Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers is proud to publish UNBECOMING by Seema Yasmin (on sale July 9, 2024). Two Muslimteens in Texas fight for access to abortion while one harbors a painfulsecret in this funny and heartfelt near-future speculative novel.Written in a dual POV including one queer narrator!
In a not-too-distant America, abortions are prosecuted and the rightto choose is no longer an option. But best friends Laylah and Noorwant to change the world. After graduating high school, they’llbecome an OBGYN and a journalist, but in the meantime, they’reworking on an illegal guide to abortion in Texas.
In response to the unfair laws, underground networks of clinics havesprung up, but the good fight has gotten even more precarious as itbecomes harder to secure safe medication and supplies. Both Layla and Noor are passionateabout getting their guide completed so it can help those in need, but Laylah treats their projectwith an urgency Noor doesn’t understand—that may have something to do with the strangegoings-on between their mosque and a local politician.
Fighting for what they believe in may involve even more obstacles than they bargained for, butthe two best friends will continue as they always have: together.
Now more than ever the discussion around teen pregnancy and abortion rights is relevant andimpactful. This highly discussable book is sure to spark interest and provoke conversations among teens and adults alike—and between teens and adults.
About the Author
DR. SEEMA YASMIN is an Emmy Award–winning journalist who was a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize, medical doctor, professor, and poet. She attended medical school at Cambridge University and worked as a disease detective for the US federal government’s Epidemic Intelligence Service. She currently teaches storytelling at Stanford University School of Medicine, and is a regular contributor to CNN, Self, and Scientific American, among others.
Her other books include What the Fact?: Finding the Truth in All the Noise, The ABCs of Queer History, If God Is A Virus, Viral BS: Medical Myths and Why We Fall for Them, Djinnology: An Illuminated Compendium of Spirits and Stories from the Muslim World, Muslim Women Are Everything: Stereotype-Shattering Stories of Courage, and The Impatient Dr. Lange: One Man’s Fight to End the Global HIV Epidemic.
Why Should You Read It?
“Unbecoming” by Seema Yasmin is a compelling near-future speculative novel that masterfully blends humor, heart, and hard-hitting social commentary. Set in a not-too-distant America where abortions are criminalized, the story follows two Muslim teens, Laylah and Noor, as they navigate the harsh realities of their world while fighting for a cause they deeply believe in.
Laylah and Noor’s determination to create an illegal guide to abortion in Texas is both inspiring and poignant. Their dreams of becoming an OBGYN and a journalist respectively fuel their activism, highlighting their courage and resilience in the face of oppressive laws. The underground networks of clinics and the risks they entail are depicted with stark realism, making the stakes of their mission palpably high.
The novel’s setting, with its speculative twist on current societal issues, creates a gripping backdrop for the characters’ journey. Yasmin’s portrayal of the challenges faced by Laylah and Noor, particularly the mysterious tension between their mosque and a local politician, adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The urgency that Laylah brings to their project hints at personal stakes that Noor slowly comes to understand, enriching the story with emotional layers.
“Unbecoming” is a standout for its authentic depiction of friendship and activism. Laylah and Noor’s bond is heartwarming, and their commitment to each other and their cause is truly moving. The novel balances its serious themes with moments of humor and tenderness, making it a well-rounded and engaging read.
Seema Yasmin’s writing is sharp and evocative, capturing the essence of a near-future America that feels all too possible. “Unbecoming” is a timely and important book that will resonate with readers who appreciate stories of resilience, friendship, and the fight for justice.
Overall, “Unbecoming” is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged novel that deserves its 4-star rating. It’s a must-read for fans of speculative fiction and anyone interested in stories that tackle vital social issues with heart and intelligence.