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ashylibrarian's review against another edition
emotional
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A strong graphic memoir that shares relatable stories of a girl trying to navigate school while trying to find out who she is.
In the past, Huda has been able to identify as the girl who wears a hijab, but after moving to a town with a large Muslim population, Huda realizes that her hijab is not what defines her anymore. Through raw descriptions, Huda shares what it was like for her to try and find what "group" she fit into best, feeling the pressures of family and peers the whole time.
One of the things I appreciate most about this graphic novel is that it covers many important, tough topics in a way that is understandable to young adult readers. This is a story I will absolutely be recommending.
In the past, Huda has been able to identify as the girl who wears a hijab, but after moving to a town with a large Muslim population, Huda realizes that her hijab is not what defines her anymore. Through raw descriptions, Huda shares what it was like for her to try and find what "group" she fit into best, feeling the pressures of family and peers the whole time.
One of the things I appreciate most about this graphic novel is that it covers many important, tough topics in a way that is understandable to young adult readers. This is a story I will absolutely be recommending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Islamophobia, Xenophobia, and Racism
wickedgrumpy's review against another edition
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
I appreciated the journey of self discovery, as well as the positive reinforcement for seeking therapy. I learned more about Muslim culture because I had to look up words I didn't know so some perhaps unintended educational value.
Content Warnings
Minor: Blood, Bullying, Islamophobia, Racism, Religious bigotry, Medical content, Toxic friendship, and Vomit
syd_s_r's review against another edition
4.0
This is a book that so many teenage girls (and former teenage girls) can relate to. Discovering who you are without any labels and signifiers to hide behind is a genuine struggle. I also learned quite a bit about Muslim culture just by reading the story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia
queen_sara's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Islamophobia
nikspandya's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What an amazing read!! I am absolutely charmed by Huda Fahmy and her knack for combining real life hard truths with superb comedic timing. Go get this rn!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia and Islamophobia
tulipswift's review against another edition
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Wonderful! I grew up next to Dearborn and so the family and community felt familiar. I got such a clear sense of her voice from this book and it told such a big story in such few panels. Really incredible.
Content Warnings
Minor: Islamophobia
sallytiffany's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
onderful book. I loved how they explored identity with such ease and beauty. I related so much and learned a ton, the character had a lot of depth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia and Racism
Moderate: Hate crime, Toxic friendship, and Bullying
oddduck's review against another edition
funny
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This book was fantastic! Huda Fahmy did a great job balancing the humor with more serious emotions and situations. She also pulled off one of my favorite tricks, which is where a line or scene is recontexualized at a later point in the story. The opening scene, where Mom confronts Huda about her grade and then Huda freeze-frames and takes us back to how she got here, is quite humorous. We think, oh it's no big deal, everyone gets a bad grade every now and then. Mom's just being a little overdramatic, even if Huda has always consistently gotten good grades. But then we go through all the events leading up to that moment, and we're shown, actually, Huda's struggling because her teacher is being extremely bigoted to her. And suddenly we feel completely different. It was extremely well done, and served as the tipping point for the rest of the story. Smart, efficient storytelling my beloved.
The characters are also super fun. Since one of the central themes is identity, it was vital that the supporting characters have defining characteristics and a sense of identity. This really helped highlight Huda's struggles with finding her own identity. Speaking of, boy did Huda remind me of myself at that age. I was not dealing with any sort of religion or race based bigotry, but the rest of it? The struggle of being "the smart one" and getting a grade lower than an A for the first time? Bad teachers that don't get you? Trying to figure out how to make friends and where you fit in? Dealing with your parents' expectations for you? Just high school in general? Oooh yeah. This was that.
[Note on the "drug use" cw: there is no on-screen drug use. There are references to a character likely smoking pot (with no confirmation) and there are a couple moments where a character is assumed to be doing drugs with zero evidence to back up the claim, other than out-of-character behavior. These accusations are played off as humorous.]
The characters are also super fun. Since one of the central themes is identity, it was vital that the supporting characters have defining characteristics and a sense of identity. This really helped highlight Huda's struggles with finding her own identity. Speaking of, boy did Huda remind me of myself at that age. I was not dealing with any sort of religion or race based bigotry, but the rest of it? The struggle of being "the smart one" and getting a grade lower than an A for the first time? Bad teachers that don't get you? Trying to figure out how to make friends and where you fit in? Dealing with your parents' expectations for you? Just high school in general? Oooh yeah. This was that.
[Note on the "drug use" cw: there is no on-screen drug use. There are references to a character likely smoking pot (with no confirmation) and there are a couple moments where a character is assumed to be doing drugs with zero evidence to back up the claim, other than out-of-character behavior. These accusations are played off as humorous.]
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Xenophobia, and Islamophobia
Minor: Drug use
lilybear3's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
I'm a big fan of her art style and I love reading her books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia