“The taut, suspenseful plot builds to a riveting climax. . . . Jolin does more than put a face on Middle East teens; she breathes life into each of her well-drawn characters and their complicated world. Nadia's story reminds us that some truths are best expressed by fiction.” —Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“. . . a groundbreaking story . . . Writing with compassion and sensitivity, Jolin shows the volatile mix of vulnerabilities, passions, anger, fear, yearning and devotion that pulls Nadia toward her shocking choices, which culminate in a heart-stopping ending. . . . an essential starting place for teens to examine their own views about Western culture, the Middle East, the division of church and state, terrorism, and how fear and hate, faith and love affect everything.” —Booklist, Boxed Review

“. . . a convincing picture of life in present-day Damascus, and the suspense will keep readers engaged.” —School Library Journal

“Jolin's powerful and timely first novel transports readers to present-day Syria and explores how the hatred that young people feel towards Americans seem to fuel their willingness to become suicide bombers.” —Publishers Weekly