Everything Sad is Untrue (A True Story)

 Bibliography: Nayeri, D. (2021). Everything Sad is Untrue: (a true story). Levine Querido, Chronicle Books LLC. ISBN: 978-1-64614-000-8

Plot Summary: This is the story of Daniel, born Khosrou, an Iranian immigrant.  At a young age, he, his sister and mother are forced to seek refuge when his mother converts to Christianity. His father stays in Iran. The story follows Daniel's childhood, filled with violent bullying and the physical abuse his mother faces from his stepfather.  He intertwines stories of his childhood with family history and Iranian legends and myths,which he shares with his classmates. The story concludes with seeing his father again after 6 years and the strained relationship that developed as a result of his absence. 

Critical Analysis: Written as a memoir, Nayeri does an excellent job of creating empathy in the reader.  As he is an immigrant, we get to hear a childhood story from the perspective of someone who is different.  The story is not told in chapters, but still breaks in a natural way. The author alternates between memories of his traumatic childhood and Iranian myths and legends, which he tells to his school mates. He brings up the topics of bullying with harrowing imagery, describing how one boy nearly severed his sister's finger for example.  His language and word choice is simple, but vividly descriptive. Throughout, he describes his story as "a patchwork story" which is "the shame of a refugee". And though it is patchwork, seemingly disjointed at times, it is told in such a way that the reader can clearly see his young life as a boy.  An excellent read, I read it in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. 

Revi  Reviews: 

                New York Times: “ 'Everything Sad' is a modern masterpiece — as epic as the “Iliad” and “Shahnameh,” and as heartwarming as “Charlotte’s Web.” It’s for the kids at the lunch table; the heroes of tomorrow, just looking to survive the battle of adolescence." 

                Kirkus Reviews: "Not “beholden” to the linear conventions of Western storytelling, the story might come across as disjointed, but the various anecdotes are underscored by a painful coherence as they work to illuminate not only a larger story, but a life." 

          Awards:

               Michael L. Printz Award, 2021 

               Judy Lopez Memorial Award for Children's Literature, 2021 

               Middle East Book Award for Youth Literature, 2021 

         Connections: 

                Use in a middle or high school History, English or Sociology for a lesson on cultural representation and diversity. Have students journal their thoughts on Nayeri's experiences as an immigrant.

                In a middle or high school History class, have students mimic Nayeri's style by telling their own stories and incorporating historical events into the story.  Alter for a literature class by having students incorporate common myths or legends from their own cultures.

                Read for a character building activity, focusing on the bullying aspects of the story.  Have students develop a plan for preventing bullying and supporting students who may be victims of bullying. 


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