Bloomsbury YA The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue by Zoulfa Katouh | Hardcover

From the author of the global sensation As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow comes The Ocean Would Paint Me Blue, a heart-wrenching new story exploring themes of friendship, loss, and identity. This novel follows Jihad as she navigates a new, unwelcoming high school environment following her mother's sudden death.

Jihad is the only Muslim student, facing suspicion and hostility from her new classmates. Finding solace in an old sketchbook and the stories her mother used to tell, she strives to focus on her goal of attending art school. As she illustrates her mother's memories, her canvas—and her journey toward resilience—grows larger than anticipated.

• A powerful exploration of injustice, identity, and the radical act of making oneself seen (Publishers Weekly, starred review).
• Described as devastating and luminous (Kirkus Reviews, starred review).
• An unputdownable story about family, friendship, grief, and trust.
• Explores Islamophobia, identity, and grief with an unflinching narrative.

• Author: Zoulfa Katouh
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Print Length: 368 pages
• Reading Age: 13 - 16 years
• Dimensions: 132 x 32 x 202mm
• Weight: 390g
• ISBN-10: 1526648598
• ISBN-13: 978-1526648594
• Publication Date: June 2, 2026

Discover this masterful work about finding strength in grief and letting the color back into life.