Kicked Out

by A.M. Dassu

In this companion novel to the acclaimed Boy, Everywhere , A.M. Dassu returns to extend the story of Sami's best friend Ali, who organizes a charity soccer match for their friend Aadam while his whole life is privately unraveling.

After their friend Mark's mum wins the lottery and gets a giant house with an indoor pool, Ali and Sami have been having the time of their lives hanging at Mark's house. Even their friend Aadam gets a job there, which means he can make more money for his legal battle for UK residency. But when some money goes missing, Aadam is accused of stealing it--and all three boys are unceremoniously kicked out of Mark's house in suspicion.

On top of that, Ali's dad, who abandoned the family when Ali was little, is suddenly turning up everywhere in town, and a half-brother Ali never knew has shown up at Ali's school. Ali feels miserable and resentful about it, making it hard to be a good friend.

The boys know Aadam is innocent, and if he doesn't raise thousands of pounds right away, he could get deported back to Syria amidst its civil war. At least Ali has a they'll host a charity football penalty match to raise money for Aadam so he can stay in the UK.

But can Ali pull together the match--even if he feels his whole life at home is falling apart?

Genres: Middle Grade, Realistic Fiction, British Literature, Muslims

1 pages, Audio CD

Published January 24, 2025

About the author

A. M. Dassu is a multi award-winning writer of both non-fiction and fiction including the internationally acclaimed novel Boy, Everywhere, one of The Guardian’s, Bookriot’s, Kirkus’s, American Library Association's Booklist's, CLPE's and BookTrust’s Best Children’s Book of the Year. It has coveted starred reviews from Kirkus, Booklist and Publisher’s Weekly and is also an American Library Association's Notable Book. Boy, Everywhere also featured as one of The Guardian’s Children’s Best New Novels on publication in October 2020, is on Amnesty’s Books That Inspire Activism list and has been listed for 25 awards including the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize and Carnegie Medal, and is the 2021 winner of The Little Rebels Award for Radical Fiction.

A. M. Dassu is former Deputy Editor, now Advisory Board member of Words & Pictures magazine for children's writers and illustrators, and a Director of Inclusive Minds, a unique organisation for people who are passionate about inclusion, diversity, equality, and accessibility in children’s literature. A. M. Dassu is patron of The Other Side of Hope, a new literary magazine edited by immigrants and refugees, which serves to celebrate the refugee and immigrant communities worldwide. She is also one of The National Literacy Trust‘s Connecting Stories campaign authors, aiming to help inspire a love of reading and writing in children and young people.

A. M. Dassu grew up in the Midlands dreaming of becoming a writer but studied economics instead and worked in marketing and project management before realising her dream. Her work has been published by The Huffington Post, Times Educational Supplement, SCOOP Magazine, Lee and Low Books, Old Barn Books, Scholastic, DK Books and Harper Collins. She writes books that challenge stereotypes, humanise the “other” and are full of empathy, hope and heart. You can also find her on Twitter @a_reflective or Instagram @a.m.dassu

Reviews

[Zainab Bint Younus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali and his friends - Mark, Sami, and Aadam - just want to enjoy playing football and hanging out... but Aadam, a Syrian refugee, lives under threat of being deported back to Syria if he can't afford a lawyer to handle his refugee application.

Ali and the boys come up with a plan to save Aadam, but things get complicated when a racist accuses Aadam of stealing, AND Ali's dad pops back up in his life... with Ali's half-brother.

There's nothing I can really critique about this book, but it didn't really capture my heart either. I'm glad that the book addresses the plight of Syrian refugees alongside family dynamics, and both are done decently enough.

Islam is mainly a peripheral thing - Salam, some du'a, reciting Ayatul Kursi - but doesn't feel central to the story or the characters.

It's definitely a "boy" middle grade book though so at least there's that!

