Terrorism
Terrorism is among the primary themes in the book. Darius is linked to the bombing of the Turkish embassy, and his videos are circulating showing that he joined Al-Qaida. Darius becomes on the top list of the most wanted terrorists. His immediate family, Kamran, his mother, and his father, are arrested by the Department of Homeland Security and taken into custody for interrogation. The police also get intelligence that terrorists are hiding in a cave and planning an attack in the stadium where the Super Bowl is expected to occur. They swing into action and evacuate all the people from the stadium before an explosion occurs. Consequently, the theme of terrorism is evident, and the reader sees that the victims of terrorism are innocent and unarmed citizens. Similarly, readers realize that terrorism is an organized entity with a specific hierarchy that helps it execute its planned attacks.
Persian-American Identity
Kamran was born and raised in America by Persian-American parents. Initially, Kamran sees himself as an American and tries to ignore his Persian roots. Kamran’s mother is Iranian, and his father is American. Despite having an Arab background, the family does not practice Islam, and they live like any American family in Phoenix, Arizona. Therefore, Kamran is typically an American child, but his skin is slightly darker. When Jeremy Vacca attacks Kamran with racist sentiments, the situation worsens when Kamran discovers that his brother is the subject of racist attacks from the white community in Arizona. Everyone believes that Darius is a terrorist because he has Arab roots. At some point, Kamran’s father, Mr. Smith, thinks of relocating permanently from Arizona because the racist attacks against his family are rampant. This theme is important because it shows the challenges people of mixed identities go through in America.
The theme of family
Kamran and his brother Darius are brought up in America and live with their parents. The family's bond is strong, and every member knows that he has a role in protecting and preserving the family's heritage. When news spreads that Darius has been involved in a terrorist attack, the family becomes more united than ever. Despite being nabbed by the police for interrogation, the family remains firm and tells the investigators that Darius has no criminal record. When the police ask Kamran to interpret the coded language used by Darius, he cooperates but only provides information that cannot lead to his brother's conviction. Therefore, the theme shows the significance of the family and its unity, especially during a crisis.
