One Half from the East

Set in modern Afghanistan, Nadia Hashimi’s first young readers novel follows Obayda, a girl who becomes a bacha posh—a preteen dressed as a boy—to bring her family good fortune. As she navigates life in this in-between identity, Obayda's encounter with another bacha posh sparks change and hope for lasting freedom. This coming-of-age story explores friendship and self-discovery amid cultural expectations.