‘The Eleventh Trade’ by Alyssa Hollingsworth

When Sami and his baba (grandfather) escaped to America from Afghanistan, the only possession from home that they managed to bring with them was Baba’s rebab, a traditional Afghan instrument.

Baba, who was a renowned musician back in Afghanistan, makes his living playing the rebab in the subway to earn tips from rush-hour Bostonians — but one day, someone steals the rebab, snatches it right out of Sami’s arms.

Sami feels responsible for costing Baba his only livelihood, as well as losing the only thing they had that reminded them of home.

Sami tracks the rebab to a pawnshop and makes a bargain with the owner: give him 28 days to come up with $700 in order to redeem the instrument. But the only thing Sami has of value is a Manchester United keychain. Would it be possible for Sami to trade-up items in order to reach his goal?
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Sami is aided by a new friend, Dan, who bonded with him over soccer — especially over following Manchester United in its bid for Champion League. Through meeting Dan, Sami gets a chance to play soccer on a local youth team. Through the team, he makes ever-wider connections who are able to assist him on his quest.

There’s a lot to enjoy about The Eleventh Trade (Roaring Brook Press, September 2018). Advances and setbacks in Sami’s trading efforts make for a suspenseful narrative.

Readers might also empathize with Sami and Baba’s past experiences, which are revealed in greater detail as the story unfolds.

I think this book might be of particular value to students who’ve experienced trauma. They can witness Sami and his baba moving through the pain of devastating loss, aided by a sympathetic community.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a review copy of this book from the publisher. The opinion expressed is my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”