{"title":"Tasneem Abdur-Rashid Recommends","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWe’re delighted to welcome author and Independent Bookshop Day Ambassador Tasneem Abdur-Rashid as a Pickled Pepper guest bookseller, in-store and online.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFrom magical adventures to powerful stories of identity, belonging and courage, browse below for a thoughtful selection of books suggested by Tasneem, as well as exclusive signed copies of her own book. \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"hari-kumar-ultimate-superstar","title":"Hari Kumar, Ultimate Superstar","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHari Kumar: 10 years old, 75% Indian, 25% French, and 100% going to be a superstar. All Hari needs to make it big is a lucky break – a chance to get his name out there.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd when that arrives in the form of a film festival competition at school, it’s Hari’s chance to shine. But life isn’t always like the movies. The new kid Hari thought would be his sidekick turns out to have the makings of a true villain, the crack team he’s assembled have minds of their own, and censorship (in the form of the Deputy Head Teacher) is looming.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Hari keep things together and pull off an epic comeback, or will his film-making debut be cancelled before it’s even released…? Packed full of friendship, doodles and draaaaama, this series is perfect for fans of TOM GATES and LOKI!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWonderful insight into the world of a neurodiverse South Asian boy and another one of my 10 year-old's favourites. It's a funny and positive portrayal of neurodiversity, showing his ambitions and personality rather than defining him by his differences.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rashmi Sirdeshpande","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":58309455380867,"sku":null,"price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/9780008738198.jpg?v=1782139296"},{"product_id":"the-silver-kingdom","title":"The Silver Kingdom ","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen Prince Zayd of Dakaria meets Princess Layla of Sawan, sparks fly—but their arranged marriage is meant to unite kingdoms, not hearts.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs Layla discovers a dangerous magical power and Zayd secretly reaches out to exiled mages, an ancient prophecy begins to awaken. With peace between their kingdoms hanging by a thread, Layla may be the key to uniting their lands... Or the spark that ignites a devastating war.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA lush South Asian romantasy of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eslow-burn forbidden love, ancient magic, political intrigue and a chosen one\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, perfect for fans of \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWe Hunt the Flame\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e, \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEmpire of Sand\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDivine Rivals\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"My favourite YA this year - romantasy, magic, enemies to lovers, South Asian culture - I couldn't put it down!\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Radiya Hafiza","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62668883820931,"sku":null,"price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/silver-kingdom.jpg?v=1789984502"},{"product_id":"the-boy-in-the-striped-pyjamas","title":"The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas ","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNine-year-old Bruno moves to a strange new home with his family, where he discovers a fence separating him from a boy named Shmuel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhat begins as an innocent friendship soon leads Bruno into a world he cannot understand—a world shaped by hatred, cruelty and war.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Boy in the Striped Pyjamas\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cspan\u003e is a powerful and heartbreaking story about friendship, innocence and the devastating consequences of prejudice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"My 12-year-old read this over the summer and he said it was heartbreaking and gripping. I found it profound and really hit home how innocent children are often the biggest collateral in fascism.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"John Boyne","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62668938051971,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/boystripedpyjamas.jpg?v=1789985178"},{"product_id":"kareem-between","title":"Kareem Between","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA powerful coming-of-age story about friendship, family, identity and finding your voice.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eSeventh-grader Kareem is struggling to fit in after his best friend moves away and he loses his chance to make the football team. Then he’s asked to show a new Syrian refugee around school, forcing him to confront his own feelings about his heritage.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWhen his mother becomes stranded in Syria while trying to bring Kareem’s grandparents to safety, Kareem finds himself caught between countries, friendships and right and wrong. With everything changing around him, he must find the courage to stand up for what he believes in.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"One of my son's favourites - written in verse - explores the feelings of being “between” cultures, friendships and expectations. It's about identity, racism, belonging and having the courage to do what is right even when it could cost you something.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Shifa Saltagi Safadi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62668955484547,"sku":null,"price":16.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/kareem-between.jpg?v=1789985510"},{"product_id":"gloam","title":"Gloam","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\"A creepy, thrilling tale of family, fear and a babysitter with a monstrous secret.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOn the damp, mysterious Gloam Island, Gwen knows there’s something wrong with the beautiful new babysitter. While everyone else is charmed by Esme Laverne, Gwen sees the truth: sharp teeth, hungry eyes and a growing hunger for her family.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo protect her younger siblings, Gwen must face the monster hiding in her home—and find the courage to confront her deepest fears.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"My 10-year-old loved this - it's the first scary book he's ever read, and beneath the horror is a powerful story about grief and suppressed emotions.