Tag Archives: Family

Apr23

The Last Resort by Sumayyah Hussein illustrated by Rania Hasan

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The Last Resort by Sumayyah Hussein illustrated by Rania Hasan

Once I got over my disappointment that the no parking sign on the bottom left of the cover was a deer and not a unicorn (clearly it is a deer, no shade to the illustrator), the 149 page early chapter book with illustrations was a decent read.  The messaging about family time was a little didactic, but the twist of having the child want it, opens it up to be both reflective for kids also craving family routine, and those that don’t appreciate what they have.  I do wish that the climax of the “noise” was amplified and built upon to add some urgency and tension. And the resolution a little more explained as I don’t know that most target readers will quite grasp what was going on in the resolution.  I know I would probably complain if it was over explained, but here we are.  The book is not preachy in its portrayal of faith, the family is Muslim and they pray and worship as part of their daily routine. The text and spacing, along with the full page black and white illustrations that present once nearly every chapter, make the book accessible and inviting for 2nd and 3rd graders.  I know I sound like a broken record, but the book really just needed a bit more polishing to truly shine, it isn’t a bad read, but based on my own kids interaction with the book, once they put it down, they forgot about it, and just weren’t motivated to pick it back up.

SYNOPSIS:

Mahmoud’s family has recently moved to Edmonton, and everyone is busy.  It is summer vacation and he is already bored. When he finds out his one friend is going away all summer, he devises a plan to force his family to come together. He finds a hotel near Banff, marks the calendar, and hopes for the best.  The family comes together, but the hotel has broken beds, toilets that don’t flush, roaches in the kitchen, and an elevator that they are told is out of order, but is still in use.  The family starts to turn on Mahmoud, but when he explains how everyone is too busy to spend together, they decide to make the best of the situation.  Weird noises and details that don’t add up, send Mahmoud exploring and ultimately make it a vacation to remember.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The story is sweet, and I am always a sucker for kids that solve problems. I hope that one day, self sufficiency in fictional characters will rub off on readers, but alas it hasn’t happened to mine yet.  The book is fine, the pieces are there, the writing is decent, it just needs a bolt of energy to make this a book that kids really would gravitate to and read over and over again.

FLAGS:

None: maybe a little anxiety and gross factors, and a kid books a hotel without permission.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The book should be on shelves in libraries (I wish Ruqaya’s Bookshelf Books were in public libraries), but definitely in school libraries, classrooms, and homes. I don’t think it has enough to discuss in a book club setting as it is a simple linear story with only one plot line. SPOILER kids may need a bit of help understanding what a front is and what was being done with the animals, and why a hotel in Canada outside of a National Park all came together to make it an ideal criminal headquarters for such activities.

Apr22

The City of Jasmine by Nadine Presley illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee

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The City of Jasmine by Nadine Presley illustrated by Heather Brockman Lee

With a release date of May 6, I really wanted to wait to post a review because the images are gorgeous in the electronic version, and I can only imagine how moving and captive they will be presented in a physical format, but alas I know the importance of presales and am sharing to hopefully encourage you to preorder and/or request from your library, this gorgeous 40 page OWN voice book.  A love letter to Damascus, and the sights, sounds, smells, taste, and feelings that the author remembers despite the mountains and oceans that now separate her, are lyrically shared with readers on a journey through the city. The ethereal lilting of words draw readers of all backgrounds in, and the complimentary gorgeous illustrations convey a palpable sense of beauty, love, and memories of home.  Even on a screen, they force you to get lost in their beauty. The cadence of the words allow natural pauses that tug on your eyes and draw them toward something in the images not seen before, forcing the readers and listeners alike to hesitate before turning the page.

The book starts with a little girl telling where she comes from, “the City of Jasmine,” “the Umayyad Mosque,” “Ghouta,” “Damascus,” “Qasioun,” “Qala’at Dimashq,” headers for spreads rich with poetry, wonder, and longing.

