Book review - Call Me Al

 

Title: Call Me Al

Author: Wali Shah and Eric Walters

Genre: realistic fiction

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Rating:

 

a decent balance of elements

Summary (provided by publisher): Between the pressure from his immigrant parents to ace every class, his crush on Melissa, who lives in the rich area of town while he and his family live in a shabby apartment complex, and trying his best to fit in with his friends, he feels like he’s being pulled in too many different directions.
But harder still, Ali is becoming increasingly aware of the racism around him. Comments from his friends about Pakistani food or his skin color are passed off as jokes, but he doesn’t find them funny. And when Ramadan starts, Ali doesn’t tell anyone he’s fasting because it just seems easier. Luckily he finds solace in putting his feelings into words—and poems. But his father is dead set against him using art as a distraction when he’s got schoolwork and a future career as a doctor to focus on.
Ali’s world changes when he, his mom and his little brother are assaulted by some racist teens. Ali must come to terms with his roiling feelings about his place in the world, as a Pakistani immigrant, a Muslim and a teenager with his whole life ahead of him. With help from his grandfather, an inspiring teacher and his friend, Ali leans on his words for strength. And eventually he finds his true voice.

My opinion: The intent of this book is pretty straightforward, even from the beginning. It could easily become over-simplified and trite. But Shah and Walters do a solid job of blending in other elements to keep this from becoming just an exploration of casual racism. We look at both blatant racism and microaggressions, and all of the avenues they can come from. Blend in parental pressures and the impact of trauma and we have a more complex narrative at play. This is a quick and clear read that should facilitate some conversation with young readers.

More information: Call Me Al releases March 12

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley