Are you a teacher looking for a book to inspire your class and foster empathy? It’s more important than ever to encourage open and sensitive discussion with young people about potentially difficult subjects like war, displacement, refugees and the asylum system. Whether you’re new to Fidan Meikle’s books or you have already explored her multi-award-winning first novel My Name Is Samim, the follow-up My Name Is Zayn is a great choice for a class reader. You will find this story particularly valuable if you are looking to dive deeper into the experiences of refugees once their journey has ended, and prompt discussion around the troubling attitudes towards asylum seekers in the UK today.

This learning resource pack has been created by the author to help teachers lead insightful class discussions and activities based on the book. Activities are suitable for pupils in upper primary and lower secondary school (ages 10+).

Fidan Meikle is available for school visits. Email us on marketing@florisbooks.co.uk for more info.

Did you know you can get funding for author visits in Scotland with the Live Literature funding scheme? Find out how to apply via the Scottish Book Trust, or find Fidan in the Live Literature directory.

Praise for My Name Is Zayn

‘This moving, compelling 10+ story of courage and adaptability shines a searchlight on the asylum system.’
– The Guardian

‘A story of courage and bravery beyond imagination.’
– Christine Pillainayagam, author of Ellie Pillai is Brown

‘Raw, empathetic and much needed to begin hard conversations… Meikle is unafraid to tackle big subjects.’
– Maisie Chan, author of Danny Chung Does Not Do Maths

‘Fidan Meikle’s books have the power to open hearts and change minds.’
– Sita Brahmachari, author of Artichoke Hearts

About My Name Is Zayn

Thirteen-year-old Zayn is a loyal friend, a gifted football player – and a refugee. Zayn endures a long, dangerous journey from war-torn Afghanistan with his best friend Samim, only to lose him when their dinghy sinks in the English Channel. Zayn arrives in the UK, alone, but convinced Samim is alive – somewhere. Living in a hotel with other asylum seekers, can Zayn rebuild his life and find his missing friend? The highly anticipated follow-up to My Name Is Samim.

About My Name Is Samim

Thirteen-year-old Samim is a loyal friend, a gifted chess player – and a refugee. After his family is killed in a bombing, he makes a long, dangerous journey from Afghanistan to the UK. But even then his safety isn’t guaranteed: Samim must tell his story to convince the authorities to let him stay for good, all while starting school, facing bigoted bullies and trying to make new friends. Will Samim be granted asylum and allowed to stay in his new home? Winner of the Jhalak Prize 2026, the FCBG Children’s Book Award 2026 and part of the 2026 Read for Empathy Collection.

About Fidan Meikle

Fidan Meikle is a multi-award-winning Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. Her debut middle-grade novel, My Name Is Samim, won the Jhalak Children’s & YA Prize, the Federation of Children’s Book Groups Children’s Book Award, several regional awards and was included in the 2026 Read for Empathy Collection. My Name Is Samim and the companion novel, My Name Is Zayn, are inspired by the real-life stories of unaccompanied asylum-seeking children in the UK. Fidan lives in West Lothian, Scotland.