“Zarifa Adiba's joy and hopefulness shine through her story and in every word she speaks from her memoir. Zarifa has big dreams to play the viola, conduct an orchestra, go to Harvard, meet Michelle Obama. She also faces major obstacles as she grows up in a country that doesn't value girls and opposes any musical expression. Zarifa earns money for her family by teaching English in Kabul. Her English is perfect but with an Afghan accent and a slightly singsong intonation that infuses authenticity and charm. Zarifa navigates complicated family relationships, especially with her mother, that sadden and infuriate her and underlie all her achievements and challenges. Listeners will both root for her and fear for her.” —AudioFile Magazine

“Adiba passionately supports education for all girls…Her unpretentious, earnest style as she recounts her life story with a matter-of-fact tone is as endearing as it is engaging. A must-have for any collection, especially in school and academic libraries. This memoir celebrates the power of one young woman to make a difference by speaking up and daring to be herself.” —Library Journal (starred review)

“Adiba writes with feeling and genuine pride in herself and her Afghan cultural heritage, and will touch the heart of anyone spending time in her company.” —Booklist