but I do hope that the autistic rep is accurate. Imran's perspective and heart are so engaging and his and Samira's relationship is very tender. There is no pity, or looking down, he legit is fully fleshed out and awesome. Umma is incredible too, her magic network of getting things done really is a super power. She connects with people, has a huge heart, and picks her battles. I wish I could take an internship from Umma.
I can't figure out if the resolution to the "climax" is intentionally understated because Samira has moved on and grown, and having a big explosion doesn't fit her character, or if it was just not written strong enough. That is why I put climax in quotations, because there really isn't a lead up, or rising action, it is a progression, but it is like the rest of the smaller ups and downs, it is just a stress of the day-to-day living of the protagonist. The other thread of the "climax" being Alice's grandma coming home from the hospital, really just seemed weak. She should have come to the party in her wheelchair, I really didn't get why it centered the party for being for her, but then let her leave.
I like that Keira wasn't given redeeming qualities, and her treatment of Samira was never justified. Often the bullies are shown to have hard lives, which is fine, but sometimes they are just mean. Samira really takes the high road in handling Keira and what she wants their interactions to look like in the future, which is much better messaging than most books about bullies contain, and I really appreciate that.
SYNOPSIS:
Sam/Sammy/Samira is wrapping up a school year that did not go as planned even though she found she loved being a photographer for the yearbook. She had a huge falling out with her best friend Keira, and she cannot wait for a summer of never leaving her room. Her parents and older sister are heading to India, leaving her with her little brother Imran, and Umma, their Grandma who came from India to watch them. The end of school culminates with the yearbooks being delayed, her house being toilet papered, the talent show performance that she quit- being completely changed and incredibly racist, Keira spreading lies, and a new girl moving in to the neighborhood. It is a lot for Samira, and summer is just getting started. Umma knows the whole neighborhood before the week is out, and starts building a community that rallies around the three of them. Samira becomes a roadie for a band, Imran gets an old artist to teach him to paint, parties are planned, voices are found, friendships are established, and videos are made celebrating the success and obstacles of it all. Every time they call the rest of the family in India, even the reader realizes just how much they all have grown.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I just love Samira, she is relatable, funny, and you just cheer for her. I wish her lens though was Islamic. She doesn't wear a swimsuit because she misread the dress code, but had no Islamic perspective hesitation of going to a swimming party with boys. She gets blamed for sneaking beer to a gathering and it says she doesn't drink, but doesn't stress, that it would be a huge, huge deal Islamically, not just because she is underage. Music and dancing aren't even blips on the radar. Umma prays, Sammy finds it annoying that her prayers seem to take longer when Sammy is waiting for her. Once it mentions that Sammy was told to pray, but it never shows her praying. Islam seems very forced, just enough for the character to mention Islamophobia in other instances where the label creates stress for the family.
The character development of Imran and Umma, even though they don't change at all, has depth and grounds the story. I read a digital copy that doesn't have any backmatter, but I do hope that the autistic rep is accurate. Imran's perspective and heart are so engaging and his and Samira's relationship is very tender. There is no pity, or looking down, he legit is fully fleshed out and awesome. Umma is incredible too, her magic network of getting things done really is a super power. She connects with people, has a huge heart, and picks her battles. I wish I could take an internship from Umma.
I can't figure out if the resolution to the "climax" is intentionally understated because Samira has moved on and grown, and having a big explosion doesn't fit her character, or if it was just not written strong enough. That is why I put climax in quotations, because there really isn't a lead up, or rising action, it is a progression, but it is like the rest of the smaller ups and downs, it is just a stress of the day-to-day living of the protagonist. The other thread of the "climax" being Alice's grandma coming home from the hospital, really just seemed weak. She should have come to the party in her wheelchair, I really didn't get why it centered the party for being for her, but then let her leave.
I like that Keira wasn't given redeeming qualities, and her treatment of Samira was never justified. Often the bullies are shown to have hard lives, which is fine, but sometimes they are just mean. Samira really takes the high road in handling Keira and what she wants their interactions to look like in the future, which is much better messaging than most books about bullies contain, and I really appreciate that.
