Call Me Adnan: An Emotional Novel in Verse for Middle Grade Readers about a Pakistani American Family's Grief and Healing - Reem Faruqi

Call Me Adnan

(Author: Reem Faruqi)

“An emotional tale of a family’s grief and healing, full of courage and hope.” — Kirkus Reviews

“Faruqi renders this tender story of loss with a deft hand... a tear-jerking ode to family.” — Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)

From Reem Faruqi, the award-winning author of Unsettled, comes a poignant, hope-filled middle grade novel in verse about table tennis, faith, family love, and finding the courage to heal after an unthinkable tragedy.

Adnan Zakir loves table tennis. He's colorblind, left-handed, and fascinated by the aviation alphabet. He is deeply devoted to his family—his sister Aaliyah, a talented dancer memorizing the Quran, and his sweet toddler brother Rizwan, who wants to follow in his big brother’s footsteps. Adnan’s ultimate dream is qualifying for the Ultimate Table Tennis Championship in Florida, which means celebrating Eid with his cousins.

But when his family arrives in Florida, tragedy strikes, leaving Adnan shattered. Overwhelmed by grief, he vows never to pick up a table tennis paddle again. Slowly, through the enduring love of his family and faith, Adnan learns how to honor the past while finding joy and hope in the future.

Perfect for fans of Planet Omar and The Ethan I Was Before, this Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection explores grief, identity, and resilience with exceptional grace and sensitivity.

Key Features:

• Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection: Recognized for its outstanding literary merit and emotional depth.

• Written in Verse: Lyrical, accessible poetry format that resonates deeply with middle grade readers aged 8–12.

• Diverse & Authentic Representation: Beautifully highlights Pakistani American Muslim identity, family traditions, and Eid celebrations.

• Empathetic Exploration of Grief: Offers a gentle, nuanced look at navigating family loss, mental wellness, and hope.