Neighborhoods of diverse families gathering, and sharing the foods that bring people together, and quiet bookshops that facilitate travel through time. Family memories built around orchards and fountains and laughter and love.  So far away from the author now, the memories are not lost, they can be touched when the scent of jasmine is “breathed in, and breathed out.”

The book concludes with an author’s note and a glossary.  Those of us who are not Syrian, and who have never been, after spending time with this book will undoubtedly be tempted to add Damascus to our bucket list of travel plans, and inshaAllah as the country rebuilds such trips will come to fruition.

Apr14

Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!: A Graphic Novel by Haleh Massey illustrated by Ghazal Qadri

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Say Something, Poupeh Babaee!: A Graphic Novel by Haleh Massey illustrated by Ghazal Qadri

I had planned to just flip through this 176 page middle grade graphic novel to see primarily if there was any Islam mentioned, and if so, to see how it was framed. The blurb makes it clear it is culturally Iranian immigrant in focus, and set during the Muslim ban.  The heightened intrigue is that it isn’t just metaphorically about finding your voice, the character is labeled as having selective mutism and the author who is a clinical psychologist truly has her protagonist voiceless in nearly every setting for the majority of the book. The bright illustrations, and easy read though, had me reading the book front to back and finding that Islam is by-and large-not present. The flashbacks to her life in Iran show her wearing a scarf, and praying, and the memories are warm and inviting, with no internalized Islamophobia or political commentary, or Islamic practices at all following Poupeh to America. In fact when sought after news is finally heard the family exclaims, “it’s a Christmas miracle.”  It is hinted that the female cousin has a girlfriend, and the book features a lot of stereotypes about aggressive men, name mispronunciation, bullying for ethnic foods, and anti immigrant ideologies.  On the plus size it normalizes therapists, shows character arcs for the main and minor characters, and shows that inability to speak, doesn’t mean someone doesn’t understand.  While the book was better than I thought it would be in many ways, it ultimately didn’t have a climax, all the build up for two questions, really fell flat for me.  I also felt like while the Muslim ban was a fairly unique premise (shout out to Kareem Between!) all the other tropes are overly done, and render the book forgettable even though the format of a graphic novel should make it a standout.

SYNOPSIS:

Poupeh Babaee has come to America from Iran alone, her parents were held up settling their affairs, and they didn’t want her to miss more school, so she is sent ahead to stay with her aunt, uncle, and cousin. She understands English, but when she messes up the national anthem on her first day of school and is teased, she simply stops talking, not even to correct when everyone starts calling her “poopy baby.”  When the Muslim ban blocks travel for her parents to come, the fate of her family rests on being able to plead their case in an immigration interview. Yes, she is 10 and will be asked two questions to determine if her parents are terrorists or not.  There is teasing, tension with the cousin she has to share a room with, and a sympathetic therapist that flesh out the story of trying to get Poupeh to say something.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I like many of the pieces, and I like the format, but I really felt that the build up to the interview, the pressure she was under, was not warranted by the interview itself.  Had some commentary existed about the brevity of the interview or the chaos of America’s immigration policies perhaps it would have been worth the anticipation.  As written though, it felt rushed.  Same for the portrayal of the men in the story: from Poupeh’s own father, her uncle, to Trevor’s dad, all are aggressive, and I’m glad her own father apologizes, but again, it felt rushed and anti-climatic.  I don’t expect literary masterpieces from most mg graphic novels, but some of the “meanness” seemed abrupt for shock value, and made the cousin, the dad, the uncle read very inconsistent.  I had hoped a therapist author would have brought not just a storyline of mental health, in this case, selective mutism, but some nuance to the immigrant experience, moving beyond food, clothes, and names.  Speaking of names, I googled what Poupeh’s name means in English, and it really should have been in the book, or at least the backmatter.

FLAGS:

Stereotypes, racism, hate speech, hints and relationships, mental health, anger, homesick, bullying,

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

The level and format would not make it a good choice for a book club read.  I probably would not unshelve this book, but I wouldn’t seek it out either.

