Four Eids and a Funeral BY Faridah Abike-iyimide

In The Last Summer of the Water Strider by Faridah bké-Íymdé and Adiba Jaigirdar, ex-best friends Tiwa Olatunji and Said Hossain are thrust back into each other's lives under unexpected circumstances. Said, who spends most of his time away at boarding school, returns to New Crosshaven for the funeral of his beloved librarian, Ms. Barnes, and faces the reality of his impending summer at home. He dreads confronting his ex-best friend, Tiwa, and revealing to his traditional Bangladeshi parents that he wants to pursue art instead of becoming a doctor.

Tiwa, meanwhile, is reeling from the aftermath of her family's turmoil and her responsibilities at the Islamic Center, which is integral to her community. When the center catches fire, the mayor plans to demolish it, threatening Tiwa's efforts to organize an important Eid celebration and preserve a beloved community space.

Despite their strained relationship, Tiwa realizes she needs Said's help to save the Islamic Center, which coincidentally aligns with Said’s need for a meaningful project for art school. As they work together to persuade the mayor and salvage the center, old feelings resurface and they begin to rebuild their connection.

The Last Summer of the Water Strider is a heartfelt story about rekindled friendships, personal growth, and the power of community. Tiwa and Said’s journey to save the center becomes a catalyst for healing, self-discovery, and possibly reigniting a lost bond.