One Half from the East

Obayda’s family is in need of some good fortune, and her aunt has an idea to bring the family luck—dress Obayda, the youngest of four sisters, as a boy, a bacha posh.

Life in this in-between place is confusing, but once Obayda meets another bacha posh, everything changes. Their transformation won’t last forever, though—unless the two best friends can figure out a way to make it stick and make their newfound freedoms endure.

Nadia Hashimi’s first novel for adults, The Pearl That Broke Its Shell, was a bestseller that shares a bacha posh character with One Half from the East.

• A Powerful Coming-of-Age Story: Ten-year-old Obayda must navigate a new identity and a world of unexpected freedom when she is transformed into a boy to change her family’s luck.
• Exploring Cultural Traditions: A thoughtful look into the Afghan tradition of the bacha posh, where young girls are temporarily raised as boys, exploring the challenges and liberties that come with it.
• Friendship and Identity: When Obayda meets another bacha posh, the two forge a powerful bond, sharing secrets and dreaming of a way to make their newfound independence last forever.
• A Story of Resilience: Perfect for young readers, this emotional journey tackles themes of family hardship, loss, and the incredible strength it takes to find your own path.