It’s 1979 and Jasmine Zumideh is ready to get the heck out of her stale, Southern California suburb and into her dream school, NYU, where she’ll major in journalism and cover New York City’s exploding music scene. There’s just one teeny problem: Due to a deadline snafu, she maaaaaaybe said she was Senior Class President-Elect on her application—before the election takes place. But honestly, she’s running against Gerald Thomas, a rigid rule-follower whose platform includes reinstating a dress code—there’s no way she can lose. And she better not, or NYU will rescind her application.
But then, an international incident turns the election upside down: a group of students in Iran, fed up with the U.S.’s interference in Iranian politics, takes the American Embassy in Tehran—and the people within it—hostage. And, as the Iran Hostage Crisis dominates the nightly news, her opponent seizes the opportunity to stir up anti-Iranian sentiment at school and turn the electorate against her—with the help of her outspoken brother, who never stops talking about it. Now, as the white lie she told snowballs into an avalanche, Jasmine is stuck between claiming her heritage or hiding it, standing by her outspoken brother or turning her back on him, winning the election or abandoning her dreams for good. Everyone has dreams about escaping their town and having their freedom, whether that be going to college or moving to a different city. For Jasmine, the journalism department at NYU is all she’s ever wanted, and the only thing that’s stopping her is an outstanding application. But when an international incident interferes with her plans to win her school election, Jasmine has to pick between her future, or standing up for her heritage. Jasmine Zumideh Needs A Win takes place in an LA suburb in California in 1979. The author writes a story that follows Jasmine through her struggles of high school and how she decides how to handle the situations that she encounters. Jasmine is a character that everyone can find something to relate to. Between dealing with the election, and drama with her friends, readers are taken on a journey that encompasses the meaning of loyalty, determination, and self-discovery. This book was a great read. I enjoyed the characters and how much of a strong figure Jasmine is. I would recommend this book to anyone who is looking for a relatable book about kids in high school, and chasing after your dreams. With all the events that take place, you will constantly be turning the page to find out what Jasmine is going to encounter next. Bronwyn M., EO Blogger Does this sounds like a book you would want to read? Comment below and enter to win your OWN COPY!
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