My Name Is Samim

Winner of the Jhalak Children's & YA Prize 2026 -- Book of the Year by Writers of Colour in the UK and Ireland

Winner of the FCBG Children's Book Award 2026: Books for Older Readers

'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.