July 6, 2024
Samira's Summer is not what she expected. Her best friend is bullying her and Samira wants to sulk and hide all Summer in her room but there is always something to be done.
Her parents and older sister leave for India to attend a wedding and Samira stays home with her grandmother and younger brother.
Samira gets distracted with the making of a video for a competition. She must record what My Home, My Community, and My World mean to her. It's not an easy task.
I love that the author solves Samira's troubles by subtly giving us the three stages of the videos. We are already embarking on a journey of her culture, home, community, and world with Samira's daily life.
We learn more about her family, (autism spectrum representation), her neighbors, and how her best friend turned into a terrible person.
But Samira makes new friends too.
The novel balances well humor, and the author's style relies on subtlety. Because we are experiencing this through Samira's eyes (a middle child) we get her voice and it's awesome.
The bullying scenes will infuriate us (especially the one in the supermarket) and also make us keep reading to see how and when Samira realizes that there are other things she should be focused on and respect, instead of letting someone else hurt her and make her ashamed of her culture.
Great and valuable lesson: staying in and hiding doesn't solve anything. We should try more things and make more mistakes to enjoy life. The prejudice is relatable to other cultures not only Samira's.
Amazing cover.
Thank you publisher for the copy.
Her parents and older sister leave for India to attend a wedding and Samira stays home with her grandmother and younger brother.
Samira gets distracted with the making of a video for a competition. She must record what My Home, My Community, and My World mean to her. It's not an easy task.
I love that the author solves Samira's troubles by subtly giving us the three stages of the videos. We are already embarking on a journey of her culture, home, community, and world with Samira's daily life.
We learn more about her family, (autism spectrum representation), her neighbors, and how her best friend turned into a terrible person.
But Samira makes new friends too.
The novel balances well humor, and the author's style relies on subtlety. Because we are experiencing this through Samira's eyes (a middle child) we get her voice and it's awesome.
The bullying scenes will infuriate us (especially the one in the supermarket) and also make us keep reading to see how and when Samira realizes that there are other things she should be focused on and respect, instead of letting someone else hurt her and make her ashamed of her culture.
Great and valuable lesson: staying in and hiding doesn't solve anything. We should try more things and make more mistakes to enjoy life. The prejudice is relatable to other cultures not only Samira's.
Amazing cover.
Thank you publisher for the copy.
August 22, 2024
This book is a great example as to why I love middle grade novels! It had a lot of heart and feeling, and overall was such an enjoyable read! I cared so much about Samira and following her journey of kind of socially awkward, more of a follower than a leader to a confident and outgoing tween was great! I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a book about friendship drama, realistic fiction, or a story that takes place in the summer time.
July 20, 2024
What a wonderful middle-grade book about changing friendships and finding home/community! Samira wants a nice, quiet summer while her parents and older sister are out of the country. Her grandmother, Umma, and her younger brother Imran will be with her. She had plans to fully introvert out after struggling all year with losing a best friend Kiera (who is a Mean Girl, gaslighting her, and possibly behind a cruel prank of TPing Samira's house). However, her summer had other plans.
Samira is a wonderfully relatable protagonist-- people-pleaser, introverted, but also courageous and learns how to stand up for herself and others. Having taught 7th graders, I felt like she was very realistically written and I am so happy to see this type of representation in middle grade books. I particularly loved the thoughtful portrayal of Imran and his autism in this story-- it made me tear up thinking about my own sibling and students I've taught.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and noted some things that could use some editing and the ending felt a little unfinished (did Kiera actually receive any consequences for her terrible actions?) so I'm excited to order a copy for myself and my classroom. The heart of this story is great and I really enjoyed reading this.
Samira is a wonderfully relatable protagonist-- people-pleaser, introverted, but also courageous and learns how to stand up for herself and others. Having taught 7th graders, I felt like she was very realistically written and I am so happy to see this type of representation in middle grade books. I particularly loved the thoughtful portrayal of Imran and his autism in this story-- it made me tear up thinking about my own sibling and students I've taught.
