Zahrati (Formerly Zahra)

Ya Baba...
It's funny that I'm writing to you. I don't even know why; you can't read this. You don't even know I'm writing this; maybe it's because of what you said the day you gave me this book. Do you remember? You said that words travel a long way, so I guess I'm hoping my words will reach you wherever you are. So brace yourself and listen, because I have a lot to tell you.

*****

Starting over in a new country wasn't on Zahra Ibrahim's bingo card. But after her father's death, she finds herself moving across the globe from Egypt to Canada. As if that wasn't enough, she finds out she'll be the only hijabi at her new school.
The spotlight is on Zahra as she navigates and adjusts to her new environment. From dodging bullies to worrying about her twin brother's strange behavior, every day is eventful.
Then she meets Hassan Abdullah, the volleyball player with soft words and a warm smile. What starts as an unexpected friendship turns into something more, something deeper and precious. As her feelings grow and tensions rise; at home and in school, Zahra must decide if holding onto their relationship is worth it, without compromising her faith and beliefs.
And through it all, Zahra keeps her father close to her heart, writing letters to him. Sharing snippets about her days with him, even if he can't read them, helps on the heavy days. And between telling him about the chaos of high school and the boy who makes her heart flutter, she begins to find her own way.