Tagging Freedom

Tagging Freedom is a middle-grade book that tells the story of Kareem Haddad, a graffiti artist in Damascus, Syria, and his cousin, Samira, in the United States. When a group of boys from another town tag subversive slogans outside their school, Kareem and his friends are inspired to start secretly tagging messages of freedom around their city. Meanwhile, Samira joins the Spirit Squad and attracts the attention of the popular leader. When Kareem is sent to live with Sam's family, their worlds collide, and Sam must make a choice between protecting her new social status or standing with her cousin. The book explores the intersection between art and activism and how war affects and inspires children.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 February 2024
Publisher: Union Square & Co.

Out of the remarkable revolutions sweeping across the Arab world, emerges this inspiring tale of hope, freedom, and belonging, destined to captivate fans of Other Words for Home and A Good Kind of Trouble. In the bustling city of Damascus, Syria, Kareem Haddad, a young man with no aspirations of becoming a graffiti artist, finds himself drawn into a transformative journey. When a group of boys from a neighboring town emblazon their school with subversive slogans, and another young boy loses his life while in custody, Kareem and his friends are galvanized by the need to spread messages of freedom throughout their city. Meanwhile, in the United States, Kareem's cousin, Samira, embarks on her own quest to make a mark. Anxious to blend in at school, she joins the Spirit Squad, where her natural artistic talent catches the eye of the popular leader. Fate brings Kareem to reside with Sam's family, and their lives intertwine in a captivating dance. As graffitied messages emerge around town, drawing the attention of all, Sam faces a pivotal decision: should she retreat to protect her newfound social status, or stand by her cousin?

Informed by her experiences as a journalist, author Rhonda Roumani has crafted Tagging Freedom, a profound exploration of the intersection between art and activism. This captivating story is infused with rich details and a realistic portrayal of how war impacts and inspires children, reminiscent of middle grade books for middle schoolers such as Aisha Saeed's The Night Diary, Veera Hiranandi's The Night Diary, or Alan Gratz's Refugee. Through the eyes of Kareem and Sam, readers are invited to witness the power of art as a catalyst for change and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Weight: 376g
Dimension: 140 x 210 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781454950721