I received an ARC from Netgalley and noted some things that could use some editing and the ending felt a little unfinished (did Kiera actually receive any consequences for her terrible actions?) so I'm excited to order a copy for myself and my classroom. The heart of this story is great and I really enjoyed reading this.
August 24, 2024
Samira's summer hasn't gone at all like she thought. She was hoping for a quiet two weeks at home, with her grandmother and younger brother, while her parents and older sister travel to India for a wedding. Instead she finds herself trying to solve the mystery of who toilet papered her house, accidentally becoming a roadie for a garage band, and maybe, reluctantly, becoming friends with a new girl in her neighborhood. Samira finds herself in one uncomfortable situation after another, but those situations help her discover what is important to her and learn how to stand up for herself. Readers will appreciate the tight bonds Samira shares with her Indian American family and will be touched by her relationship with her grandmother, as well as with her little brother, who is autistic. Hamza accurately portrays the complicated ways friendships can change as people age, and the pain a person feels when a formerly best friend turns out not to be a friend at all. The emotions Samira experiences in this novel are raw and real, but the story is relatively gentle. Hand to readers who want to feel connected with a story but don't want to experience, even vicariously, a major trauma.
Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
January 9, 2025
Samira's summer hasn't gone at all like she thought. She was hoping for a quiet two weeks at home, with her grandmother and younger brother, while her parents and older sister travel to India for a wedding. Instead she finds herself trying to solve the mystery of who toilet papered her house, accidentally becoming a roadie for a garage band, and maybe, reluctantly, becoming friends with a new girl in her neighborhood. Samira finds herself in one uncomfortable situation after another, but those situations help her discover what is important to her and learn how to stand up for herself.
Readers will appreciate the tight bonds Samira shares with her Indian American family and will be touched by her relationship with her grandmother, as well as with her little brother, who is autistic. Hamza accurately portrays the complicated ways friendships can change as people age, and the pain a person feels when a formerly best friend turns out not to be a friend at all. The emotions Samira experiences in this novel are raw and real, but the story is relatively gentle. Hand to readers who want to feel connected with a story but don't want to experience, even vicariously, a major trauma.
Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
K.M.
School Librarian
Readers will appreciate the tight bonds Samira shares with her Indian American family and will be touched by her relationship with her grandmother, as well as with her little brother, who is autistic. Hamza accurately portrays the complicated ways friendships can change as people age, and the pain a person feels when a formerly best friend turns out not to be a friend at all. The emotions Samira experiences in this novel are raw and real, but the story is relatively gentle. Hand to readers who want to feel connected with a story but don't want to experience, even vicariously, a major trauma.
Recommended for readers in grades 4-7.
K.M.
School Librarian
February 11, 2024
What a wonderful and fun read!
Samara is a delightful character in more ways than one! You will instantly love her and then want to shake her until she had some sense.
One of the scenes made me really mad! Well....a couple did.
How can people be so cruel? I just don't understand.
I loved every minute of this cute read.
One if my very favorite things of course is the 1st person pov. I can relate to Samira a lot. In fact, I still can. I tend to overthink things just like this sweet girl does.
Her brother is pretty cool too. He has Autism. I kept wondering why he didn't really understand things but as I read on I finally understood. He's a great kid in getting to know.
My favorite person was Uuma (mom). She made me giggle sometimes and she's very wise. I loved how she handled certain things and people.
I'm giving this one 5 stars. I highly recommend. I love stories like this because sometimes they remind me of my own family before they passed away and my growing up years.
Thank you for another wonderful story Netgalley. I really loved this one.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Samara is a delightful character in more ways than one! You will instantly love her and then want to shake her until she had some sense.
One of the scenes made me really mad! Well....a couple did.
How can people be so cruel? I just don't understand.
I loved every minute of this cute read.
One if my very favorite things of course is the 1st person pov. I can relate to Samira a lot. In fact, I still can. I tend to overthink things just like this sweet girl does.
Her brother is pretty cool too. He has Autism. I kept wondering why he didn't really understand things but as I read on I finally understood. He's a great kid in getting to know.