4/5 🌟

#bookstagram #Muslimbookstagram #Muslimbookstagram #Muslimbookawards #OwnVoices #weneeddiversebooks #diversereads #diversebooks #bookreview #kidlit #Muslimkidlit ##middlegradebooks #middlegrade #MuslimMG #muslimmiddlegrade #fiction #Syria

[Glenda Nelms · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kicked out takes place in the UK. It's about Ali, Sami and Mark are best buds, they share a love of soccer, videogames and having fun in Marks new pool. Mark's mother wins the lottery. Aadam, is Sami’s unofficial adoptive brother, they came together to the UK seeking asylum from Syria. We follow Ali and His struggles with his dad coming back into his life with his other son. Mark's mom who has a new boyfriend and basically banned them from coming over. Mark's mom's new boyfriend causes trouble for the family.

But Aadam is at risk of being deported, because he arrived as an unaccompanied minor, losing his documentation along the way, and he has been accused of being an adult, despite only being 16. Ali, Sami and Mark host a charity soccer match to raise money to help Aadam stay in England. Immigration and being a refugee youth are some of the heavy topics that are discussed in the book. Impactful and important book.

Be sure to read the author's note at the end of the book. Very important book to start the conversation how we can support refugees and unaccompanied minors.

Thank you to @hearourvoicestours, Tu books and author A.M Dassu for the opportunity to spotlight this important book. Kicked out is released this Tuesday.

[Jame_EReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy to be hosting a spot with @hearourvoicesbt @leeandlow on this Kicked Out by AM Dassu booktour, and our tour stops here. My kids read “Boy, Everywhere” in the past; thus, they’ve wanted to read this one too.

👦🏻 reviews: This book is as good as “Boy, Everywhere” and in fact this one offers more. I love how the story lets you see the evilness of the antagonist versus the protagonist. It also included soccer (football in UK) as an important part in the book. The storyline gave me the opportunity to see how racism can change the overall plot and how I was very affected by the story. I felt disappointment, frustration, sadness and relief at the same time because Aadam eventually redeemed himself at the end especially during his immigration journey. It is so sad that racism and Islamophobia are still in our lives and after reading this, I hope this will be read in schools so that other kids have the chance to understand the truth of what is happening in our world today.

[Cheryl Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dassu does an incredible job of capturing the unspeakable difficulties a refugee child faces, but she cradles that difficult story with hope and the power of friendship. It's a beautiful story that realistically portrays both the ugliness and beauty in our world, but adolescent readers will be uplifted as they come to see the power they hold to make a difference. #readyourworld

[Tracy Lander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Boy, Everywhere. It is a powerful story every UKS2 class should read, the empathy aspect alone should be the main reason.

Kicked Out follows the story of Sami and his friends, Mark and Ali and also that of Aadam, also from Syria who Sami and his family met on the route from Syria, and again by chance in England. Aadam is now living with Sami's family as his mother is still in Syria.

Mark's mum has won the lottery. Mark is living in a big, fancy house with a pool which the boys are all looking forward to spending their summer holidays enjoying. But Mark's mum also has a new boyfriend, Callum, Mark isn't sure about him but he knows his Mum is happy. Callum is, however, very racist and it isn't long before he causes trouble.

Mark's mum has given Aadam a job as a gardener so that he can help pay his way, especially as he is being threatened with deportation and has to pay for a new appeal to stay. The Home Office don't even believe he is 16. But this appeal could be derailed when he is accused of theft by Callum. And Al, Sami and Aadam are thrown out of the house despite the fact Mark's mum knew them before she met Callum.

Ali, has parent problems of his own. He has been raised by his mum as a single parent since his little brother Ahmed was a toddler, he probably didn't even remember Dad. But Dad is back in the area, and his step brother Mustafa is going to his school. Dad has contacted Samira, his older sister already. But when Ali thinks about or sees Mustafa it makes him angry. Mustafa is a year younger than Ali - that means Dad was with his Mum while still with them as a family. How will Ali react when he finally meets Dad?

The boys decide to help Aadam by having a charity football match, but this turns into something much bigger when they stop some other boys from damaging a Porsche outside a shop. It belongs to a footballer, who it turns out, is also Mark's neighbour! Can he help them raise the money they need for Aadam's legal fees?

The boys prove that by sticking together and talking to each other when they need help they can overcome their problems.

This is just as important to read as Boy, Everywhere. The different family structures and the attitude of some characters make you think and question others attitudes. It would make a brilliant read aloud in class for UKS2 and into high school, giving teachers and students the chance to discuss the issues raised. I particularly liked how Luis (footballer) helps Ali.

Thank you to Imogen at Bounce Marketing and to Old Barn Books for this copy which will be my November Book of The month at school.

[Diane Rembert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ali is a young man that enjoys playing football (soccer), and spending time with his friends. Each of them are dealing with issues…one's mother has a racist boyfriend whose hiding another secret, another is dealing with a possible deportation and Ali's absentee father had come back to town…with siblings.

This book is an excellent read for the teens/tweens in your life, and their parents. It addresses issues such as racism, immigration, family drama, deception, community activism, and friendship. My favorite character is Ali and the least favorite is Callum. You'll have to read the book to understand why.

[Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first few chapters of this 336 page middle grade book were rough. It is a stand-alone companion novel, and I have read the previous works, so I don't know if my expectation of myself to know the characters being introduced, was additionally muddled because the memories were faint, or as I actually suspect, the writing at the beginning is just weak. Like really weak, but I'm stubborn, and I kept reading, and I was rewarded, alhumdulillah. The book found its voice, its pacing, its heart, its relatability, its layers and I am so glad that I didn't dnf it. The characters, their community, their tenacity, the exploration of family really stays on level with providing the reader insight and messaging to make them reflect on their own lives, without feeling preached to. The focus of football (soccer) keeps the book light and hopeful, while the difficult themes of deportation, Islamophobia, refugees, theft, absent parents, self doubt, forgiveness and second chances with adults, thread in and out. Many of the characters are Muslim, halal food is normalized as is saying salam, it isn't focused on Islam but the kids make duas before they start a sting operation and when life changes are presented, also they consider Qadr of Allah when things occur. It feels authentic, and Muslim kids will enjoy that the focus isn't a religious or cultural identity crisis, but just part of who they are as they take on this next chapter of their lives, non Muslims will feel the same.

SYNOPSIS:
Ali, Mark, and Sami are living it up since Mark's mom won the lottery and they move in to a mansion with a pool. Sami's brother Aadam starts doing the lawns to help pay for his lawyer fees to appeal his deportation, and things are looking up, expect for Mark's mom's new boyfriend though, he seems to be a bit of a racist. It all comes pouring down when Aadam is accused of stealing money, the boys are no longer allowed at the house, and Mark is prevented from hang out with his friends. Ali and Sami are not about to take this treatment without a fight, they have an idea to raise some money for Aadam with a charity football match, and Mark knows his mom is being influenced by her boyfriend and doesn't abandon his friends. Ali though, is preoccupied, his absent father shows back up, and his step-brother has just been enrolled in their school. It is a lot but together Ali, Sami, and Mark support each other, stand up for what they believe in, and find ways to make sure they and Aadam are not "kicked out."

WHY I LIKE IT:
I love the commentary on refugees, that it isn't a political issue, but a human one. The exploration of found family and born family, and giving family second chances impressed me in a middle grade book. I also liked the kids hyping up the community and getting creative to solve a problem, rather than wait for the adults to step in. Whether it was to raise money for legal fees, or solve a mystery and clear someone's name, these kids really have each other's backs while dealing with a lot of heavy stresses. They mess up and make mistakes, but the book spending time to show them come back from them is a level of emotional intelligence and maturity that I think readers will benefit from.

I was thrown at a passage that mentioned that Ali can't go to the mosque because he doesn't have his dad around. Which made no sense to me as the kid goes to restaurants, parks, stores, on buses, on his bike alone throughout the book. Alhumdulillah, I have wiser folks I can ask concerns to, and my Lit Sister Zainab explained that in fact in the UK some masjids don't allow women all the time and kids are not encouraged to come unsupervised, so if that stands out to you as well for being completely off, recognize it doesn't mean it is wrong, like I did.

Truly the book is terrible at the beginning. The barrage of character names, the unlikability of Ali because of how he treats his brother, and the stress of how winning the lottery has made Mark's life better, is all over the place. I must have read the first three chapters at least four times, before I just decided to plow through and see if the pieces fell in to place, which alhumdulillah, they did.

FLAGS:
Lying, stereotypes, racism, Islamophobia, accusations, theft, lottery, Mark has a crush on Grace, but it is subtle, anger, jealousy.