Apr12

Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story by Natasha Khan Kazi

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Lulu in the Spotlight: A South Asian Wedding Story by Natasha Khan Kazi

This adorable 40 page culture focused picture book explores a Desi tradition with layers of competition, frustration, mystery, problem solving, kindness, and joy woven in.  Lulu likes the groom and his family, but at her cousin Amirah’s wedding, the games are about to begin, and she has a plan to win the money for team bride, and prove she is old enough to share in the spotlight. Each of the traditional teasing games though find Lulu pushed aside, until the joota chupai, where the shoes go missing.  With Nani’s encouragement to stay true to herself, Lulu gets a chance to shine by doing it her way, and bringing the families together. There are a few visible hijabis in the illustrations of this Muslim author/illustrated book and the backmatter really makes the traditional references accessible to all readers.  As a Pakistani American, my children haven’t attended cultural weddings with all the traditions, fun, and games, and this book is already a favorite in discussing what this family does, where our families might do it a bit different, and how they can twist it to fit an upcoming wedding we have this summer.  The bright large pages, add to the text and illustrations truly conveying the excitement, emotions, and colors of South Asian weddings.  By focusing on one tradition, and not trying to include everything about the multiday affairs, the book stays on message and maintains an in the moment tone, keeping the readers engaged, well done.

The book opens at the mehndi ceremony of Lulu’s cousin, and while the dances are taking place, Lulu is scheming.  She knows the next day there will be chances to make some prize money from blocking the groom and stealing his shoes, and she is determined to capitalize. Normally it is just the bride’s side against the groom’s side, but Lulu has to battle her own cousins for a role in the games.  Tarek says she is too little.  Zara is clever at negotiating, and Farah is athletic and gets places fast.  In the past, Lulu hasn’t been included, but this time, this wedding, she is ready.

On the groom’s side it is Kamal, Sameer’s little brother that serves as Lulu’s biggest competition, and who trips her as she heads for the shoes. Frustration and sadness have damped the festivities for Lulu, yet she still is helpful and kind.  With the games wrapping up, a dejected Lulu finds solace in her grandmother’s lap.  When Nani shares why the shoe stealing tradition still is carried out, Lulu knows just what to do to find the spotlight her way.

 

 

Mar26

Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name by Yasmin Hanif illustrated by Sophie Benmouyal

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Abdullah’s Bear Needs a Name by Yasmin Hanif illustrated by Sophie Benmouyal

I love the idea behind this 28 page book, and the illustrations are pretty great too, but I felt like the story needed a little more depth to convey meaningful emotion, appreciation, and connection.  It starts with an Eid gift, but there is nothing tying it to the holiday after the first spread.  And while it shows both Islam and Desi culture in action, I wanted to hear the stories of his family, and the connection to his culture that helps him name his bear.  I also feel like the premise was a little rocky, did everyone get family heirlooms for gifts? Did they get other gifts? Why was he gifted this special stuffed toy and not his older or younger siblings? Would a kid really be that excited to get a hand me down stuffed bear? Once you read the author’s intent, and the inspiration for the story, an adult could connect the dots and help a reader recognize the internalized othering being overcome, and discuss it, but I don’t know if all kids would not pick a cultural name for a toy, or see that Abdullah didn’t consider reflective names either.

The book starts with the reader dropped into an Eid day celebration.  Abdullah is handed a gift by his parents and when he unwraps it he finds himself the new owner of an old well-loved teddy bear.  His father was the previous owner, but refuses to tell Abdullah the bear’s name, urging him to discover it on his own.

Abdullah loves the bear, and takes it with him to the store, to school, to cricket, to madrasa Everywhere he goes he tries out names: old names at the museum, classmates names, but nothing seems to fit.  When his Abba tells him a story about his grandfather, he finally finds the perfect name for his bear.

I really like the details in the illustrations, they bring the story to life and feel authentic: the store names, the Eid spread, the activities.  I feel like this book is so close to being a standout, but I don’t know that kids who don’t find themselves exactly in Abdullah’s mindset, would be able to relate and connect to what transpires.  Unfortunately, it is unclear if he grows and learns from the experience, or if it was contained to this one incident. 