My favorite person was Uuma (mom). She made me giggle sometimes and she's very wise. I loved how she handled certain things and people.
I'm giving this one 5 stars. I highly recommend. I love stories like this because sometimes they remind me of my own family before they passed away and my growing up years.
Thank you for another wonderful story Netgalley. I really loved this one.
I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 16, 2024
What a pleasant surprise! I wasn't expecting a YA audio book. This one was an adventure, a mystery, and friendship, with a great ending.
Imagine having your summer all planned out; books, videos, and alone time. Now add a gregarious Umma (grandmother) who is watching you and your little brother for two weeks while your parents and big sister go to visit family in India. So much for well-laid plans.
Day one includes Samira (Sammy) finding their tree TP’d, day two entails cleaning their neighbor’s porch of soggy toilet paper after a surprise storm with the help of Sammy’s little brother Imran and new neighbor Alice. Meanwhile, Umma (Grandma) makes friends throughout the neighborhood. What else could go wrong? Could Kiera, Sammy's former best friend and current nemesis, be the culprit? Alice and Sammy investigate.
This charming, fun and yummy food filled story takes on bullying, friendship, family, and so much more. All ages should listen to this one. The narrator's accents and intonation bring the story alive for your ears!
For more on the wonderful audio performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
Imagine having your summer all planned out; books, videos, and alone time. Now add a gregarious Umma (grandmother) who is watching you and your little brother for two weeks while your parents and big sister go to visit family in India. So much for well-laid plans.
Day one includes Samira (Sammy) finding their tree TP’d, day two entails cleaning their neighbor’s porch of soggy toilet paper after a surprise storm with the help of Sammy’s little brother Imran and new neighbor Alice. Meanwhile, Umma (Grandma) makes friends throughout the neighborhood. What else could go wrong? Could Kiera, Sammy's former best friend and current nemesis, be the culprit? Alice and Sammy investigate.
This charming, fun and yummy food filled story takes on bullying, friendship, family, and so much more. All ages should listen to this one. The narrator's accents and intonation bring the story alive for your ears!
For more on the wonderful audio performance, see AudioFile Magazine http://www.audiofilemagazine.com
February 1, 2024
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Samirah's mother, father, and college bound sister are going to India, and she is staying behind with her autistic brother Imran to be looked after by her Umma. While Sammy would normally enjoy hanging out at home, she is at odds with her longtime best friend Kiera, who not only ditched Sammy at Build a Bear, but may be responsible for the toilet papering of Sammy's house. After convincing a neighbor to stage the toilet papering of her own home to allay Umma's fears that their family was targeted, Sammy gets drawn into an adventurous summer with Alice.
I'm a huge fan of summer vacation stories, like Wientge's Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes, Greenwald's Welcome to Dog Beach, Schroeder's See You on a Starry Night and Hurwitz's The Summer I Saved the World-- in 65 days, and there are surprisingly few middle grade ones that are not set within a school year. I liked the characters (especially Umma), and know that the friendship drama will make this one popular with tween readers.
Samirah's mother, father, and college bound sister are going to India, and she is staying behind with her autistic brother Imran to be looked after by her Umma. While Sammy would normally enjoy hanging out at home, she is at odds with her longtime best friend Kiera, who not only ditched Sammy at Build a Bear, but may be responsible for the toilet papering of Sammy's house. After convincing a neighbor to stage the toilet papering of her own home to allay Umma's fears that their family was targeted, Sammy gets drawn into an adventurous summer with Alice.
I'm a huge fan of summer vacation stories, like Wientge's Best Friends, Bikinis, and Other Summer Catastrophes, Greenwald's Welcome to Dog Beach, Schroeder's See You on a Starry Night and Hurwitz's The Summer I Saved the World-- in 65 days, and there are surprisingly few middle grade ones that are not set within a school year. I liked the characters (especially Umma), and know that the friendship drama will make this one popular with tween readers.
