American Heart

A powerful and thought-provoking YA debut from New York Times bestselling author Laura Moriarty.

Imagine a United States in which registries and detainment camps for Muslim-Americans are a reality.

Fifteen-year-old Sarah-Mary Williams of Hannibal, Missouri, lives in this world, and though she has strong opinions on almost everything, she isn’t concerned with the internments because she doesn’t know any Muslims. She assumes that everything she reads and sees in the news is true, and that these plans are better for everyone’s safety.

But when she happens upon Sadaf, a Muslim fugitive determined to reach freedom in Canada, Sarah-Mary at first believes she must turn her in. But Sadaf challenges Sarah-Mary’s perceptions of right and wrong, and instead Sarah-Mary decides, with growing conviction, to do all she can to help Sadaf escape.

The two set off on a desperate journey, hitchhiking through the heart of an America that is at times courageous and kind, but always full of tension and danger for anyone deemed suspicious.

an example of the biases that exist in America

a good story depicting how many don't accept diversity but a few can make a difference

Loved every minute!

Story well told. I didn’t want it to end even as I was crying at the conclusion.

Good Storytelling

I’m not sure what made me choose this one but the story held my attention from the beginning. Beautiful story about adventure and kind hearts against prejudice. Interestingly, I wasn’t crazy about the narration voice of the main character Sara Mary but the character was believable and the narrator did an excellent job at all the other characters. Worth a read.

Such a beautiful story.

This was such a well written, well read story. The voice actress did an excellent job with all the voices. There was adventure and good life lessons. A great story for teens and adults.

No way

As soon as “Chloe” said “this country (America) broke my heart” I was done ! I’ll not listen to that !