Out of Nowhere by Maria Padian (review)

Soccer star Tom Bouchard is a decent enough kid to assist the occasional newcomer stranded in his high school’s hallway, but he’s never given much thought to the struggles of the Somali immigrants that have recently made their way to his small Maine town until he finds himself forced to tutor young immigrants at an overcrowded community center. Meanwhile, Tom’s new Somali team members—led by the awesome Saeed—shift the team’s second-rate play into a higher gear, and dangle the tantalizing prospect of finally whomping top-ranked Maquoit. Dismiss any notion that this is one of those sports jealousy tales in which a displaced star seethes over his new rival. The real focus here is on the dynamics of a small Maine community that is, frankly, overwhelmed by the needs of its new residents, and on the struggles of the immigrants—many traumatized by war—to carve a life in America while remaining true to their religion and customs. Padian has a keen eye for the everyday pettiness of high school life that can touch off unexpected consequences: a soccer mom gets the halal menu just right for the team supper but then neglects to lock up the “unclean” pet dog; an ambitious Maquoit father prompts an investigation into the true ages of the Somali players; viral texting by a jealous girlfriend causes such shame to a Somali girl that her family must leave town. With complex national issues solidly grounded in a thoroughly credible plot, this could be an outstanding vehicle for classroom and book club discussions.