SPOILER: Ali's dad was in love with a lady before he married Ali's mom. His parent's had him marry Ali's mom to tame their "wild son" and at some point in the marriage, the dad had a nikkah with the first lady and eventually left Ali, his mom, and two siblings for his other family. The focus is how Ali feels about having his dad leave their family, being jealous of his step brother, and dealing with his return. It doesn't make it a religious issue or judge if this was permissible, it really stays focused on the parent children relationship and the emotions involved in the leaving, not staying in touch, and the returning. I think middle grade can handle it.

[Niaaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an avid reader who enjoys light and heartwarming stories, I was pleasantly surprised by this book. It's a refreshing take on friendship, family, and the challenges faced by immigrants. The story revolves around three friends, Mark, Ali, and Sami, whose lives take an unexpected turn when their firend, Aadam, faces deportation to Syria. Aadam, a Syrian immigrant, is accused of entering England illegally, despite having legal documentation. While struggling with this injustice, Aadam is also accused of stealing Mark's mother's money, further complicating his situation. Amidst these conflicts, the story explores the complexities of family relationships. Mark's mother, initially supportive of Aadam, becomes suspicious and distrustful, while Ali grapples with the reappearance of his estranged father. These dynamics add depth and realism to the narrative, making the characters relatable and engaging.

One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed was the realistic portrayal of Ali's character development. As a teenager, he faces the typical struggles of adolescence, including identity issues and the desire for parental recognition. His interactions with his father and Aadam's situation highlight his emotional growth and his evolving understanding of the world. The story's climax involves a charity football match organized by Mark, Ali, and Sami to support Aadam. This event brings the community together and serves as a reminder of the power of friendship and unity in the face of adversity. While the ending may be somewhat predictable, it doesn't diminish the overall enjoyment of the story. The author's ability to weave together themes of friendship, family, and social justice makes for a compelling and thought-provoking read.

I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a light and heartwarming read with a touch of social commentary. It's a great choice for young adults and adults alike who appreciate stories that explore the complexities of human relationships and the power of community. Furthermore, the author's portrayal of the deportation issue is particularly poignant, highlighting the challenges faced by immigrants and the injustices they may encounter. The introduction of an "idol" character adds a touch of excitement and relatability, especially for younger readers. The overall character development is well-done, with the characters growing and evolving throughout the story. 

𝟰.𝟴/𝟱

[Tina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a great book and I could relate so much to it. Ali’s friend Mark, his mom won the lottery and him and his friends were having the time of their lives hanging out at his huge house. Their friend Aadam gets a job at Marks mom’s house so he could earn money to pay for his legal battle for residency in the UK. One day, money goes missing and Aadam is accused of stealing it. All 3 boys are kicked out of Marks mom’s house. On top of dealing with that drama, Ali’s dad who abandoned the family when he was little, is suddenly turning up everywhere in town. Ali is stressed dealing with his dad, helping to prove Aadam is innocent and raising money to help Aadam so he can stay in the UK.

This story was so sad. I felt for Ali on so many different levels. I too, grew up without my dad and when I found out he had other children with his new wife and kicked me and my three siblings to the curb; it hurt! Ali was so mad when he saw his dad trying to come around and I felt all that anger because how can you disappear and then all of a sudden turn up and act like you want to be a father? I’m so proud of Ali for speaking up for himself and telling his dad how he felt.

I loved Ali’s mom’s character! Although Ali’s dad cheated on her and had other kids, she held it down for her kids. I also felt this soooo strongly because I was a single mom for almost 10 years. Ali remembers watching his mom find out about his infidelity and seeing her so hurt and that hit home for me.

I couldn’t stand Callum! Without saying too much, he seemed like he was after Marks mom’s money anyway. The process of trying to get residency.. SHEEESH! I loved the boys relationships throughout the book. They really stuck together. This book was a really cute but sad read and really hit on alot of important topics. I highly recommend!

Fav quotes throughout the book:

“He’d already invaded my thoughts and now he was in my dreams; even when he had nothing to do with my life”

“Ignore Mustafa. Ignore Dad. Focus on getting Aadam’s money for his appeal and on my mates. The people who were actually there for me.”

