Six Truths and a Lie

Six Muslim teens are falsely accused of a deadly attack in this timely and harrowing examination of America’s justice system, perfect for fans of Angie Thomas and Samira Ahmed.

As fireworks pop off at a rowdy Fourth of July bonfire party, an explosion off the California coast levels an oil rig—resulting in chaos and worse, murder.

At the center are six Muslim teens – six patriots, six strangers, and six suspects.

An old soul caught in the wrong place. An aspiring doctor. An influencer with a reputation to protect. A perfect daughter with secrets to hide. A soccer star headed for Stanford. An immigrant in love. Each with something to hide and everything to lose.

Faced with accusations of terrorism, The Six are caught in a political game that will pit them against each other in exchange for exoneration. They must choose: frame each other to guarantee their own independence or expose their secrets to earn back freedom for them all.

• * "... gorgeously written....  an illuminating read that interrogates themes of war, trauma, and healing."

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

• Praise for The Next New Syrian Girl:

  * "A story of friendship and family that finds hope through heartbreak."
   

  Kirkus, starred review

• * " Emotional, with respites of dry hilarity (plus an adorable halal romance), every page in Shukairy's debut exudes purpose."

  Booklist, starred review

• "The Next New Syrian Girl is a powerful and (sadly) relevant story...a testament to the power of young girls to change the world when they stand with one another instead of competing like society wants them to. Unputdownable, heart-breaking, and heart healing all at once."

  Yamile Saied Méndez, Pura Belpré medalist author of Furia, a Reese’s Book Club selection

• “The Next New Syrian Girl is an engrossing, crackling debut. Shukairy kept me tearing through the pages with masterfully executed twists, fraught family dynamics, and the blossoming friendship between Khadija and Leene. Heart-wrenching, heartwarming, and altogether healing.”

  Allison Saft, New York Times bestselling author of A Far Wilder Magic

• *"Shukairy swings for the fences, breathing life into each of the six leads who narrate this exhilarating read; interweaving relationships establish a credible and indelible emotional through line, and the story’s resolution is both heartbreaking and stunningly executed."

  Publishers Weekly, starred review

• "The Next New Syrian Girl by Ream Shukairy is a remarkable debut. Shukairy's cross-cultural narrative skillfully weaves a rich tapestry of sisterhood, family, and friendship. Examining themes of generational trauma, PTSD, immigration, culture, and religion, Shukairy is unapologetic in asking tough questions about who we become based on the privileges we have or don't have. Shukairy's page turning writing is gracious, humorous, and insightful, offering the reader food for thought and soul. "

  Echo Brown, Morris Award finalist and author of Black Girl Unlimited and The Chosen One

• “Real, raw, and enthralling, Ream Shukairy crafts a moving story of friendship, redemption, and hope. You’ll fall in love with Khadija and Leene and the journey they take toward each other.”  

  S. K. Ali, bestselling and award-winning author of Love from A to Z

• "A poignant story of two girls who are so different yet the same. Shukairy lays out both sides of a diaspora and a refugee and the longing both feel towards a home that has lost too much. As a Syrian, I was seen. One word to describe this debut: beautiful.” 

  Zoulfa Katouh author of As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow

• "The Next New Syrian Girl captures the importance of friendship and the complicated journey one undertakes in the present to reconcile both past and future. A heartfelt and multifaceted novel that sings of hope." 

  Laila Sabreen, author of You Truly Assumed

• “The Next New Syrian Girl finds empathy, light, and connections in a story that sheds insight into war, trauma, and loss. Khadija and Leene’s journey will stay with you long after the last page.”

  Adiba Jaigirdar, award-winning author of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating