Safia Elhillo is the author of the Printz Honor Book
Bright Red Fruit, which was also a CALIBA Golden Poppy Award finalist and a Kirkus Prize finalist, and was named one of the best books of the year by
Publishers Weekly,
SLJ,
Kirkus Reviews, and the New York Public Library. Her debut YA novel-in-verse,
Home Is Not a Country, was longlisted for the National Book Award and received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor and an Arab American Book Award. Sudanese by way of Washington, DC, Safia is a Pushcart Prize nominee, co-winner of the 2015 Brunel International African Poetry Prize, and listed in Forbes Africa’s 2018 “30 Under 30.” She lives in Los Angeles.
★ "
A stunning work that deeply explores poetry, the complexities of identity, and the longing for love."—
Kirkus Reviews, starred review
★ "
A mesmerizing verse novel and a gripping exploration of the hyper-policing of Black girls’ bodies and sexuality."—
Publishers Weekly, starred review
★ "
Elhillo has created more than a cautionary tale. Much like the tale of Persephone’s abduction, she has crafted a story that contains misery, but at its very core, harbors hope." —
Booklist, starred review
"Elhillo creates
a realistic picture of a teenage girl trying to push against unfair perceptions. Readers will appreciate the believable portrayal of a teen who is dealing with complex issues of family, friendship, and romantic love." —
The Horn Book
"Told through emails, letters, and poetry in its many forms,
Samira’s story becomes one to remember." —
School Library Journal"
An achingly gorgeous novel in verse that explodes with emotion and heart."—Kim Johnson, bestselling author of
This is My America and
Invisible Son.
"
Crackles with energy...In a word, gorgeous."—Samira Ahmed, New York Times bestselling author of
Internment and
Hollow Fires.
