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
My name is Samim.
I'm thirteen years and three months old, I love chess -- and I'm a refugee.
I was happy in Afghanistan, until the day bombs ripped my life apart. I escaped with my best friend Zayn, hoping to find safety in the UK. But the journey was dangerous and we lost so much along the way
Now I'm here, trying to make new friends and a new home, but will the authorities let me stay? First, I must tell my story. Are you ready to hear it?
"An emotional but ultimately hopeful portrayal of a young refugee's life in the UK."
-- Neil Cowan, AMNESTY INTERNATIONAL UK
Fidan Meikle is a stunning new voice in middle-grade fiction. Her wry, heartfelt and immersive writing will draw readers into Samim's world.
Discover Zayn's side of the story in the highly-anticipated follow-up, My Name Is Zayn.
Kids will love this hilarious fairy tale adventure packed with clever twists, familiar characters and page-turning fun.
The second book in a fabulous new magical, middle-grade series filled with adventure, wonder and wildness,
This is Book 87 in the Kelpies Series. See all Kelpies books here.
Fidan Meikle is an Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. She writes poetry and prose for children and adults. When she isnt writing, Fidan can be found teaching languages, indulging her love of Azerbaijani cuisine, or exploring the Scottish Highlands with her husband and children. Her debut middle-grade novel, My Name is Samim, is inspired by
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