Sour Cherries explores themes of self-awareness and the quest for belonging,
“Puts readers in an idyllic rural setting as a happy family of four sets about harvesting cherries…the picnic takes on a deeper meaning: the passing on of traditions, honoring of ancestors, and making of memories…illustrations add a cheerful tone.”
—Booklist
Illustration © 2023 Nan Cao
The Carpet
“The Carpet”is a heartfelt story that inspires readers to live and learn in love, not fear.
“Azaad’s story highlights the beauty of Afghan culture that is often misrepresented and misunderstood.
—South Asia Book Award
“A love letter to family, culture, and home.”
–Kirkus Reviews
Illustration © 2022 Nan Cao
Meet Dezh
Dezh is an Afghan writer who’s been a refugee his whole life. He is a trilingual educator currently living in Germany. He speaks English, German, and his native Persian, which he’s taught to refugee children aged six to twelve years old. He’s also led seminars in German for teens and young adults on social change, race, and the climate crisis.
With a background in computer science, Dezh is passionate about sustainable technology. Introducing young people to the possibility of a more equitable worldview brings him great joy.
