Everything Sad is Untrue (a true story)


Bibliography
Nayeri, Daniel, 2020. EVERYTHING SAD IS UNTRUE (A TRUE STORY). Hoboken, NJ: Levine Querido. ISBN 9781646140008. 

Plot Summary
Young Khosrou is having a hard time adjusting to life in Oklahoma. Born in Iran, Khosrou (in America he is known as "Daniel"), his mother and sister, are forced to relocate to Edmond, Oklahoma, after leaving their comfortable life in Iran due to their religious beliefs. Life in America has not been kind to Khosrou's family; they are treated badly, avoided, and made fun of. Despite the cruelty, Khosrou remains positive and yearns to share his past with his class. Although they do not believe him, they listen to memories of Khosrou's family and tales shared throughout generations. Similar to the tale of Scheherazade, Nayeri's autobiography captures his own young, honest heart, courage, and vivid imagination. Retelling Khosrou's memories has provided him the opportunity to tell his truth and be heard.

Critical Analysis
Given that Nayeri is writing about his own life, he writes a strong, compelling story about his childhood. No matter the severity of the situation, Khosrou manages to express his strength and believe his family will overcome it all. His family is broken and difficult to deal with, as his eccentric father still lives in Iran and aggressive stepfather waits for him in Oklahoma. Khosrou can only rely and look up to the strong women in his life; his unstoppable mother and brave sister. Shadowing the storytelling ability of Scheherazade, Khosrou tells his teacher and class about his family's life in Iran and his time at a refugee camp in Italy. In Iran, Khosrou lived a peaceful life until his family was forced to seek asylum due to their beliefs. Leaving without proper documentation, his family was forced to live at a refugee camp until relocating to Oklahoma. Being a young boy at the time, each true memory is told from a thoughtful, honest, yet slightly amusing perspective. They are all Khosrou has left of his former life, but also providing readers with background knowledge of Iranian culture and hope for a chance to tell his side of the story. Readers will not be able to help but feel inspired by this young boy who is wise and resilient, showing strength in the most difficult of times. 

Review Excerpt(s)
- Michael J. Printz Award Winner
- Walter Dean Myers Award Honor Winner
- NEW YORK TIMES Best Books of the Year
- WALL STREET JOURNAL Best Books of the Year
- NPR Best Books of the Year
- Starred review in KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A modern epic."
- Starred review in PUBLISHER'S WEEKLY: "Mesmerizing and and hard-hitting at once, this work of personal mythology is a rare treasure of a book."

Connections
- For readers interested in learning about Middle Eastern culture told from a young boy's point of view. 
- Fans of the storyteller, Scheherazade, will enjoy this unique, true story told by a young boy. Readers will be inspired to speak and tell their truth just as Khosrou has. 
- Similar book recommendations:
Grimes, Nikki. PLANET MIDDLE SCHOOL. ISBN 9781619630123
Nayeri, Daniel & Miyares, Daniel. THE MANY ASSASSINATIONS OF SAMIR, THE SELLER OF DREAMS. ISBN 9781646143030

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