My Name Is Samim – Kelpies (Paperback) Fidan Meikle (author)

Shortlisted for the Jhalak Children’s & Young Adult Prize 2026

“I must make it. I will make it. And I will tell their stories.”

Thirteen-year-old Samim is a loyal friend, a gifted chess player — and a refugee. After his family is killed in a bombing, Samim makes a long, dangerous journey from Afghanistan to the UK. But even then his safety isn’t guaranteed: Samim must tell his story to convince the authorities to let him stay for good.

Samim relives the perils he faced and remembers the many friends he made and lost — the intrepid girl who dressed as a boy for safety, the courageous grandmother seeking a new home for her nine grandchildren, and especially his funny, spirited best friend Zayn.

With his past never forgotten, Samim begins to build a new life in the UK: starting school and making new friends. But he also faces bigoted bullies and an uncertain future. Will Samim be granted asylum and allowed to stay in his new home?

My Name is Samim is a heartbreaking yet hopeful story of courage, resilience and friendship. Highlighting the experiences of young refugees and asylum-seekers, readers will empathise with Samim as he strives for a safe home and a better future. Fidan Meikle is a stunning new voice in middle-grade fiction. Her wry, heartfelt and immersive writing will draw readers into Samim’s world.

Publisher information
Publisher: Floris Books
ISBN: 9781782509301
Number of pages: 304
Dimensions: 198 x 130 mm
Weight: 287 g
Language: English