While trying to assimilate into French culture while living in Aix-en-Provence with her family, Sheila McGrory-Klyza became aware of social dynamics between Muslim and the French people who considered themselves as the “true” 

French. Since she and her family were also outsiders in this culture, she began to imagine what it would be like for an American girl to befriend a French Muslim girl and how 

they might overcome their own cultural differences.

McGrory-Klyza wrote Miming in French to tell that story. Another central character is a mysterious street mime, a
symbol of someone removed from labels of ethnicity, religion, skin color and nationality. He helps the two girls discover the meaning of true friendship and that the people you meet can often turn out to be very different from what you expect. The book was written for middle school grades, but readers of all ages will find it engaging.

During this program, McGrory-Klyza will show photos from Aix-en-Provence, read from the novel, and answer questions about the book and share her personal understanding of France’s struggles with immigration and assimilation of Muslims.