The Eleventh Trade

Sami, an Afghan refugee living in Boston with his grandfather, busks in subway stations playing his rebab - a traditional Afghan instrument that connects him to his late father. When the rebab gets stolen, Sami must find a way to recover this precious family heirloom. Through a series of trades starting with his grandfather's carpet, Sami navigates the city and its inhabitants while pursuing the missing rebab. His quest leads him to new friendships at school and in the community, even as he grapples with memories of his past in Afghanistan. Working against time and limited resources, Sami learns to trust others and accept help, despite the wariness that comes from his experiences as a refugee. His determination to recover the rebab drives him forward as he adapts to life in America. The Eleventh Trade explores themes of loss, hope, and the power of music to bridge cultural divides. This middle-grade novel offers perspective on the refugee experience while celebrating the universal language of art and friendship.

Readers describe this middle-grade novel as an authentic portrayal of Afghan refugee experiences in America. The story resonated with teachers and librarians who highlighted its value for teaching empathy and cultural understanding. Positive reviews noted: - Strong character development - Educational insights into Afghan culture - Realistic depiction of trauma and healing - Integration of music throughout the story - Age-appropriate handling of serious themes Common critiques: - Some found the plot predictable - A few readers wanted more depth about the protagonist's past - Questions about authenticity from Afghan readers Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (50+ reviews) "This book opened my students' eyes to refugee experiences in a way statistics never could," wrote one teacher reviewer. Another reader noted: "The details about rabab music and Afghan traditions felt natural rather than forced cultural education."

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🎵 The main character, Sami, plays the rebab - a traditional Afghan bowed instrument with over 1,000 years of history in Middle Eastern and Central Asian music. 🌟 Author Alyssa Hollingsworth spent extensive time working with refugee organizations while writing the book, ensuring authentic representation of the Afghan refugee experience. 🎪 The story takes place in Boston's Haymarket area, one of America's oldest open-air markets, dating back to the 1830s. 🏺 Throughout the novel, traditional Afghan cultural elements like chai tea ceremonies, carpet weaving, and music are woven into modern-day Boston life. 🗣️ The book includes several words and phrases in Dari (Afghan Persian), helping readers learn about the language while following Sami's story.