This middle grade semi-autobiographical novel, It Ain’t So Awful, Falafel by Firoozeh Dumas  takes place in 1978.  It is always sunny in Newport Beach, California.  Canopy beds, beanbag chairs, shag rugs, and puka shell necklaces are all the rage. Zomorod Yousefzadeh has moved to Newport Beach with her parents.  A native of Iran, Zomorod only wants to fit in with her new American classmates, and make some close friends.  A trip to Sears with her father provides her with the coveted canopy bed.  Changing her first name to Cindy is a second step to fitting in. Finding a circle of friends who appreciate her, lead to fun times at the swimming pool, trick or treating on Halloween and going to Girl Scout Camp. When the Iranian Revolution occurs and American hostages are taken, Cindy and her father must answer questions posed by teachers, friends, and neighbors.  On her 13^th birthday, her friend Carolyn gives Cindy a small gift wrapped box.  Inside, a puka shell necklace.