[AnaLuz Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my 4th year participating as a reviewer for Multicultural Children's book day. This year I got to read the middle grade novel Kicked out by A.M. Dassu. After a delay, I finally got my book and I’m happy to finally share my review. Let me tell you, this book was worth the wait. What a great story full of great messaging.

Ali, Sami and Mark are best buds, they share a love of football ⚽️ (soccer for my US followers), videogames and having fun in Marks new pool. Their friend Aadam, is Sami’s unofficial adoptive brother, they came together to the UK seeking asylum from Syria. But Aadam is at risk of being deported, because he arrived as an unaccompanied minor, losing his documentation along the way, and he has been accused of being an adult, despite only being 16.

Ali and his friends decide to help him raise funds to pay his attorney and new asylum application. But there are obstacles for them to overcome. They find biases against immigrans and asylum seekers even in Marks home. As Ali struggles with his feelings when his father, who abandoned him and his siblings, moved back in town with his new family in tow.

But they also find helping hands, those who are willing to help them organize a charity event to raise funds for Aadam.
I appreciated how well it tackled these subjects, and the boys found resolution to these problems. There is friendship, there is a lot of growing and learning, and working hard to help those in need.

I also liked the Authors note at the end, don’t skip it as it gives great insight to the authors goal to raise awareness for the refugee crisis all over the world. I would highly recommend to everyone regardless of age.

Check out the full blog post for links to the Multicultural Children’s book day site for tons of other book reviews, resources and information about all the sponsors for this great event. Also look all the posts using #ReadYourWorld

https://alsanchezbooks.home.blog/2024...

[Frederique · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kicked Out takes place in the UK and it's about Ali, Sami, and Mark who are best buds and share a love of soccer, video games, and having fun in Mark's new pool. Mark's mother wins the lottery. Aadam is Sami’s unofficial adoptive brother, they came together to the UK seeking asylum from Syria. We follow Ali and His struggles with his dad coming back into his life with his other son. Mark's mom has a new boyfriend and banned them from coming over. Mark's mom's new boyfriend causes trouble for the family. This book is as good as The Door of No Return but with a bit more closer to home. The first thing that I did like about this book, was how the antagonist was at the front and the protagonist was more or less in the background (like evil vs good in a more realistic approach) It also included soccer/football as an important part of the book. Many touchy subjects in the storyline allowed me to see how racism can change the overall plot and how I was very affected by the story. I felt disappointment, frustration, sadness, and relief at the same time because Aadam eventually got to stay and fix his immigration status, the money issue is cleared and the boys were happy that everything ended well. It is so sad that racism and Islamophobie are still happening around the world and this is why I think this book is very important for kids especially so they can learn about it and make sure not to repeat our mistakes.

[Olga · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐.5

What I Loved: Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu is a heartwarming, uplifting story that tackles heavy issues like deportation, racism, and family conflict with a tone that’s accessible for young readers. I appreciated the meaningful message about standing up for friends in need, especially in a story that so openly and positively represents diverse backgrounds. Ali’s journey is inspiring, and his resilience, despite his struggles, shines throughout the book. With relatable themes and the realistic setting in a local British community, it’s a book I feel confident recommending to children in my library.

Mixed Feelings: While the story had an important message, I found the plot a bit predictable, and the characters sometimes felt too similar, lacking distinct personalities. Additionally, the lack of positive male role models was noticeable, especially for a story that focuses on boys navigating friendship and family. And although this is a companion to Boy, Everywhere, it took a few chapters for me to understand the background, as I hadn’t read the first book.

Final Takeaway: Despite these small reservations, Kicked Out is a wholesome and impactful read that opens conversations around immigration, community, and family, with a positive and hopeful tone. Its local setting is a lovely bonus, adding familiarity that readers in the area will connect with. This is a book worth sharing, and I’m excited to have it in our library!

[Nieccee Pettaway · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly good!

A story worth reading no matter the age.

First this was not an easy read. Racism and bullying never is, yet this book is necessary.

Aadam is a refugee from Syria who came to England because his country is in a war and is being destroyed. His family thought it would be in his best interest to send him away to get the education he deserves. But when it comes time to extend his stay, the UK government states in his interview that he falsified information regarding his age and rejects his application. 16 year old Aadam is distraught. Five thousand pounds is needed in order for his paperwork to be resubmitted.