 

 

Mar20

Amar’s Fajr Reward by Amire Hoxha illustrated by Hilmy An Nabhany

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Amar’s Fajr Reward by Amire Hoxha illustrated by Hilmy An Nabhany

As Muslim authored stories are increasingly more available, certain cultural Muslim stories continue to be limited or none existent. Since 2021, when four of us reviewers created the Muslim Book Reviewers and Muslim Book Awards space, we have constantly been encouraging Amire to work on her dream of being an author, and write a joyful Muslim Kosavar book. Through Ruqaya’s Bookshelf, her dream has become a reality, Alhumdulillah, in the form of this 32 page, 8.5 by 11, full color books for early elementary readers. In all my years of reviewing I have not ready many Kosavar books, and of those few, none have been OWN voice, and all have focused on the war.  Enter Amar’s Fajr Reward, a simple story of a boy and his Gjyshi, going for fajr at the masjid, finding the door locked, and the obstacles, determination, and results that transpire, not just for Amar but his grandfather as well.

The book starts with Gyjishi splashing water on Amar to wake him up for Fajr, while reminding him that “Prayer is better than sleep.”  Grandpa’s quick steps and a sleepy little boy, keep Amar hustling after his Gyjishi only to arrive at the masjid and find the door locked.  

Gyshi cannot be deterred by his grandson wanting to go home and pray, or a locked door and decides to jump the fence, something he has done in the past.  Calamity strikes, when he falls and hurts his foot and it is up to Amar to help.  But he can neither scale the wall or find anyone to help.  When the muadhin finally runs up the street Fajr can be made, Gjyshi can be assisted, and changes can be made so that hopefully getting locked out doesn’t happen again.

I love that there are pronunciation tips on the cover page of Gjyshi, grandfather, and Axhi, uncle, but I do wish there was some backmatter showcasing Muslims in Kosovo.  Are Muslim communities spread out in large diverse areas, or do they tend to have neighborhoods that are tied together by faith? As a place not often seen or heard about, a little layering of details would have deepened the story.  Especially, if the reasons are cultural or societal explaining why people don’t wake up until the athan is called, but were annoyed that Amar was knocking on the doors at that time, or maybe why the didn’t just pray outside the masjid, calling the athan and waking up the regulars that attend. Also about why the key to the masjid is “special.” Are places of worship regulated or only allowed to be open at certain times?  I also wish it would have given a little build up about Amar and this particular day. At the start he wants to pray at home as it seems like that is his norm, and Gjyshi going to the masjid seems to be the grandfather’s norm, so was this something special, a right of passage, are kids not typically seen in masjids is he visiting his grandfather? 

The book is sweet and warm, with a lot of heart and I love that it takes place in a masjid and threads in that salah is better than sleep, and that praying in congregation is 27 times the reward.  I also love that the author fulfilled her dream inspired by her own grandfather, and inshaAllah she will continue to write and bring Kosovar stories to our bookshelves, ameen.

Mar18

Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma

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Rainbow Fair by Diana Ma

 

If you see this 224 page middle grade book, the title might hint that the content is LGBTQ+ as the rainbow often symbolizes such, but if you look closely at the cover you don’t see a rainbow flag, just a Chinese scene on one side and on the other you will see crescent moon lights being hung up above a masjid silhouette, merging together with a little girl holding a rehal, a book and some art supplies. If you then turn the book over, or search the internet, and read the blurb, you will learn that the book is about Sophie, a Chinese Muslim girl learning and sharing her heritage at the school’s Rainbow Fair. As a result, I requested an arc to read and review. No where does it reveal that the book centers queer characters, LGBTQ+ support and allyship, consistently parallels Islamic faith with sexual and gender identities, and prioritizes intersectional identities and agenda over plot and insight. Had I known this, I wouldn’t have read the book, I share this review simply as a heads up to its contents, so families can decide for themselves if it is for them. The book is MG and honestly, it feels misleading and intentional that it is not articulated in a book meant for nine to 12 year olds.  With identity exploration of being Chinese, a child of immigrants, a main character being bisexual, the protagonist repeatedly claims to want to learn about her Muslim identity, but very little information or interaction with the knowledge is sadly ever shown.  The plot seems to just become a forced juxtaposition of two marginalized communities: Muslim and LGBTQ+, to make the point that we are all more than one label. I understand that my view and practice of Islam, is not every Muslims, but trying to have a faith identity and sexual/gender identity parallel one another by having the protagonist “coming out as Muslim,” and being “outted” as Muslim by her bisexual friend before she is ready, is an awkward read. It continues in this approach comparing a trans character being misgendered in a locker room to a Muslim character not having a space to pray, and likens the diversity of a mosque BBQ to the pride parade. I support finding common ground, but when questions about Muslims stoning gays are left hanging, the reader never getting a convincing answer to why her parents hide their Islam, and there is no real rising action, climax, or character arcs- I feel like the labels and the author’s agenda, even if OWN voice, are the point of the book, and it doesn’t make for a compelling read.

SYNOPSIS:

Sophie and Katie did their school’s Chinese booth together last year at the Rainbow Fair, they are best friends and do everything together, but since Katie has come out as bi, she has new friends and is petitioning to add an LGBTQ+ booth, and the rules say she can only be at one booth.  When a sleep over breakfast calls attention to Sophie not eating bacon, it comes out that she is Muslim, not something she meant to keep secret all these years, but something not even Katie knew about.  When discussions about being Muslim spill over into class when booths are being assigned, Sophie decides to do the Muslim booth. She is afraid her parents will be disappointed, and even though she knows nothing about Islam, she is ready to learn.  A new kid at school, Anna, is Muslim and joins Sophie at the booth, and as the two become friends, Anna tells Sophie there “is more than one way to be Muslim” and of course she is a “real Muslim.”  Empowered by not having to pick one identity, Sophia and Katie and all the other kids change Rainbow Fair and show how everyone is more than just one label.

WHY I LIKE IT:

The premise on the back of the book is promising, I just feel like the book missed meeting its own stated intention. The characters are not developed, there are no moments of growth or self reflection, they have no arc or relatability outside of a label.  Sophie paints her parents to be strict, but the precious little that is shown, never backs that up. As a result the reader has no idea why Sophie doesn’t just tell her parents she is doing the Muslim booth and ask them about Islam. After they see the booth at the fair, they say they don’t talk about Islam because of Islamophobia in America and feeling othered in China, but that is it.  Exploration of that would be a far more interesting story: Why did they leave China for Taiwan? When did they migrate to America, was it recent, or did they slowly start to hide their Islam? Dad learned to read Arabic in Taiwan, what was the Chinese community like? Why don’t they celebrate Eid, but have a Christmas tree, did something happen? Why do they not eat pork but drink alcohol? Sadly the two dimensional parents are not fleshed out and Sophie faults them, while constantly trying not to let Chinese stereotypes define them, but the repetitive contradiction, just leans into the labels and fails to make them feel real and relatable.

The book is all talk and no show, and with no real plot, the talking gets repetitive. Breaking the fourth wall we are taken in circles of the same talking points that more than once had me checking if I had bumped the screen and gone back to pages already read. Threads are introduced and then abandoned: what is the point of the whole roller derby thread aside from showing Sophie makes powerpoints, and her parents give in? The girls never go roller skating, it is not something that bonds them. We only know they are close because we are told they are. The beginning and end show Sophie can smell food and decipher its contents, so why isn’t that part of the story as she is trying to figure out Eid foods, cooking, the lunch offerings at the mosque? It hints that the Black culture booth is being suppressed, but it never develops it, nor articulates any real push back, it just skirts the issue. Why the judge-y competitive aunt and uncle? Is their inclusion meant to make Sophie’s parents more or less likeable? Does it reinforce or dispel Asian stereotypes?