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jack Mackay","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62668979110275,"sku":null,"price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/gloam.jpg?v=1789985774"},{"product_id":"hari-kumar-the-race-day-disaster-book-2","title":"Hari Kumar, The Race Day Disaster: Book 2","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMeet HARI KUMAR, superstar-in-the-making, in this laugh-out-loud doodle-packed diary series for 8+ readers. ‘Hilarious and joyful’ Louie Stowell, author of Loki Hari Kumar is BACK. 10 years old, 75% Indian, 25% French and 100% going to be a SUPERSTAR.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt’s Sports Day, AKA the literal WORST day of the whole entire year (according to Hari)! Leonardo House have NEVER won Sports Day, and this year Hari is determined to win the SHINY new trophy and beat his NEMESIS, Martin. Nani’s next-level fitness bootcamp has him doing some SERIOUS training, even burpees! Can Hari help lead his house to victory, and show Lily that he’d do ANYTHING for his friends? Packed full of friendship, doodles and draaaaama, this series is perfect for fans of TOM GATES and LOKI!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"Wonderful insight into the world of a neurodiverse South Asian boy and another one of my 10 year-old's favourites. It's a funny and positive portrayal of neurodiversity, showing his ambitions and personality rather than defining him by his differences.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Rashmi Sirdeshpande","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62669036290435,"sku":null,"price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/hari-kumar.jpg?v=1789986127"},{"product_id":"tyger-1","title":"Tyger","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdam has found something incredible in a rubbish dump in London. A mysterious, mythical, magical animal. A TYGER.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAnd the tyger is in danger.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAdam and his friend Zadie are determined to help, but it isn't just the tyger's life at stake. Their whole world is on the verge of destruction. Can they learn to use their powers before it's too late?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"This is both my boys' favourite book ever and in their words: it's even better than Harry Potter. It's a dystopian masterpiece set in an alternative Britain where slavery was never abolished, and explores themes like racism, exploitation, power and freedom.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SF Said \u0026 Dave Mckean","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62669054804355,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/tyger.jpg?v=1789986368"},{"product_id":"varjak-paw","title":"Varjak Paw","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis cat must learn to fight! Varjak Paw is a Mesopotamian Blue kitten, who lives high up in an old house on a hill. He's never left home, until he receives a mysterious visit from his grandfather who tells him about The Way - a secret martial art for cats. Now Varjak must use the Way to survive in a city full of dangerous dogs, cat gangs and, strangest of all, the mysterious Vanishings.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWith stunning illustrations from acclaimed graphic artist Dave McKean, this award-winning story has become a modern classic. A celebration of friendship, loyalty and difference, Varjak Paw is an adventure like no other.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"This is the only book my 10-year-old has read twice - that's how much he loves it! Varjak begins as a sheltered cat who thinks his family is superior, but his journey forces him to confront prejudice, difference and belonging, while learning that friendship and loyalty matter more than status or heritage.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"SF Said \u0026 Dave Mckean","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62669080035715,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/varjak.jpg?v=1789986639"},{"product_id":"my-name-is-samim","title":"My Name Is Samim","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eA moving and hopeful story about friendship, courage, family and finding a new home.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThirteen-year-old Samim loves chess and his life in Afghanistan—until war forces him to flee with his best friend, Zayn. After a dangerous journey, Samim arrives in the UK and must try to build a new life while waiting to discover whether he can stay.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTo have a future, Samim must first tell his story.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003eWinner of the Jhalak Children's \u0026amp; YA Prize 2026\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eBook of the Year by Writers of Colour in the UK and Ireland \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eWinner of the FCBG Children's Book Award 2026: Books for Older Readers\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePickled Pepper Guest Bookseller Tasneem Abdur-Rashid says: \"In today's political climate, this book is more important than ever. Samim's dangerous journey from Afghanistan to the UK gives readers an important and authentic insight into the real experiences of refugees and asylum seekers, including loss, displacement, bullying and the uncertainty of trying to find somewhere safe to call home.\"\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Fidan Meikle","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62669129384323,"sku":null,"price":7.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/samim.jpg?v=1789987828"},{"product_id":"odd-girl-out","title":"Odd Girl Out, Signed","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eYou are ordering a signed copy of Odd Girl Out by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'San Francisco', 'Segoe UI', Roboto, 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif; font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003eHer parents' divorce has Maaryah bidding bye-bye to Dubai and her life of luxury... \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eand hello to dreary London, where things get... c\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eomplicated. There are house parties, annoying-yet-hot boys and the isolating reality of being the only hijabi in a massive school. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCan Maaryah stay true to herself, even when another bombshell rocks her world?\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eOdd Girl Out has been shortlisted for multiple awards including the Warwickshire Teen Book Awards, Redbridge Book Awards, Redhill Academy Trust YA Book Award, Girls Day School Trust Awards \u0026amp; the Muslim Book Awards.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIt has been nominated for the Carnegie Medal, longlisted for the Branford Boase Award and won the Strange Incorporated Award.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tasneem Abdur-Rashid","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":62669271466371,"sku":null,"price":8.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0272\/9544\/9177\/files\/81FZZk0GLcL._SY385.jpg?v=1762431119"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.pickledpepperbooks.co.uk\/collections\/tasneem-abdur-rashid-recommends.oembed","provider":"Pickled Pepper Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}