Salma Speaks Up!
September 2025
Charming, creative Salma takes on big feelings with even bigger ideas as she navigates life in a new country, Syrian identity, family changes and new friendships in this engaging and heartfelt early chapter book series.
Salma embraces her voice and speaks up for herself and her friends in book 4 of the award-winning Salma series.
Salma’s best friend Riya has had a secret: she dreams of becoming a poet! So when their school’s Speech Club announces an assembly where the winner will get a spot in a city-wide writing workshop, Riya convinces Salma to join the club with her. But Nathan, another member of the club, keeps criticizing the girls for not speaking English “correctly.”
Salma grows increasingly frustrated: why does Nathan get to decide which accents are good or bad? Also, Salma is worried about her beloved Khalou Dawood, who keeps canceling their dinner plans, although he claims he’s not sick. Through research and discussions with her family, Salma discovers what might be impacting Khalou and also gains the courage and confidence to embrace her voice and speak up for herself and others.
Awards
Nominated, Silver Birch Express Award 2026
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
Reviews
“With warmth and honesty, Ramadan explores the challenges immigrants face around identity, belonging, and mental health, and the strength it takes to be true to oneself. A simple yet powerful story about taking a stand, embracing who you are, and caring for others.”
- Booklist, *starred review, 11/01/25