It Ain't So Awful, Falafel, by Firoozeh Dumas

Another OBOB book for the season, and a book I wouldn't have come across otherwise...another reason to love OBOB! Falafel takes place in the late 1970s and tells the story of an Iranian-born family who have relocated - again - to California. The narrator is Zomorod, who changes her name to Cindy (unofficially) to make it easier for Americans to be able to pronounce. She describes life as an Iranian (pronounced ee-ron-ian) teen living in the United States before, during and after the Iranian Revolution takes place, including the capturing of Americans who happened to be in Iran at the time, and who became hostages for over a year. In essence, the book follows these historic events through the eyes of someone deeply tied to the situation, but not from the American side of things. This perspective is eye-opening, and really is the center of this story.

A few times it seemed as though author Dumas was forcing a situation in order to show what was really happening during the months and years that this story takes place. But because Zomorod is such a likable character, and "normal" in all the ways any teen would be, except for the fact that she was born in a country that is now at terrible odds with the United States, this story will stay with you long after you finish reading it. I have never seen another book written for teens with this historical event in mind, which I love. Dumas does a decent job of writing a story that seems very non-historical-fiction-like, but one that really is historical fiction.  I know HF is not a super-common genre for many teens, so if you have ever thought about dipping into this genre but didn't think you'd find a book you would like, I recommend this one! I don't think you'll realize that this is historical fiction, but you'll really come to like Zomorod! 4 paws (and a tail wag)!