April 12, 2024
This is a charming but also stressful middle grade novel about a summer that tween Samira spends at home while her parents and older sister are in India for a wedding. Samira is home with her grandmother and younger brother, who is autistic. She's hoping she can hide in her room all summer, but several things thwart those plans: her house gets toilet papered and she suspects it's her ex-best friend, a new girl her age moves in nearby, her brother joins a band, her grandmother makes friends with all the neighbors and even a nice guy at the grocery store, and Samira plans to enter a film contest at her art teacher's encouragement.
What made this so stressful is the manipulative, gaslighting best friend. I have had 'friends' like that, and it's very stressful for me to read about! But also relatable.
What made this so stressful is the manipulative, gaslighting best friend. I have had 'friends' like that, and it's very stressful for me to read about! But also relatable.
June 24, 2024
A sweet look at families, changing friendships, the power of communication and the desire to "fit in." Samira has a "perfect" older sister, a younger brother on the autism spectrum, loving parents, and a wonderful Indian grandmother. But she doesn't feel like she fits in anywhere. She is an introvert, has social anxiety, and has "broken up" with her former best - and only - friend. As her parents and older sister travel to India for a wedding, Samira, her grandmother, and brother prepare for a low-key summer, which opens Samira's eyes to friendship, the meaning of community, and ways she can express herself. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
Note: there are a lot of mentions of menstruation throughout the book.
Note: there are a lot of mentions of menstruation throughout the book.
May 13, 2025
Samira is looking forward to a quiet summer after enduring some bullying from her ex-best-friend but when things spiral out of control, she thinks her summer will be ruined. Her parents and older sister out of town and her extroverted grandmother is taking care of her and her younger brother, a new neighbor her age moves in, and someone in the neighborhood is pulling nasty pranks like toilet-papering and egging. Just when she thinks it can't get any worse, her friends and family come through and show her that you can go from worst to best in no time at all.
Super cute middle grade book about a Muslim Indian-American girl going through family and school stuff as she transitions to middle school.
Super cute middle grade book about a Muslim Indian-American girl going through family and school stuff as she transitions to middle school.
September 11, 2025
Aaaah! Incredibly hard to read in places, incredibly sweet and empowering in others. There is just so much unkindness in here, and that's the point -- microaggressions, betrayed friendships, racism and lies and moments of impatience that turn sorrow on the people you love most. It's all in here. But also community coming together, and teachers who believe in you and siblings who get you and really great new friends and elders who just don't take any bs from anyone in the politest way possible. Love how much Imran's personality brings to the mix. Love Umma (how could you not?). Love that Samira learns to stick up for herself and ditch toxic friends. Love that there's a lot about amazing food and art throughout. It's an easy read that just flows from one weird summer moment to the next.
January 30, 2024
Samira’s parents & older sister are going to India for the summer, while she and her brother, Imran are being watched by their Umma(grandmother). Samira thinks her summer is going to be the worst summer.. She really doesn’t have any friends since her best friend Keira wants nothing to do with her. She woke up the first day & her house had be teepeed. Then Alice moves in and maybe summer won’t be so bad after all. Then Keira tries to steal Alice away from Samira. Follow the ups and downs of the summer with Samira, Imran & Umma.
I found this an enjoyable book and a quick read. I wanted to see what would happen next. I can’t wait to share this book with others. It’s a must read!
I found this an enjoyable book and a quick read. I wanted to see what would happen next. I can’t wait to share this book with others. It’s a must read!
May 19, 2024
ALL the emotions! Each chapter (with great headings, by the way) brought a ton of emotions, like squirming with embarrassment, gut-wrenching sadness/anger from toxic friendships, and the immobilizing shyness of the introvert. AND there was so much more — a mystery in the neighborhood, labels and stereotypes that new immigrants have to deal with, and Samira’s own family dynamics. This isn’t a spoiler but this story of a middle-schooler’s worst-best 2-weeks of summer was really a perfect project of “home, community, world” — and just shows how kid lit can be for all age groups and all times. Sometimes adults really need a strong reminder of what it means to live a good, responsible life and embrace ourselves as well as others. Highly recommend this book!
