Call Me Al

"Call Me Al" follows Ali, an eighth-grade student navigating the challenges of balancing school, friendships, family expectations, and his experiences with anti-Muslim racism as an immigrant from Pakistan. Through discovering spoken-word poetry, Ali finds a personal outlet amidst the pressures of fitting in and understanding his identity. Co-authored by Eric Walters and poet Wali Shah, the story explores themes of resilience, self-expression, and forgiveness in a relatable coming-of-age journey.