This was such a moving story, and an intense but hopeful one, too. Simi Singh lives in Northern India, and while she is focused on doing well in school—but really really into her field hockey team, too. When she learns she'll be hear team's captain she takes that seriously, and does her best to reach all of her teammates, even though some scorn her position given that she's a girl, and from a mixed-religion family. Her family is Muslim, Sikh, and Hindu, and Simi loves that about her family, but some think that wrong. Things escalate as politics and bigotry drive some in her community to attack them—throwing rocks through their windows, threatening them, and beating her father. The attacks are enough to make Simi and her parents flee to America, though the road there is dangerous, too. Ruchira Gupta's writing is engaging and the story is a compelling one, showing readers one family's story of immigrating to America despite all of the risks to try and find safety together. Simi's time in the desert and detention centers are particularly harrowing, but unfortunately realistic, and shine a light on the horrors our government inflict on children and families coming to America. Simi discovers that there are those who will help and support her wherever she goes—including other children making the dangerous journey, volunteers in the detention center, and journalists—and her determination is clear. An excellent book for middle grade and younger high school readers.

this was a beautifully done novel and had that element that I was was looking for in this type of book. I was invested in what was happening with Simi and how she was written. The plot of the book worked well and enjoyed the overall writing concept, Ruchira Gupta has a strong writing style and can't wait for more.

Thank you to NetGalley and Scholastic for allowing me to read *The Freedom Seeker* by Ruchira Gupta in exchange for my honest review. #TheFreedomSeeker #NetGalley

The Freedom Seeker is a powerful and important book that tells the story of a girl named Simi and her family's journey to the United States seeking asylum. In India, there is a group that believes married individuals should share the same religion, which creates a significant problem for Simi's family. Simi's mother is Muslim, while her father is Sikh. Her father travels to the U.S. first, leaving Simi and her mother behind. The journey they embark on to join him is fraught with challenges, and during this traumatic time, they become separated while crossing the border. Throughout her ordeal, Simi remembers what her grandparents, Dadi and Dadu, advised her: to hold on to hope even in the darkest moments.

This middle-grade novel sheds light on a topic that is not discussed enough. It realistically portrays the struggles of entering the United States while also capturing moments of joy. Students who can relate to Simi's story are likely to find this book compelling.

Simi Singh is happy- she has just been promoted to captain of her hockey team, she loves her two best friends, and she adores her close-knit family. Unfortunately, anti-Muslim sentiment is on the rise where she lives in India, and people have started directly targeting her interfaith family. After her father is attacked, their family makes the difficult decision to escape to the United States.

Simi's journey is heartbreaking. When people are in danger, they will put themselves into high-risk situations in the hope that one day their family will be safe. The hardest thing about reading this book was knowing that Simi's situation isn't something imaginary, but the reality for many children entering the United States.

I really enjoyed this book. In times like these with xenophobia on the rise, it feels incredibly important to read books that can expand our empathy to people who need it.

4.5 stars.

Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.

This is such an important book right now. The reality is out there, and this book does a great job bringing the reader right into the action. This book touches all the emotions as the characters try to find their way to a better future. I appreciate that it is contemporary times; these things are happening right now. The author handles the journey accurately.

Wow! This was quite a book. I read this in one sitting because I couldn’t put it down. It was heartbreaking to see Simi and her family go through to get to the US for a better life. Unfortunately much of this is true to life. I know students at my school that have been through much to be here. Such an important read!