Fourteen-year-old Azar Rossi's first year of high school has mostly been silent, and intentionally so. After a bad case of colic as a baby, Azar's vocal folds are shredded - full of nodules that give her a rasp the envy of a chain-smoking bullfrog. Her classmates might just think she's quiet, but Azar is saving her voice for when it really counts and talking to her classmates is not medically advisable or even high on her list. When she hears about a local Battle of the Bands contest, it's something she can't resist. Azar loves music, loves songwriting, but with her vocal folds the way they are, there's no way she can sing her songs on stage. Then she hears lacrosse hottie, Ebenezer Lloyd Hollins the Fifth, aka Eben, singing from the locker room. She's transfixed. He's just the person she needs. His voice plus her lyrics = Battle of the Bands magic. But getting a band together means Azar has a lot of talking to do and new friends to make. For the chance to stand on stage with Eben it might all just be worth it.

About the Author
Olivia Abtahi is a writer and filmmaker born in Washington, DC. When she isn't drafting novels about awkward teens, you can find her working on documentaries about social justice and climate equity. She currently lives in Denver, Colorado, with her husband and their daughter.

Reviews
Praise for Azar on Fire:

"[A] positive story, with distinctive and hilarious first-person narration, of literally finding one's voice. . . A poignant, engaging, and affirming novel." -Kirkus Reviews

Praise for Perfectly Parvin:
A 2023 Sequoyah Book Award Nominee (OK)
A 2022 Golden Kite Honor Award Winner
A 2022-2023 Georgia Peach Book Award Nominee
A 2022 YALSA Best Fiction for Young Adults Pick
A 2022 ALA Rise: A Feminist Book Project List Pick
A 2021 New York Public Library Best Book Pick
A 2021 Chicago Public Library Best Book Pick
A 2021 BuzzFeed Best Young Adult Pick
A Book Riot Must Read YA Romance Pick

"Abtahi writes a touching contemporary that's hilariously heartfelt about one girl's journey to self-discovery." -BuzzFeed

"Abtahi deftly navigates Parvin's transitional life phase, equipping her with enough humor and moxie to see her through even the toughest challenges . . . A joyful celebration of the right to take up space in the world." -Booklist, starred review

"Abtahi's charming debut will have readers cheering for Parvin. . . an incredibly charming, funny, and lovable protagonist who greets life with unbridled enthusiasm . . . as she navigates her two cultures with vim. . . A truly delightful story about a charming and engaging teen navigating freshman year." -School Library Journal, starred review

"Parvin's narratorial voice sparkles with wit and pathos, and her journey toward self-acceptance seamlessly incorporates political and emotional realities. . . A diverse, fast-paced, feminist romance." -Kirkus Reviews

"The fast-paced writing, wonderfully diverse cast, and very realistic and age-appropriate thoughts, choices, and realizations make this a solid read. Smart, funny, and full of heart." -Teen Librarian Toolbox

"Authentic and organically hilarious. . . A fresh, charming standout."-YALSA

"At its heart, this breezy YA title is about trying to find love by pretending to be someone else when being yourself is all that matters." -Brightly

"The ebullient, eponymous heroine of Olivia Abtahi's novel Perfectly Parvin-a prankster with a rambunctious wit . . . determines to remake herself as a demure, seen-but-not-heard young lady. The effort is doomed-if often hilarious-and has her trying but failing to tamp herself down through a friend's quinceanera party and Farsi classes, through online makeup consults with her Iranian aunt and a tragic band audition." -The Globe and Mail



Book Information
ISBN 9780593109458
Author Olivia Abtahi
Format Hardback
Page Count 368
Imprint Nancy Paulsen Books
Publisher Nancy Paulsen Books
Weight(grams) 431g
Dimensions(mm) 217mm * 148mm * 32mm