If You Could Be Mine
on Goodreads (10,182)
What’s inside...
Winner of the Lambda Literary Award for LGBT Children’s/Young Adult and one of Rolling Stone’s 40 Best YA Novels, this book tells the story of seventeen-year-old Sahar who has been in love with her best friend, Nasrin, since they were six. Living in Iran, where their love could lead to severe consequences like imprisonment or execution, they keep their relationship a secret. When Nasrin’s parents arrange her marriage, Sahar considers undergoing sex reassignment, which is legal in Iran, as a way to be with Nasrin. She faces a difficult choice: save their love or stay true to herself.
Age
14-18
Length
256 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sahar
Nasrin
Ali
Parveen
Reza
Discussion points
How do you think Sahar feels about having to keep her true self a secret?
Why is it important to respect and accept everyone for who they are?
What would you do if you were in Sahar's situation?
How do the characters in the book show courage and support for each other?
What did you learn about a different culture from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting the discussion, ensure a comfortable and open environment where your child feels safe expressing their thoughts.
Listen actively and validate your child's feelings, showing genuine interest in their perspectives.
Encourage empathy by asking your child to consider the emotions and experiences of the characters in various scenarios.
Connect the themes from the book to real-life examples to help your child understand the broader implications of acceptance and identity.
End the discussion by affirming the importance of love, friendship, and being true to oneself.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Acceptance
Explanation: The story explores the challenges faced by two girls in love in a society that does not accept their relationship, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by learning to accept and embrace differences in others around them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in social settings.
Example Lesson: Courage and Self-Expression
Explanation: The characters demonstrate courage by expressing their true selves despite societal pressures, teaching the importance of being true to one's identity.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to confidently express their own opinions and feelings, even when they might differ from the majority, helping them develop a strong sense of self.
Example Lesson: Resilience in Adversity
Explanation: As the characters face emotional and societal hurdles, the story showcases their resilience in navigating these challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to persevere through their own difficulties, whether it's dealing with peer pressure, bullying, or any other hardships, enhancing their problem-solving skills and emotional strength.