Picture a Syrian American storyteller weaving tales of identity and resilience that captivate young hearts—meet Ream Shukairy! With her debut novel The Next New Syrian Girl and the gripping thriller Six Truths and a Lie, Shukairy has carved a vibrant niche in Young Adult literature. Her stories pulse with cultural richness, tackling themes like justice and belonging with a voice that’s as authentic as it is unforgettable.
Born into a world split between sunny Orange County, California, and the warm summers of Syria, Shukairy’s life is a tapestry of dual identities. This unique perspective fuels her storytelling, making her a rising star who’s not just writing books but sparking conversations about what it means to straddle cultures in today’s world.
The Making of Ream Shukairy
Raised as the daughter of immigrants, Ream Shukairy grew up defying stereotypes with a passion for languages and a love for the beach. Fluent in English, Arabic, and French (with a shy nod to Korean), she’s a linguistic adventurer always chasing the next destination to flex her words. Her summers in Syria, filled with family and seaside memories, deeply shaped her connection to her heritage. It was the Syrian Revolution’s upheaval that sparked her need to write, channeling survivor’s guilt and cultural pride into stories that resonate. Now based in Boston for graduate school, Shukairy balances her studies with volleyball, anime binges with her sisters, and a fierce commitment to telling stories that humanize the Syrian experience.
Ream Shukairy’s Unforgettable Stories
Shukairy’s debut, The Next New Syrian Girl, published in 2023, is a heartfelt YA contemporary novel that follows Khadija, a Syrian American boxer, and Leene, a Syrian refugee. Their unlikely friendship unfolds against the backdrop of the Syrian Revolution’s ripple effects, exploring generational trauma and cultural identity with wit and warmth. Critics, including Kirkus Reviews, praised its hope-filled narrative, calling it a “story of friendship and family that finds hope through heartbreak.” The novel’s dual POV and “bad-ass hijabees” vibe make it a standout for fans of Samira Ahmed.
Her follow-up, Six Truths and a Lie, released in 2024, dives into thriller territory. Six Muslim teens, falsely accused of a deadly Fourth of July attack, navigate a tense web of secrets and justice. With alternating perspectives and a nod to Angie Thomas’s intensity, Shukairy crafts a harrowing examination of Islamophobia and America’s legal system. Publishers Weekly lauded its “gorgeously written” prose and its interrogation of war, trauma, and healing. Both works showcase Shukairy’s knack for blending sharp social commentary with page-turning plots, wrapped in a style that’s raw, humorous, and deeply human.
Why Ream Shukairy Matters
Ream Shukairy’s impact lies in her unflinching portrayal of Syrian and Muslim American identities. Her stories give voice to first-generation teens grappling with dual cultures, making them feel seen while inviting others to empathize. By tackling heavy themes like PTSD, immigration, and prejudice with hope and humor, she’s reshaping YA literature to be more inclusive. Her work, celebrated by authors like S.K. Ali and Yamile Saied Méndez, serves as a mirror for marginalized readers and a window for others, proving that stories can heal and unite. As a fresh voice, Shukairy is paving the way for more diverse narratives in contemporary fiction.
- Born: Syrian American, raised in Orange County, California
- Key Works: The Next New Syrian Girl (2023), Six Truths and a Lie (2024)
- Awards: The Next New Syrian Girl – Kirkus Best YA Book of 2023, School Library Journal Best Book of 2023
- Fun Fact: She can sing every word of Hamilton and In the Heights!
Ready to dive into a world of heart, humor, and hijabees? Snag The Next New Syrian Girl or Six Truths and a Lie and let Ream Shukairy’s vibrant YA tales sweep you away!