My Name Is Samim

Reviews / Votes

Winner of the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize 2026 -- Book of the Year by writers of colour in the UK and Ireland

'Meikle's debut is a powerful story of resilience, adaptability and hope.'
-- The Guardian

Shortlisted for:
- The Federation of Children's Book Groups Award
- The Sheffield Book Award
- The Literally Brilliant Book Award
- The Hampshire Book Award

Part of the 2026 Read for Empathy Collection

'An emotional but ultimately hopeful portrayal of a young refugee's life in the UK; shining a light on the challenges that face so many.'
-- Amnesty International UK

'An assured, compelling debut.'
-- BookTrust

'A powerful novel that encourages empathy in its handling of friendship, love, war, and the emotional journey of refugee children and their families. Recommended for all collections.'
-- School Library Journal, Starred Review

'Meikle's lyrical prose captures the emotional weight of displacement and survival, offering middle-grade readers a heartfelt glimpse into refugee experiences. Poignant and lyrical.'
-- Kirkus Reviews

'An affecting novel. Its everyday school scenes are well juxtaposed with the horror and hardships Samim encounters as he is "forced on a journey no one goes on by choice," inducing empathy.'
-- Foreword Reviews

'A searing novel. Intense portrayals of the protagonist's experiences culminate in a sobering and illuminating volume.'
-- Publishers Weekly

'Meikle's unflinching and vital narrative makes a refugee's plight accessible to children.
-- Booklist

'Samim is a fully-rounded character, giving a relatable face to the countless news reports. Beautifully descriptive as well as tightly paced, this novel is emotive and utterly engrossing? Moving, heart-breaking nd ultimately uplifting, this is a topical, timely novel with a very important message.'
-- Children's Books Ireland

'An uncompromising but ultimately optimistic view of the experience of young refugees.'
-- The School Librarian

'Despite the book's charm and adept delivery, there is a deep sadness here, in so much of what Samim has to endure. Profound.'
-- The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

'As tough a read as it might be for some it is a realistic story, one that's important to tell.'
-- Armadillo

'As terrible as things get, Samim and Zayn's story is always filled with hope, and told with warmth and humour. At a time when refugees are regularly regarded with fear and suspicion, one of the many strengths of Fidan Meikle's immensely moving and sensitively written story, is the way it lets us see through Samim's eyes.'
-- Andrea Reece, LoveReading4Kids, July 2025 Debut of the Month

'Warm, funny and ultimately hopeful? This is a beautifully written and important story which highlights the courage and resilience of children for whom safety is not guaranteed.'
-- Books for Keeps

'Affectively engaging, My Name is Samim, a remarkable debut novel [?] gripped me from the outset. Meticulously researched, the tale foregrounds friendship, fear, uncertainty and determination in equal measure.'
-- Books for Keeps

'Compelling and powerful, sitting alongside Welcome to Nowhere by Elizabeth Laird or Boy, Everywhere by A. M. Dassu. Anyone in denial of the plight of refugees needs to read this essential story, packed full of love and empathy and based on real experiences.'
-- Books for Topics

'Moving, emotional and paced perfectly. Both timelines are compelling and heartbreaking. An accessible, hopeful account of one refugee's experience that will promote both empathy and understanding.'
-- Youth Services Book Review

'A powerful, at times heartbreaking novel? This remarkable and deeply moving story conveys the reality of the experience of refugees and provides the reader with the opportunity to learn, to understand and to empathise? An impressive debut.'
-- Library Lady

'Such a beautifully written and important story? And one I highly recommend. An incredibly powerful book.'
-- Tamsin Winter, Author

'Honest, engaging and thought-provoking? a powerful story encouraging empathy by providing readers with a clearer idea of what being a refugee really means. It's a must-have for secondary school libraries.'
-- Kate Heap, Author and Literacy Leader

'This book is incredible in so many ways, it's really skilfully put together. A powerfully written and stunning example of how books can build empathy. It will leave you filled with joy and hope.'
-- Claire Linney, Author and Influencer

'Moving, insightful and well-researched, this is an exciting debut from a Scotland-dwelling Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator.'
-- The Literacy Tree

'I was invested, emotional at the end, and Samim will stay with me for a while. The book has a lot of heart, you really can't help but feel for Samim.'
-- Islamic School Librarian

'Extraordinary! Explores many layered threads of loss, memories, friendships and immigration.'
-- Teresa Cremin, Professor of Education at The Open University

'A great read not only for kids, but there are lots of adults who would benefit from reading this book too.'
-- Toppsta Reviewer

'Most heartbreaking book I've ever read.'
-- Toppsta Reviewer, 14 years old

'I really liked this book because it is a perfect representation of how refugees have to travel to the United Kingdom.'
-- Toppsta Reviewer, 11 years old

'A beautifully told story? Through the eyes of a relatable young character. Ideal for sparking thoughtful classroom discussions and promoting inclusion, this is the kind of story that helps children become kinder, more compassionate readers and friends.'
-- Toppsta Reviewer

'This book was amazing. It made me stay up way beyond my bedtime to finish. A work of fiction but totally believable and each of the characters are important.'
-- Toppsta Reviewer, 10-11 years old

'This book has many light hearted and funny moments and has a valuable message behind it? I loved this book and think that everyone should read it.'
-- Toppsta Reviewer, 17 years old


'A story that will broaden minds and expand hearts. Enlightening and eye opening.'
-- Jo Clarke, Teacher, ReadingZone

'A very emotional book, showing the worst and best of humanity. Fidan Meikle has got this just right? The use of gentle humour and strong characterisation helps temper the horrors of Samim's experience.'
-- Nic and Co Read (Instagram)

'A story I won't ever forget. This book changed me. Whilst this book is full of peril, persecution and cruelty, it's also full of kindness and compassion and, above all, hope.'
-- Bookbairn (Instagram)

'I've read a lot of books about refugees and this one is up there with the best of them. Amazing writing, with themes of family, kindness, compassion, bullying, fear, grief, loss, trauma and friendship. A book that all adults and children should read.'
-- Moore Books (Instagram)

'One of my favourite books I've read recently, and indeed possibly ever. Samim has one of the most mesmerising and memorable narrative voices in middle grade. I could not put this book down even though it made me so weepy.'
-- Golden Books Girl (Instagram)

'A book that will stay with you forever. It's raw and honest and deeply moving. It's a story of courage, resilience and friendship and it will break your heart. You won't regret picking up a copy of this one.'
-- Mum of Boys Northeast (Instagram)

'A gripping, deeply moving story. Completely unforgettable.'
-- Father Teacher Reader (Instagram)

'Such an important, beautiful and poignant story about courage and found family. Everyone should be reading this instead of the atrocious headlines and certain political propaganda.'
-- Tiger Lillie Reads (Instagram)