Life's not easy for 15-year-old Sami Sabiri, especially as the only Muslim kid at his private school. And when Sami catches his father in a lie, ev...
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reviews
Jan 08, 2010
Hi,
I'm the author of BORDERLINE -- and I love meeting readers. If you have any questions about the book, please email me here or through my website www.allanstratton.com
BORDERLNE is a coming-of-age mystery/thriller/suspense centered around a gutsy, funny, Muslim teen whose dad is accused of being part of an international terrorist plot. To save his family, Sami must risk everything to discover the truth about his father's secrets. It's a story about parents and children, More...
I'm the author of BORDERLINE -- and I love meeting readers. If you have any questions about the book, please email me here or through my website www.allanstratton.com
BORDERLNE is a coming-of-age mystery/thriller/suspense centered around a gutsy, funny, Muslim teen whose dad is accused of being part of an international terrorist plot. To save his family, Sami must risk everything to discover the truth about his father's secrets. It's a story about parents and children, More...
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(4 people liked it)
Apr 25, 2011
Aaron
rated it: 
Mohammed "Sammy" Sabiri's life is just about everything his father would have watned. Decades earlier, Mr. Sabiri had fled from Iran to get away from the conservative, theocratic regime that was coming to power after the revolution there. He arrived in Canada before settling with a wife in upstate New York. Mr. Sabiri completed a high level of education dealing with microbiology and won a position that made him quite successful.
As a result, Sammy was attending a prestigious p More...
As a result, Sammy was attending a prestigious p More...
Mar 08, 2011
Yasmin
rated it:
Another Reader's Preview:
Mohammad Sami Sabiri is a teenage Iranian boy living in the US, close to the Canadian border. He goes to a private school and lives in a nice neighborhood. He sometimes feels embarrassed by his heritage - he doesn't like when his mother wears a hijab in public, and when he gets called in to the house for prayers, his parents use a secret code. After an awkward incident with a girl, Sami's father becomes more strict and distant. The two are supposed to go to Toronto More...
Mohammad Sami Sabiri is a teenage Iranian boy living in the US, close to the Canadian border. He goes to a private school and lives in a nice neighborhood. He sometimes feels embarrassed by his heritage - he doesn't like when his mother wears a hijab in public, and when he gets called in to the house for prayers, his parents use a secret code. After an awkward incident with a girl, Sami's father becomes more strict and distant. The two are supposed to go to Toronto More...
Dec 07, 2010
Lucille
rated it: 
Sami is a teenage Iranian boy living in the US, close to the Canadian border. He goes to a private school and lives in a nice neighbourhood. He sometimes feels embarrased by his heritage- he doesn't like when his mother wears a hijab in public, and when he gets called in to the house for prayers, his parents use code. After an awkward incident with a girl, Sami's father becomes more strict and distant. The two are supposed to go to Toronto because Mr. Sabiri has a meeting there. It should have b
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Oct 25, 2010
Randee
rated it: 
Sami loves living in America. He knows no difference. Being born and growing up in America doesn't mean people don't glance at you out of the corner of their eyes because you look different. Sami's parents are of Iranian decent. He has their dark complexion, eyes and hair and they are Muslim. Finally, in fourth grade, he meets Andy. Andy is now his friend for life. They shoot hopes, go for ice cream, and went to the same school, until Mary Louise Patterson in the eighth grade. That was w
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Jul 19, 2010
Edi
rated it:
Andy and Marty have been friends with Sammy every since they were little boys. Sammy’s dad isn’t real fond of Andy and Marty, of the nicknames they give his son or the sense of humor they have. He tries to teach his son that his friends should honor his name and not call him “Prophet”. Hence, the nickname Sammy/Sami. For Sammy’s dad, things are either right or wrong and making the correct choices is quite easy. If a child is having problems making a decision, parents are there to dictate what’s
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Sep 14, 2010
Stevecrandell
rated it:
I almost stopped reading this book at least three times, when the plot hit its unbelievable peaks. A gang of students torture a classmate in the bathroom, a teacher breaks up the attack, and the gang is able to twist the story and blackmail the teacher into retiring? A US teenager sneaks into Canada to uncover a terrorist, and convinces his two goofball buddies to join him? The FBI conducts its own raid of the teenager’s home – his father is implicated in the terrorism after all – assaults the
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May 20, 2010
Katieb (MundieMoms)
rated it:
Borderline is a very real, compelling novel about acceptance and how as a society we look at other people. Allan tackled some very serious issues and wove together some very heart pounding, jaw dropping moments. Borderline is such a believable book, that at times I forgot I was reading a novel, and not something found on the news.
