Bright Red Fruit
Safia Elhillo
Feb 2024 · Penguin Random House Audio · Narrated by Safia Elhillo
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4 hr 21 min
Unabridged
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About this audiobook
An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY.
A MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK • A CALIBA GOLDEN POPPY AWARD FINALIST • A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, BOOKLIST AND KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation. She’s never gotten the benefit of the doubt—not from her mother or the aunties who watch her like a hawk.
Samira is determined to have a perfect summer filled with fun parties, exploring DC, and growing as a poet—until a scandalous rumor has her grounded and unable to leave her house. When Samira turns to a poetry forum for solace, she catches the eye of an older, charismatic poet named Horus. For the first time, Samira feels wanted. But soon she’s keeping a bigger secret than ever before—one that that could prove her reputation and jeopardize her place in her community.
In this gripping coming-of-age novel from the critically acclaimed author Safia Elhillo, a young woman searches to find the balance between honoring her family, her artistry, and her authentic self.
A MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK • A CALIBA GOLDEN POPPY AWARD FINALIST • A PUBLISHERS WEEKLY, SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL, BOOKLIST AND KIRKUS REVIEWS BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
Bad girl. No matter how hard Samira tries, she can’t shake her reputation. She’s never gotten the benefit of the doubt—not from her mother or the aunties who watch her like a hawk.
Samira is determined to have a perfect summer filled with fun parties, exploring DC, and growing as a poet—until a scandalous rumor has her grounded and unable to leave her house. When Samira turns to a poetry forum for solace, she catches the eye of an older, charismatic poet named Horus. For the first time, Samira feels wanted. But soon she’s keeping a bigger secret than ever before—one that that could prove her reputation and jeopardize her place in her community.
In this gripping coming-of-age novel from the critically acclaimed author Safia Elhillo, a young woman searches to find the balance between honoring her family, her artistry, and her authentic self.
An unflinching, honest novel in verse about a teenager's journey into the slam poetry scene and the dangerous new relationship that could threaten all her dreams. From the award-winning poet and author of HOME IS NOT A COUNTRY.
A MICHAEL L. PRINTZ HONOR BOOK • A CALIBA GOLDEN POPPY AWARD FINALIS...
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Ratings and reviews
2 reviews
Alonna Dawes
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September 4, 2026
I listened to "Bright Red Fruit" by Safia Elhillo and Narrated by Author via Audiobook. This was my first time reading a "novel in verse" and I loved this narrative poetry. Listening to it captured my attention in a different way them a typical novel. I definitely feel sorry for Sudanese, Samira Abdullahi, she was under so much pressure (region, culture & family) and had so many restrictions (no boys, no jewelry, & no makeup). I definitely understand why she kept so many secrets. By the time I got to the end of the novel, I hated hearing Horus name. The way he took advantage of under age teenagers girls was just awful. I'm glad Samira gained confidence and chose herself. Tamadur, Lina, and Farrah (Lina's Sister) were good friends and always looked out for Samira. In addition, I am glad Samira and her Mama reconnected and dropped all the secrets. I loved how Aunt Aida always put Samira first.
Clarisa Degroate
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January 5, 2025
Deep, heartfelt, and complete. Memorable.
About the author
Safia Elhillo is the author of the Printz Honor Book Bright Red Fruit, which was also a CALIBA Golden Poppy Award finalist and a Kirkus Prize finalist, and was named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly, SLJ, Kirkus Reviews, and the New York Public Library. Her debut YA novel-in-verse, Home Is Not a Country, was longlisted for the National Book Award and received a Coretta Scott King Author Honor and an Arab American Book Award. Sudanese by way of Washington, DC, Safia is a Pushcart Prize nominee, co-winner of the 2015 Brunel International African Poetry Prize, and listed in Forbes Africa’s 2018 “30 Under 30.” She lives in Los Angeles.
Safia Elhillo is the author of the Printz Honor Book Bright Red Fruit, which was also a CALIBA Golden Poppy Award finalist and a Kirkus Prize finalist, and was named one of the best books of the year by Publishers Weekly, SLJ, Kirkus Reviews, and the New York Public Library. Her debut YA novel-in...
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