Zara Hossain Is Here

Zara Hossain has spent years in Texas while her Pakistani family waits for its immigration process to move forward. At school, enduring prejudice often seems safer than attracting attention that could jeopardize their future. When a classmate’s threatening behavior leads to his suspension, retaliation reaches the family home and escalates into violence. The life Zara has built, including the people she loves, suddenly feels much less secure. Her struggle to respond takes place within a system where speaking up can carry consequences far beyond the classroom. The novel follows a bisexual teenager confronting racism and uncertainty while trying to protect her family and retain a sense of belonging in the country she calls home.