From the very start the book feels forced.  Sophie has never gone to a sleep over, her best friend plans a sleepover birthday, but is willing to change it if Sophie can’t come.  What kind of stilted set up is this, why wouldn’t these bffs plan the birthday together, and get Sophie’s parents on board first? It makes no sense that if she can’t come it will be changed and not be a problem because they are so close and she has to be there. It also immediately contradicts the looming conflict of the book, that the parents are strict.  They gave in to roller derby, they give in to this sleep over, and have no problem that two of the girls are dating that sleep over, and “Shane is non binary and doesn’t identify as a girl or a boy.” Clearly the parents are very supportive.

Consistently Sophie drops words, or cultural practices, but doesn’t explain them or engage with them, both the Chinese historical and cultural rep, and Islamic, quick example, she has a Quran but never reads it, we don’t learn about the immortals her dad wants her to feature at the Chinese booth.  It makes it seem superficial and further distances the reader from connecting with Sophie, with culture, with faith, with the book.  Speaking of books, it really bothered me that two books mentioned as being intersectional, Black Muslim Author, Autumn Allen’s All You Have to Do, and Queer Muslim Author Adiba Jaigirdar’s Hani and Ishu’s Guide to Fake Dating are YA books, isn’t that off to mention repeatedly books that your target audience won’t know, or be in the demographic yet to read?

I could go on and on, but I will stop, I think it is clear I didn’t enjoy the book. 

FLAGS:

Islamophobia, alcohol, LGBTQ+, microagressions, racism, labels, stereotypes

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
There is no way I could shelve this in an Islamic School.

Mar8

Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

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Can You Find My Eid Presents? By A.M. Dassu illustrated by Junissa Bianda

This brightly illustrated Eid book has cute illustrations, but is very basic.  There is very little about Eid, in fact I have no idea if it is supposed to be Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha. The girl is outside when it gets dark and no mention of iftar is made, but there is no crescent moon for Eid al Adha as there is one prominently seen in the illustration, so any insight into the matter would be great.  The book is just a little girl running around looking for the missing Eid presents.  It doesn’t talk about traditions or faith, Hana is literally just moving from location to location to look under the bed, in the wardrobe, the broom cupboard, the bathroom, the garbage, outside, in the shed. So yes, yet another Eid book with no Islam, no heart, no explaining why finding presents makes this the “best Eid ever!” Sigh. Truly it could be, Can you find my birthday presents or Christmas presents, and nothing in the story would have to change.

The book starts the evening before Eid, and Mummy and Hana are laying the table, and admiring the Eid decorations.  Mummy has a lot still to do and asks Hana to help by getting the Eid presents to Nani’s house for the party.  Only problem is that Hana can’t find them.

She looks everywhere, inside and out, and when Daddy comes home he is too busy to help.  He shoos her off to Nani’s next door, where the mystery is solved and the next morning when the presents are opened everyone is happy.

I wish there was some emotion, maybe whatever was in the little blue box for her Nani had her excited, and when it goes missing she is anxious.  Even to mention that they go open presents after Eid prayers seems like a natural inclusion, but alas, there is no emotion, no Islam, and no real point of the book.

Mar5

Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

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Ibraheem’s Perfect Eid by Farhana Islam illustrated by Nabila Adani

Gorgeous illustrations, joyful Islam, and a sweet story about a little boy realizing there is more to Eid than presents. The protagonists voice is really on point and a great way to counter so many of the books, and real life antics of kids equating Eid to being about gifts. This 23 page picture book for 3-6 year olds, works for both Eid al Fitr or Eid al Adha, and follows little Ibraheem as he searches for his gifts throughout his sunnah and love filled Eid day at home and at the mosque.  I love that it shows him getting drawn into the khutba, doing takbir, ruku and sajood, eating dates before going, and taking a different path on the way home.  It doesn’t have any backmatter, but if reading it to a child, I would hope the little details in the text and illustrations would be discussed. It took me a few readings to be ok with how Ibraheem discusses his gift order with Allah swt, but I think for little kids and with the consistent tone of the book, it makes it relatable.  I also don’t know why his mom and rest of the family do not go for Eid prayers. Other females are shown at the mosque in the background, and people of various ages and mobility, but alas it is just Ibraheem and his Baba at salah, and a house full of love and family the rest of the day.

