This book is so powerful. Noor and Salahudin are best friends living in Juniper, California. Neither has a happy life. Noor is feeling trapped by her uncle, the only family she has left. Salahudin's mother is sick and his father is an alcoholic, and they are at risk of losing their family motel. The writing is so beautiful, and even though it is heartbreaking, you keep reading because there is that little bit of hope. A joy.