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Reviewed by: Kathy Jaccarino, High School Librarian Title: All My Rage Author: Sabaa Tahir Publisher: Razorbill
Year: 2022 Good for Grades: 10-12 Genre/Type of Book: Realistic Fiction
Content Warnings, or things that other School Librarians should be aware of: The author lists the following as trigger content: drug and alcohol addiction, physical abuse, islamophobia, mentions of repressed sexual assault. and tense exchange with law enforcement, death. However, I found none of this issues to overly extreme content. Recommended for a school library: Yes Reason(s) for choosing the book: I am always anxious to read books from diverse perspectives, and this Printz Award and National Book Award winner jumped off the shelf for me. If you were tasked by the publisher with writing a short quote for the back cover of this book, what would it be: Heartbreaking, but ultimately hopeful, Tahirs explores what you will do for family and how to survive the rage that life throws at you.
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Review:
All my Rage is a multigenerational story about two Pakistani teenagers- Salahudin and Noor, who are best friends and almost family, growing up in Juniper, California. They live in a community where there are not many people like them. They are best of friends until “the fight” in which Noor declares her feelings for Salahudin, and he does not reciprocate them. This leaves things uncomfortable between them and forcing the two to become isolated and alone. Each is facing the sadness and loss of someone they both love- Salahudin’s mother, Misbah. After her death, Sal’s father falls deeper into the despair of alcoholism, leaving Sal to try to run and save the family’s struggling motel business. Noor’s loss of Misbah is heart wrenching as well. Misbah is as close to a mother as Noor remembers. She lost her entire family in an earthquake in Pakistan when she was very young and is now living with a domineering and abusive uncle as she struggles to secretly apply to colleges, in an attempt to improve her lot in life and escape life in Juniper.
The story is told in alternating chapters from the perspective of Sal, Noor and Misbah. Misbah’s story is told in flash backs and explains how the family ended up in Juniper, California. As their tales unfold you learn about the characters’ struggles and their desire to achieve the “American Dream.” The author explores the question, to what lengths would you go to save your livelihood? Your family? Do ends justify the means? Sal struggles with this after his mother’s death. This is a story of faith, loyalty, and coping with loss. It also explores immigration, culture, racism, and abuse.
Tahir weaves a powerful story of forgiveness and redemption. I think this novel could have a place in the curriculum- it is a beautifully written piece of literature, written by a diverse author, that could be used in the ELA curriculum. Themes of racism, substance abuse, poverty, and the essence of hope and friendship are seamlessly woven into this narrative and would provide much fodder for discussion in the classroom.
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