I was thrilled when we were asked if we'd like to review Borderline. It's the first time I've read a YA book that tackled some very tough issues and did so More...
I was thrilled when we were asked if we'd like to review Borderline. It's the first time I've read a YA book that tackled some very tough issues and did so More...
Oct 02, 2011
Dotty
rated it:
This one had me fooled until the end, so I guess I don't want to say too much about the plot. The author did a great job of getting inside the main character's head. The anguish and conflicting thoughts and difficulty "choosing sides" was often shown in italicized text, visible self talk. The technique was very effective in showing rather than telling the turmoil inside Sami's head. Sami's response to the bullies was real but I wanted to jump in and have at Eddy Duh Turd. What a j
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Jun 03, 2010
Sara
rated it:
Whoa. What an intense read! Being a Muslim girl, I have to say that Borderline was the closest representation of Islam that I've read about. It wasn't perfect, but it was close to it. It was nice having so much in common with the main character. I haven't read anything about this subject and I'm sure not many have you either.
Sami is forced to attend an all boy academy after having some trouble at his old school. Although he keeps his two buddies with him, everyone else makes fun of More...
Sami is forced to attend an all boy academy after having some trouble at his old school. Although he keeps his two buddies with him, everyone else makes fun of More...
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Feb 02, 2012
Becky
rated it:
Mohammed Sami Sabiri is a Muslim-American teenager living with his parents in New York. His parents are devout Muslims, his father escaped from Iran before Sami was born. Sami is a good kid but he doesn't always see eye to eye with his father who gets mad at him for any small infraction. One night the FBI storms in, takes Sami's father away, and accuses him of terrorism. Sami and his two best friends, Andy and Marty, work to discover the truth about his father and try to clear his name. The
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Jun 13, 2011
Cornmaven
rated it:
This book combines a father-son relationship story with a political Middle East story, along with a good education for non-Muslims what modern Islamic practice is like in the U.S., and the struggles inherent in being Muslim in a Judeo-Christian country in a post 9/11 world. Sami's voice was true to a teenager totally embarrassed by his parents, with that embarrassment heightened by their 'outsider' status as Muslims. The bullying issue figures in as well, and the jock who is the central bully
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Nov 08, 2010
Mary
rated it:
Borderline is a timely story of a first generation American high school boy, Mohammed Sami Sabiri, who experiences prejudice and bullying because he is a Muslim. His Iranian-born parents are strict, especially his father, so at times he feels that it is difficult for him to maintain the few friendships he has (with Andy and Marty). Like many teens, Sami's feelings about his father are deeply conflicted, but when his father is taken and their home is ransacked by the FBI, Sami believes it is his
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Dec 19, 2010
Mundie Moms & Mundie Kids
rated it:
Borderline is a very real, compelling novel about acceptance and how as a society we look at other people. Allan tackled some very serious issues and wove together some very heart pounding, jaw dropping moments. Borderline is such a believable book, that at times I forgot I was reading a novel, and not something found on the news.
I was thrilled when we were asked if we'd like to review Borderline. It's the first time I've read a YA book that tackled some very tough issues and did so, More...
I was thrilled when we were asked if we'd like to review Borderline. It's the first time I've read a YA book that tackled some very tough issues and did so, More...
