Tagging Freedom

Name: Tagging Freedom
Brand: Recorded Books
Availability: InStock
Author: Rhonda Roumani
ISBN: 9798891780934

Author: Rhonda Roumani

Narrator: Farrah Haidar

Unabridged: 7 hr

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 12/05/2023

Categories: Children's Fiction, African American & Black Stories, Children's Social Themes, Children's Art Stories

Synopsis

Kareem Haddad of Damascus, Syria, never dreamed of becoming a graffiti artist.

But when a group of boys from another town tag subversive slogans outside their school, and another boy is killed while in custody, Kareem and his friends are inspired and start secretly tagging messages of freedom around their city.

Meanwhile, in the United States, his cousin, Samira, has been trying to make her own mark. Anxious to fit in at school, she joins the Spirit Squad where her natural artistic ability attracts the attention of the popular squad leader. Then Kareem is sent to live with Sam’s family, and their
worlds collide. As graffitied messages appear around town and all eyes turn to Kareem, Sam must make a choice: does she shy away to protect her new social status, or does she stand with Kareem?

Exploring the intersection of art, activism, and social justice, Rhonda Roumani’s stunning debut introduces two unforgettable characters who use their voices and creativity to change their lives … and the world.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Mezka

I was granted an arc via NetGalley in exchange of an honest review. 5/5 ☆ Tagging Freedom begins in Damascus, Syria where Kareem Haddad and his friends starts loudly announcing their resistance against the oppressive regime using graffiti activism after boys from a town named Dara’a were arrested for......more

Goodreads review by Kirin

This 282 page OWN voice middle grade book weaves together two points of view that shed light on the recent events in Syria and life as a Syrian American without self-othering or over-explaining. The characters are Muslim and while yes, I wish there was more Islam woven in, when it did present itse......more

Goodreads review by Lisa

I am surprised that this book isn't getting more readers and reviews! This debut author is a standout at portraying the emotions of her characters! I loved everything about this book. The character development was so well done, and the feelings and changes they experienced were so realistic and natu......more

Goodreads review by Jessica

This book was riveting! Both points of view fully captured my attention, and I felt fully immersed in the story of a boy struggling with feelings of anger and helplessness after being sent to the U.S. to live with his uncle during the Syrian revolution as well as the story of his cousin, an American......more