June 15, 2024
I don't read a lot of middle grade books but this made me remember why I should! Samira's character is deep, funny, flawed and thoroughly relatable. Her inner voice and sharp wit are a great reminder of how hard life can be to navigate - and how vastly different our impressions of ourselves can be to those that others have of us.
This book has a great message for anyone of any age - life's hard, change is hard, but we're capable of a lot.
I love that it's unapologetically Indian and American, not seeking to explain every single reference. A beautiful follow-up book to Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year!
This book has a great message for anyone of any age - life's hard, change is hard, but we're capable of a lot.
I love that it's unapologetically Indian and American, not seeking to explain every single reference. A beautiful follow-up book to Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year!
June 9, 2024
This story! Touched my heartstrings. So well written with a relatable protagonist. The plot is peppered with moments of humor, poignancy, and suspense, keeping readers engaged throughout. The mystery of who TP'd Sammy's house serves as a compelling backdrop, but the true essence of the story lies in Sammy's personal growth and her evolving understanding of friendship and community.
It's a story about embracing change, finding new friends, and understanding that sometimes, the most challenging experiences lead to the most rewarding outcomes. I loved it!.
It's a story about embracing change, finding new friends, and understanding that sometimes, the most challenging experiences lead to the most rewarding outcomes. I loved it!.
July 8, 2024
Samira has a lot going on with her parents gone for two weeks and Umma staying with her and her younger brother. Samira is not friends anymore with Kiera and when Samira’s family finds their house toilet papered, Samira thinks Kiera did it. When new neighbor Alice moves in, she and Samira become friends until Kiera tries to steal her away from Samira. When someone eggs Alice’s house, Samira thinks Kiera did this too and Kiera even says Samira did it. . Umma says do something about it. Can Samira prove who did the two pranks and win back Alice’s friendship?
February 4, 2025
What I love about middle grade fiction is its willingness to speak about difficult topics yet in ways that still feel pleasant enough to read for pleasure. This book fit that reality perfectly as Samira faced family separation, cultural diversity, friendship, bullying, etc. I found her to be a character I really enjoyed and one I would happily read more about. While there is nobody specifically that I would recommend this book to, it is 9ne I would recommend to kids and adults alike, so it warrants five stars from me.
January 29, 2024
Awesome middle grade read! Samira's parents travel to India with her older sister. She's stuck at home with her grandmother and younger brother (who is on the spectrum). She also struggles with bullying from her ex-BFF, finds a new friend, and finally feels like she belongs in her community. It deals with a lot, but it flows really well and doesn't feel too jam-packed. Will be recommending this to everyone!
June 26, 2024
A delightful read. The situations Sammy encounters provide an insightful lens into common middle school drama and perspective. The characters are well developed, unique and lovable. I enjoyed the infusion of Muslim culture, the traditions of Umma against the new age trends of Sammy and her friends, and the way these can come together beautifully with open minds and love. A great read for any and all.
June 6, 2024
While this book is absolutely geared to a younger audience, it was still a fun read. It would be perfect for late elementary and middle school kids who are learning what friendship should and shouldn’t be. It feels like a very realistic story all the way down to the timeline where two weeks fills the whole book because that’s how full and long two weeks can be to a kid.
February 24, 2025
DNF for Sam(ira)'s (Worst) Best Summer. Pacing was a bit odd and I didn't love how the depiction of Samira's autistic brother Imran seemed to often focus on him being annoying or embarrassing to the family.
(Are the parentheses officially part of the title?)
(Are the parentheses officially part of the title?)
August 14, 2025
While I really liked Samira and her family, as well as Alice and some of the other neighborhood characters, the ex-best friend was SUCH an excruciating villain that it was hard to find her at all believable.
September 24, 2025
Samira's Worst Best Summer is about a girl in the middle grades that has self esteem issues and is bullied. The book also touches upon racism and how Sammy deals with how she is treated. Overall, this is a good book for the target audience, especially for kids who feel like they do not fit in.
August 2, 2024
I loved the community in this book! I loved Samira's character and how she learned to stand up for herself.
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