Dec 03, 2010
elissa
rated it:
I enjoyed this story of Sami and his family, and it was definitely compelling. Didn't like it quite as much as Stratton's CHANDA'S SECRETS, but Stratton tells a good story. This one is a fictional backstory behind the headlines concerning Muslims accused of terrorist plots. Although the evidence against Sami's dad isn't at all tight, he's still held for months. It's sad that this story is so plausible today, but it absolutely is. 3 1/2 stars, and it makes it on to my list of 2010 favorites,
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Aug 01, 2010
Sandra
rated it:
Sami and his Dad are not getting along. Sami has to attend a private school where he is being bullied because he is Muslim and his dad doesn't approve of his friends who attend the local public school. When he is put on detention because of an incident with the bullies, his father blames him and accuses him of lying. Could things get any worse? Yes. When his father is arrested and accused of being part of a terrorist plot Sami doesn't know what to think. Even with the bad feelings between t
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Jul 28, 2010
BAYA
rated it: 
Mohammed Sami Sabiri is a high school student in upstate New York who has struggled to fit in his whole life. Since his Dad enrolled him in a private boys’ school where he is the only Muslim, things have only gotten worse for Sami, as he chooses to call himself. But he doesn't realize how bad things can get until the FBI ransacks his home and hauls his father to prison accused of terrorism. In an effort to save his family, Sami risks his own life to find the truth that will set his father free.
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Jun 03, 2010
~Hanna
rated it:
This book was really good. I literally just sat and read this the whole day. I havent done that. But it was worth it. Its about 300 pages long. I really liked these two paragraghs 'What does evil look like,Sami? If monsters looked like monsters, we'd know who to run from. But they don't. The scariest monsters look like family and friends. They're the ones that get you. The ones you trust. You let them into your heart, and then it's too late. They've got you. You're dead' and then 'We can't choos
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Jun 08, 2011
Nona
rated it:
Fifteen-year-old Sami, an Iranian-American, is regularly harassed at school being called sand monkey and even having his head dumped in a toilet. Sami’s father does not like his friends, the only two in the whole world that he has. Though Sami understands his friends don’t always make the best choices he isn’t about to give them up. Sami catches his father in a lie, everything falls apart as the FBI storm his home and drag his father off to prison accusing him of terrorism. Sami has to know t
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Nov 21, 2010
bjneary
rated it:
I loved Stratton's Chanda books and Borderline is another example of quality multicultural writing teens will be drawn to with the espionage, bullying and being Muslim in a private school. Sami has two great friends since fourth grade, Andy and Marty, yet he feels that his summer spent without them (his father wouldn't let him go on vacation with them) and having to return to his private school, has made Sami feel that his friends don't really need him. Things have been tense between Sami and
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May 03, 2010
Laura
rated it:
Borderline starts out as a coming of age story about Sami Sabiri, a Muslim-American teen who is struggling to balance his family with his school and social life in a very white suburb. It turns in to a taut thriller that explores safety in the Homeland Security era, race, and terrorism.
Now, if those were descriptions of two different books, I would probably pick up book #2. And if I did, I would be missing out. While the issues of justice, fear, and racial profiling that are addr More...
Now, if those were descriptions of two different books, I would probably pick up book #2. And if I did, I would be missing out. While the issues of justice, fear, and racial profiling that are addr More...
Oct 15, 2010
Claire
rated it:
This is a quick paced topical read. Sami lives with strict Iranian Muslim parents near the Canadian border. The family has endured prejudice but firmly grasp the notion of freedom and equality offered by the American image. Through talent and hard work they are successful and provide well for Sami.
The book touches on the culture clash that Sami faces and systemic and systematic bullying in many schools.
When an overzealous and misguided FBI investigation accuses Sami's dad of terror More...
The book touches on the culture clash that Sami faces and systemic and systematic bullying in many schools.
When an overzealous and misguided FBI investigation accuses Sami's dad of terror More...
