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My Name Is Zayn

Fidan Meikle

£7.99

Also available as: eBook

Range: Kelpies Paperback 304 pages 198 x 130 mm ISBN: 9781835750117 Publication date: 20th August 2026
Genre: Adventure and Thriller Theme: Empathy Ideal for ages: 10, 11, 12, 13 and 14

‘A must-read story of courage and bravery beyond imagination.’
— Christine Pillainayagam, author of Ellie Pillai is Brown

My name is Zayn. I’m thirteen, I’m obsessed with football — and I’m a refugee.
After surviving the dangerous journey from Afghanistan to the UK, I swore I’d stay out of trouble. But my best friend Samim has vanished, and now my roommate is missing too.
I won’t stop until I find them. Even if it means walking straight into the jaws of trouble.
This is my story. Are you ready for it?

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

Reviews

'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

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

'A writer whose work sings with poetry and is filled with heart, voice and a passionate commitment to speaking out against injustice.'
-- Nadine Aisha Jassat, author of The Hidden Story of Estie Noor

'A powerful middle grade read. A book that needs to be in every primary and secondary school library.'
-- Mrs Sydney's Famous World's Smallest Library

'Emotional and so very real. Zayn's eye-opening story is a master class in empathy-building writing for young people.'
-- Scope for Imagination

'Another powerful, hard-hitting, emotional story. An absolute masterpiece in storytelling that leaves you feeling like you've been on an emotional rollercoaster and questioning the world we live in. You HAVE to read this.'
-- Mrs G Bookworm (Instagram)

'This book couldn't be more vital than at a time like now. I adored this book. It made me sob and it made me laugh. A book with a great big heart with kindness and empathy at its core.'
-- Coffee Kisses (Instagram)

'Captivating, heart-breaking and imperative. This wonderful story develops empathy in children and adults alike. I will never forget this book.'
-- Moore Books (Instagram)

'As well as highlighting the vulnerabilities, terrifying situations and awful hate, Fidan Meikle has written the most beautiful friendships, the kindness of unexpected strangers and truly lovely heartwarming moments that restore your faith in humanity.'
-- Mrs Moon's Room (Instagram)

'An emotional read and a page turner! It's full of courage, resilience, bravery, kindness, loyalty and true friendships.'
-- Bookmark Reading Journal (Instagram)

My Name Is Zayn

Author

Fidan Meikle is an Azerbaijani-British writer, linguist and translator. She writes poetry and prose for children and adults. When she isn’t writing, Fidan can be found teaching languages, indulging her love of Azerbaijani cuisine, or exploring the Scottish Highlands with her husband and children. Her…

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