The book starts with an illustration of Ibraheem hanging up his “Eid Sunnahs” chart next to his “Dear Allah” swt list of gifts that he wants. The text then starts with it being Eid day and Ibraheem looking in all the usual places for his presents, but comes up empty. He wonders if his parents forgot, if Allah forgot, but he knows that would never happen. Luckily Baba and he are off to the mosque for prayers, maybe, he thinks, the presents are there.

As the father and son walk to the mosque they greet others, and then settle in for the “Eid day stories.” I don’t love that the khutbah is referred to as such, but that is probably just me. When the iqamah is called, it is time to pray and Ibraheem copies his Baba before they make their way into “the sea of smiling faces.”

Back at home it is time to enjoy food, games, fun, and cuddles with a bustling house.  Presents still haven’t been found, but the day has been perfect, and presents can always be opened tomorrow.

I love that this is a traditionally published book, that centers Islam on Eid and radiates with joy.  The large size makes it easy to share in all settings, and the illustrations beg to be explored and appreciated.

Feb14

Huda F Wants to Know? by Huda Fahmy

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Huda F Wants to Know? by Huda Fahmy

Huda Fahmy books always make me laugh, but this is the first one that made me cry. Centering mental health and her parents divorce, we see Huda grappling with change, loss, anger, and resolve in a raw vulnerable way. While ever hopeful, and at times comical, the book is also incredibly moving and insightful.  Whether as part of the Huda F series or her two graphic novels prior, her autobiographic books always tackle heavy topics in a joyful, hilarious, honest way that appeal to girls and boys from middle school and up.  I know at 263 pages, this book is a YA read, but in my house my kids (daughter and sons) have loved reading her perspective about hijab, arranged marriages, identity, and sibling relationships. The unapologetic Muslim authenticity is unparalleled, and that non Muslims champion her books as well, truly shows the value of good story telling, and gives me hope in an often bleak world. Huda’s books are staples: new books are anxiously awaited, previous books are regularly reread, and Huda F Wants to Know? continues in that tradition.  This book isn’t just fun, it is important- it normalizes mental health, empowers families shaken up by change, and makes us all feel seen and less alone. SubhanAllah.

The book starts with Huda’s plan for her junior year in high school, her friend Nabz and her are determined to buckle down and get scholarships.  When Huda’s parents call a family meeting, she thinks she just might be getting a car, but instead she and her sisters learn, their parents are getting a divorce. The book then rewinds to show a little lead up before Huda’s world shatters, and junior year’s blue print is tossed aside.  We see her going to the masjid for weekly halaqas where Sr Amal discusses topics like societal pressures, family expectations, gender bias in education, and other relevant topics.  At one such gathering, Dr Haifa came to talk about mental health.  We also see her crushing on a boy at school, fighting with her mom and sisters, and the girls going on a road trip to a Muslim convention.

Every storyline, every twist, every page really, has Islam woven in.  It is the way the characters see themselves, see their world, handle stresses, find peace.  Mental health is not separate from the hadith and sunnah, it is blended and approached in a holistic manner.  Divorce is understood Islamically, and the clarity in which it is articulated will, I imagine, be so reassuring for Muslims who have gone through it, and seen others go through it.  Just as my boys years ago read That Can Be Arranged, and became incredibly curious about marriage in Islam, I have no doubt that this book, will also be a powerful conversation starter for so many.  I don’t know if that is part of why Huda write, but it definitely is a result of her books.  I wish I could ask her, I’d also want to know how she decides what to share of her own life, where the line of reality and fiction for her is and how she sets and maintains those boundaries? I also desperately would like to ask her if she plans to write forever, because the world benefits from her books, needs her books, I know I do.  No pressure or anything.

 There are resources for mental health at the back of the book, some even specifically for Muslims. Please preorder this book and/or request it at your local public library as a show of support, it releases in April.