Apr 02, 2011
Michelle
rated it:
The idea of this book has great potential but fell a little bit short of the mark for me. I like that main character is a Muslim teen of immigrant parents and I appreciate how the author explores the Sami's struggles with ethnic identity and the fierce adolescent need to fit in. The circumstances of the novel are a bit too unbelievable for me. Sami's dad is suspected of leading a terrorist ring in their town and the resolution to that scenario is too neat for my taste. But, more troubling, i
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Aug 17, 2010
Rachel
rated it:
This book gave a good look at how current politics can negatively affect Muslim-American families. Quick to be suspicious and slow to accept differences, the community is not supportive or willing to let Sami and his family into their community. Then Sami's dad is accused of being a terrorist, and even Sami isn't sure what to believe at first. There's some suspense when Sami sets out to try to help his dad. The author also creates doubt in the readers mind as to whether or not Sami's dad is
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Sep 13, 2011
SharonJH
rated it:
Sami Sabiri is the only Muslim Iranian-American teen trying to fit in at his exclusive high school. When his father is arrested by the FBI in an early morning raid, Sami and his friends cross into Canada to try to meet a supposed terrorist still at large, hoping to clear his father's name. Will his surprising find help free his father? Borderline helps the reader see the struggles a Muslim youth might have fitting in, the effects of a group of bullies and how things may not be what they seem. I
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Jul 14, 2011
Lydia
rated it:
Understanding this title involves understand inte story. How a boy from the Middle East, who is bullied daily by students in his private academy can stand it. How his best friends are from the public school. And how his father, who he suspects of having a mistress, can become a victim of the rules established by Homeland Security and stripped of his rights as an American citizen.
Stratton has written a well-written, well paced book. The relationships between some of the characters do no More...
Stratton has written a well-written, well paced book. The relationships between some of the characters do no More...
Feb 07, 2012
Canadian Children's
rated it:
Reviewed by Rachel Siegel
Ever since his father stuck him in a fancy private school, life has gotten worse for Sami Sabiri. As the only Muslim at a primarily white school, he’s subjected to constant bullying by the other students. Things go from bad to worse when his father is arrested, and his family is accused of being at the centre of an international terrorist plot to poison the water supply. Now everything he’s ever known is called into question, and Sami must fight to keep his w More...
Ever since his father stuck him in a fancy private school, life has gotten worse for Sami Sabiri. As the only Muslim at a primarily white school, he’s subjected to constant bullying by the other students. Things go from bad to worse when his father is arrested, and his family is accused of being at the centre of an international terrorist plot to poison the water supply. Now everything he’s ever known is called into question, and Sami must fight to keep his w More...
Apr 12, 2011
Jami
rated it:
I was excited to read Borderline because it's the first book I have read with a Muslim boy as a main character. It's always interesting for me to read about a character so different than myself.
I instantly liked Sami. His inner dialogue was so real and funny it had me cracking up. Stratton did a fantastic job at capturing the voice of a teenage boy. Sami had a difficult life. He lived in an area where he was the only Muslim boy. He was often treated differently and picked on because o More...
I instantly liked Sami. His inner dialogue was so real and funny it had me cracking up. Stratton did a fantastic job at capturing the voice of a teenage boy. Sami had a difficult life. He lived in an area where he was the only Muslim boy. He was often treated differently and picked on because o More...
May 31, 2010
Christianne
rated it:
Mohammed Sami Sabiri is a high school student in upstate New York who has struggled to fit his whole life. Since his Dad enrolled him in a private boys school where he is the only Muslim, things have only gotten worse for Sami, as he chooses to call himself. But he doesn't realize how bad things can get until the FBI ransacks his home and hauls his father to prison accused of terrorism. In an effort to save his family, Sami risks his own life to find the truth that will set his father free.
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Oct 14, 2010
Jennifer
rated it:
Reviewed by Kira M for TeensReadToo.com
When 15-year-old Mohammed "Sami" Sabiri was caught by his father sharing chocolate with Mary Louise Prescott, a hot girl from school (who wanted to share more than that with him), he's yanked out of public school and sent to an expensive private school called the Theodore Roosevelt Academy for Boys. Since then, he has not had the best relationship with his father.
Sami's father cancels a planned trip with him to Toronto, but More...
When 15-year-old Mohammed "Sami" Sabiri was caught by his father sharing chocolate with Mary Louise Prescott, a hot girl from school (who wanted to share more than that with him), he's yanked out of public school and sent to an expensive private school called the Theodore Roosevelt Academy for Boys. Since then, he has not had the best relationship with his father.
Sami's father cancels a planned trip with him to Toronto, but More...
