‘There were twenty-eight of us in the tiny dinghy, packed in like dates in a crate…’

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?

Kelpies

At the 2024 CILIP YLG National conference in Glasgow I met the publisher and publicist of this middle grade (& older) novel and they thrust a proof in my hands with promises that it would be a book that stayed with me. I actually read it on the way home, in one sitting, and then sat thinking about it until the end of the journey (luckily Glasgow to London takes some time)! I sent a few questions to the author, debut Fidan Meikle:

It took me some time to figure out the best way to tell Samim’s story. I debated for a long time whether to start with the moment his home was destroyed by a bomb or dive straight into the dramatic scene in the English Channel. But Samim’s story is really two stories in one: his journey to the UK and his journey within the UK. I needed a point where both narratives could unfold together. Having him recount his experiences during an asylum interview felt like the right choice – on one hand, he’s telling us about his past, and on the other, he’s stepping into his future, entering foster care and starting school. In the end, both journeys align as he searches for a place to belong.

I have a background in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, specialising in Afghanistan, so I already had an understanding of its history, languages, literature, religion, and geography. I’d spent years studying the country, but I knew that to tell Samim’s story properly, I needed to go beyond textbooks and research real experiences.

I read memoirs and personal accounts from refugees, collected stories from Afghan asylum-seekers, and studied reports from charities working directly with migrants. I also looked into immigration policies, especially those affecting unaccompanied minors, to make sure I got the legal side right. Watching documentaries and following investigative journalism helped me understand the constantly changing situation better.

One of the most valuable parts of my research was working with an Afghan photojournalist Through his friends and acquaintances who fled Afghanistan, I gained invaluable insights that also helped to shape the book.

With great difficulty at times! This isn’t an easy topic to soften – it’s a harsh reality for millions of children around the world. I wanted to do justice to their experiences, but I also wanted the book to be accessible for primary school children, something that could spark meaningful discussions rather than overwhelm young readers. To keep that balance, I made sure there was always a sense of hope, even in the darkest moments. Zayn’s lively personality helped a lot – his humour and resilience bring light to the story, reminding us that even in hardship, joy and friendship can exist.

I highly recommend The Lightless Sky by Gulwali Passarlay, a powerful memoir about a young boy’s journey as a refugee. I also love Hinterland by Caroline Brothers, which follows two Afghan brothers navigating Europe alone.

I’m currently reading Tali Girls by Siamak Herawi, an adult novel that delves into the lives of Afghan women under the Taliban’s draconian rule. It’s a deeply moving and eye-opening read, a story about women who are often silenced but never powerless.

I have several works in progress, all in different genres, too. But the book I’m dedicating most of my time to right now is a Young Adult fantasy novel. I’m really excited about this project and can’t wait to hopefully publish it someday.

Fidan Meikle is an Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. She writes poetry and prose for children and adults. When she isn’t writing, Fidan can be found teaching languages, indulging her love of Azerbaijani cuisine, or exploring the Scottish Highlands with her husband and children. Her debut middle-grade novel, My Name is Samim, is inspired by the true stories of young refugees who undertake courageous journeys in the hope of finding a safe home. She lives in West Lothian, Scotland.