Desert Echoes – at a glance
The School Reading Lists’ five word review: Young Iranian-American embraces authentic self.
YA book title: Desert Echoes.
YA author: Abdi Nazemian.
Genre: LGBTQIA+
Published by: Little Tiger.
ISBN: 9781788957342.
Recommended for children aged: 14+ year olds.
First published: Paperback September 2024.
This children’s book is ideal for: KS4 young adults who are interested in real life issues of love, friendship, addiction, loss and homophobia.
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Our review:
Kam, an Iranian-American teenager, is hopelessly in love with his perfect boyfriend, Ash. But when Ash encourages Kam to venture into the desert to Joshua Tree, Kam returns alone. Ash is a confident yet complex and unfathomable character, prone to disappearing for days, something Kam’s best friend, Bodie, finds frustrating. But this time, he has vanished. Can childhood friends Kam and Bodie – with families closely intertwined in Iranian culture – find the courage to talk about their feelings?
When the opportunity arises to return to the desert two years later, Kam cannot resist. With a broken heart and many unresolved questions, he finds himself on the brink of death, or the brink of something more hopeful.
Desert Echoes is a bold and resolute novel that confronts sensitive issues related to culture and sexuality, providing hope and optimism, and restoring belief in happy endings. The story is poignant and impactful, beautifully narrated through the authentic emotions of Kam and his intricate relationships.
Our verdict:
Desert Echoes is full of the unexpected. It is an effective blend of LGBTQ+ romance and an insightful exploration of cultural disparity. The book offers courage and acceptance while captivating those who love mystery and romance.
Many thanks to Little Tiger for the review copy.
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If you like Desert Echoes by Abdi Nazemian you might also like: I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner, Let’s Split Up by Bill Wood, Sisters of the Moon by Marie-Louise Fitzpatrick, Heartstopper by Alice Oseman and Black Flamingo by Dean Atta.
Browse our 11-16 LGBTQIA+ book list.
