Reem Faruqi’s “Unsettled” is a middle-grade novel in verse that follows 13-year-old Nurah, who moves from Karachi, Pakistan, to Peachtree City, Georgia, USA after her father secures a job. The story traces Nurah’s struggle to navigate cultural displacement, familial expectations, and the complexities of fitting into a predominantly white community. Through lyrical free verse, Faruqi explores Nurah’s relationship with her older brother Owais, a talented swimmer whose achievements overshadow her own, and her friendship with Stahr, a girl grappling with domestic abuse. The novel tackles themes of identity, belonging, and systemic prejudice, culminating in Nurah’s journey to find her voice after witnessing racial profiling and violence against her family.
This book is a standout choice for educators aiming to address SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and nurture IB learner profile traits like Open-mindedness and Risk-taking. Nurah’s experiences offer concrete examples of systemic inequities, making abstract concepts tangible for students. The verse format invites discussions about how language and form can amplify marginalized voices, while Nurah’s evolution from silence to advocacy models risk-taking in the face of injustice. Consider pairing readings with activities like analyzing poetic devices to express cultural identity or role-playing scenarios where students practice allyship. For example, Stahr’s story arc could spark conversations about supporting peers in crisis, and Nurah’s decision to speak up against bullying is an authentic example of Principled action. While the novel’s themes are weighty, Faruqi balances them with hope, showing how small acts of courage can ripple into meaningful change.
