In this middle-grade novel, eighth-grade student Ali Khan finds that writing poetry-first about his crush, then about what it means to be an immigrant and the anti-Muslim racism around him-helps him discover who he truly is. To find your place in the world, first, you need to find your voice.
Ali is an eighth-grade kid with a lot going on.
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.
Key Selling Points
• Ali is an eighth-grade student trying to to do it all-get good grades, fit in with his friends, get the girl and satisfy his parents-all while struggling to deal with the anti-Muslim racism around him. Writing poetry helps. If only his father wasn't set against it.
• Call Me Al deals with what it's like to be an immigrant (Ali and his family immigrated from Pakistan when he was little), racism (from peers and the world at large), balancing family versus friends' expectations, first crushes, being from a lower-income household, being Muslim and finding forgiveness for those who hurt you.
• Features a relatable male protagonist who discovers spoken-word poetry as an outlet for his feelings. Also makes clear the relationship between poetry and hip-hop.
• Co-authored by the power duo of veteran writer Eric Walters and renowned poet and motivational speaker Wali Shah, who has based this character's struggles with choosing between studying science (for his parents) and writing poetry (for himself) on his own experiences.
Growing up, Wali Shah faced pressure from his Pakistani immigrant parents to choose a profession that would justify their many sacrifices. He surprised them by becoming a poet and public speaker, inspiring youth at hundreds of schools with his powerful, provocative verse. He is a fresh and current voice of the times at a diverse range of corporate events, he has delivered TED Talks, and he once closed out a keynote speech made by former president Barack Obama. Recently he served as poet laureate for the city of Mississauga, Ontario.
Eric Walters is a Member of the Order of Canada and the author of over 125 books that collectively have won more than one hundred awards, including a 2020 Governor General's Literary Award for The King of Jam Sandwiches. A former teacher, Eric began writing as a way to get his fifth-grade students interested in reading and writing. Eric is a tireless presenter, speaking to over one hundred thousand students per year in schools across the country. He lives in Guelph, Ontario.
