Ida in the Middle

“An engaging, beautifully nuanced book for upper elementary and young adult readers, its central theme—How do you survive middle school while being true to yourself?—is one that will resonate. Readers will connect to Ida’s struggles as a 13-year-old Palestinian American trying to grapple with anti-Arab racism at school, her relationship to a homeland she has never seen, and the complicated dynamics of her family … A must read!”
– Jody Sokolower, educator and author of Determined to Stay: Palestinian Youth Fight for Their Village

“Murad’s YA novel is a masterful debut, portraying both the echoes of history and the beat of contemporary teen life with insight, honesty, and compassion.”
– Susan Muaddi Darraj, author of A Curious Land: Stories from Home, winner of the American Book Award

“Ida in the Middle is a familiar adolescent story of our yearning to belong, while illuminating, with honesty and sensitivity, the painful experiences of Palestinians under the Occupation. Fourteen-year-old Ida, the timid and ‘invisible’ daughter of immigrants, finds herself magically transported to Busala, her native Palestinian village, where she discovers her voice and purpose in the world. Ida’s amazing journey reveals the strength of our roots wherever they are planted, and the courage to bear witness.”
– Sahar Mustafah, author of The Beauty of Your Face, a 2020 New York Times Notable Book

“Artfully injects our cultural and political experiences into the broader American landscape … Olives, as every Palestinian knows, are not just a savory snack; they encapsulate our culture in each dense nugget. When they are cured by a favorite aunt, they can have magic powers. As she eats the olives, Ida is transported to her parents’ village, Busala, just outside Jerusalem, where she immediately feels at home … But life in Busala is also unpredictable, scary, and dangerous because of Israel’s occupation. Here, Murad skilfully weaves the narrative between Ida’s fantasy and the all-too-real events of life under occupation, as Ida has to brave Israeli military raids, curfews, and home demolitions.”
– Nada Elia, Middle East Eye

“Islamic School Librarian recommends Ida in the Middle. Ideal for middle school readers (upper mg/lower ya), this magical realism book takes readers from middle school in America to a Palestinian village outside of Jerusalem through the consumption of some magical olives … The story is important, and is told in a way that will encourage readers to learn more about the occupation … The book is relatable and moving, not just for those with a tie or interest in Palestine. It is a coming of age story that shows a girl grappling with forces so much bigger than her, while at the same time dealing with homework and friends and stereotypes. Ida has a lot to figure out and the book doesn’t sugar coat a happy ending, it simply provides a moving story based on reality, through a character whose quirks and personality you find yourself rooting for.”
– IslamicSchoolLibrarian.com

“Ida in the Middle offers YA readers an immersive introduction to the occupation of Palestine. It is also a story of personal transformation … [It] captures adolescent angst with palpable precision … [Ida’s] newfound pride in her people and their history is inspiring. It also makes for a gripping and poignant story … Call it the miracle of the olives.”
– The Indypendent