It Ain't So Awful, Falafel

Zomorod (Cindy) Yousefzadeh is the new kid on the block...for the fourth time.Californias Newport Beach is her familys latest perch, and shes determined to shuck her brainy loner persona and start afresh with a new Brady Bunch nameCindy.Its the late 1970s, and fitting in becomes more difficult as Iran makes U.S. headlines with protests, revolution, and finally the taking of American hostages. Even puka shell necklaces, pool parties, and flying fish can't distract Cindy from the anti-Iran sentiments that creep way too close to home.A poignant yet lighthearted middle grade debut from the author of the bestselling Funny in Farsi.California Library Associations John and Patricia Beatty Award WinnerFlorida Sunshine State Young Readers Award (Grades 68)New York Historical Societys New Americans Book Prize WinnerMiddle East Book Award for Youth Literature, Honorable MentionBooklist50 Best Middle Grade Novels of the 21st Century