Mark is one of the best friends of the group of boys in the story. His mom strikes it big in the lottery and her young boyfriend, Callum, feels he has met the golden ticket! Callum hates Adam and Sami because of the color of their skin and accuses Aadam of stealing thousands of pounds from Mark’s mom. Guess how much is missing!

Ali’s family has been torn apart when his dad remarries and has kids. But it isn’t until his half-brother Mustafa recognizes him at school that an issue ensues.

Follow this story as all the issues mentioned are tackled. A testament to brotherhood, family and redemption is a beautiful thing when everyone sticks together.

The author does an amazing job with tackling all the issues at hand that even our youth experience. A dictionary, author’s note and more resources are located at the back of this book!

Definitely one for your personal library!

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨Book Review✨

Kicked Out by A.M. Dassu @a.m.dassu
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✨Rating & Review✨: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The world is full of people who are going to tell you that you’re not enough, that you don’t belong here, that no one wants you. This book reminds you that you DO belong. When people, let alone children, apply for refugee status, they need a safe place to live. What they don’t need, is for their new home country to lie about their age, saying they’re adults, and then deport them back to their war torn country. Thankfully, Aadam had great friends in Ali, Sami, and Mark who could help him take a stand and stay safe. Thank you so much @hearourvoicestours and the author for sharing this story with me.
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[DOMINIQUE Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali, Sami, and Aadam never expected the day of fun at their friend Mark’s house to end up with them being kicked out and Aadam being accused of stealing.

Trouble seemed to pile up on Aadam, from being kicked out to facing a rejected asylum application, he can’t seem to catch a break. His friends step up for him and put together a soccer game to raise money for his legal fees. Sami is driven to help out because of his close relationship with Aadam. They have become more like brothers vs just best friends.While trying to work out this charity soccer event Ali is dealing with his estranged father moving back and his half brother joining his school.

New to me author A. M. Dassu had me deeply invested in this book. I felt like Ali’s emotions and feelings were valid. He only knew one side of what happened between his parent’s while also dealing with the effect his father leaving had on him.

[Corinne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was wholesome to see some teen boys checking in on each other's wellbeing and playing "footie". I do wish it had been edited better--someone's eyes sparkle or jaw drops every few pages.

Mark's mom has recently won the lottery and is clearly being manipulated by her boyfriend, who accuses the boys of theft. This is bad news for Aadam, who recently failed a test to stay in the country and might be deported back to Syria, where he'll likely become a child soldier. Ali is trying to arrange a charity football match to raise money for Aadam's legal fees, but he's distracted by the return of his dad, who abandoned the family for his first love years before. Ali feels rejected by his dad and shown up by his half brother, who is close to his age and at his school.

[Lovelocsandbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ali, Sami, and Mark raise money by having a football (soccer) benefit program to raise money for Aadam's legal fees.

While Ali is trying to figure out ways to help Aadam, Ali is on an emotional rollercoaster when his father appears back in his life and his dad's other son starts attending the same school as Ali. By Ali and his friends are doing good for others, a lot of good is returned back to them.

This is a great YA book. My thoughts while reading the book was we all need someone to lean on and that's what friends are for. A lot of great themes are in the book, and I like that the book has a glossary.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. I started this book before I went to sleep this morning, and got back started on it as soon as I woke up. This was such a simply amazing read that kept me wanting to devour it until I was finished. There were many lessons, ( and not just for teens, but adults as well) including how just because they're not blood related, they're still family, as well as the importance of a good and solid friend group, one that will be there for ypu when needed as well as to hold ypu accountable, also when needed. Although the book tackles tough situations, it was one that I couldn't put down. This is another new to me authors that will be on my list of authors to look out for.

[MISS RACHEL · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great middle grade title with appeal for boys with its focus on football and lots of strong male characters.

Ali and his friends Mark and Sami set out to help Aadam, a young Syrian asylum seeker who is like a brother to Sami. In the face of prejudice and racism they work together to raise the money he needs to redo his asylum application.

Themes of friendship, family, refugees, prejudice, racism, self-worth and football make this well worth reading. Another book I’ve read recently that has a strong Muslim perspective that feels believable and real. I’ll certainly be recommending it in my library.

[Ava F · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful companion novel to Boy, Everywhere. While you don’t need to read that one to enjoy or understand this one, if you have any plans of reading Boy, Everywhere read it before Kicked Out as it does go over some main topics in the other book.

In this one we follow Ali, Sami’s friend. His struggles with his dad coming back into his life with his other son. Marks mom who has a new boyfriend and basically banned them from coming over. Sami and Aadam who are trying to figure out how not to get Aadam deported! It’s a really fantastic story filled with emotions

[Niyyah Ruscher-Haqq · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick paced story - I love seeing Muslim rep always. Some of the characters were a bit similar and there weren’t many surprises. I also wished we knew more about Aadam as he just seemed to be a background prop and I would have loved to see more of how he was a friend than just being shown how he needed help. That said, I loved the friendship and it’s nice to see positive Muslim men and immigrants represented as positive role models, and I’ll be following the author for more!

[Denise Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher for recommending this brilliant book to me and sending me a copy! There is something so wholesome and heartwarming about A M Dassu’s stories, she manages to tell stories for children on really heavy subjects but making them inspiring and hopeful. I loved this particular one so much, it’s a sequel to Boy Everywhere which I read first and loved but honestly you could read this by itself. It follows the story of three friends trying to help a young boy fight for his right to remain in this country after fleeing war torn Syria. Stories like this are so important as they help people understand another perspective and it’s especially important for children to understand what it means to be a refugee in this country. The novel also represents a wonderful example of positive male friendship by showing the main characters supporting each other through really tough emotional times, this book should prompt some great classroom discussions. I highly recommend that everyone read this book it felt like a great big warm hug and I learnt a little too!

[Miriam · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

[Amani · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this short book! Full review is on my IG & blog. Link in bio.

[Gill]

In Sep 2024 copies of this book were delivered to all secondary schools in Southend-on-Sea as part of Jacqson Diego Story Emporium's "Book Elves" initiative.

[Kate Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok - but nowhere near as gripping as Boy, Everywhere by the same author. Overall it has a great message, tackling racism and refugees in a sensitive way, but I found it quite dull in parts.

[Sherri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking for a riveting realistic fiction story about a teen refugee, then try this book. Set in Manchester, UK, 13-year-old Ali tells about his life which gets harder all the time. He lives with his college-aged sister and his younger brother, 11. Their dad left them 8 years ago and they haven’t seen him since.
Ali’s best friends are Mark and Sami and they play on the same football team.
Sami is from Syria and his family has taken in another Syrian refugee, Aadam, 16, who is trying to get his asylum application approved. Aadam is like a brother to Sami and has been working, instead of attending school, to earn his lawyer’s retainer. If he can’t come up with that money, he’ll get deported. Mark (who is white) lives a better life since his mum won the lottery and bought a new house with a pool. Unfortunately mum’s racist boyfriend Callum moved in too. Then one day Callum accuses Aadam of stealing 5,000 pounds and forbids Mark from hanging around his black friends. With time running out for Aadam, Ali organizes a charity football event to raise money. The stress increases when Ali’s dad returns to town with new family–including his half-brother Mustafa. Tensions grow between the siblings as Ali tries to not think of how his dad chose Mustafa over him. Life becomes way too much to deal with and Ali struggles with his emotions–especially with Mustafa on his football team. Students will relate to Ali’s life issues and cheer for him and Aadam to succeed in their efforts. Plus, the refugee crisis is an important issue to learn about.

[Dana Loves Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kicked Out


⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 4.5/5

This book had an incredible message, one we should all hear. Stories like this help kids understand other cultures and perspectives. I love that it brings to light hard topics like war, refuge, and Syria, because people are also quick to judge them.

Reading this book, you could really feel the struggles. The boys went through. The friend group was real and raw, none of them were perfect, and it shows that we all have flaws and obstacles to overcome. It was incredible to see them all come together for Sami refugee from Syria.

I highly recommend everyone read this one. It gives you all the emotions and is incredible to see how we can all make a difference.

DO NOT MISS THE AUTHORS NOTE AT THE END, IT’S THE BEST PART!

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🥅🥅QOTD🥅🥅
What’s your favorite genre and trope?

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