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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
It felt a little rushed, but what I got from it bumped it from the 3.5 I would've given it if it hadn't made me feel connected to certain parts.
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
emotional
hopeful
informative
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:
N/A
3.5 stars
The author, Priya Huq, presents a jarring- yet necessary story of Nisrin, a middle school student that is attacked while wearing her orna (Bangladeshi headscarf) while walking home from school with her friend. The trauma that she experienced, and the resulting family traumas that are revealed help Nisrin to make some personal decisions about wearing hijab, and and what gives her pride and strength. I appreciated the tough family conversations that arose, as well as the realistic portrayal of friendships that can sometimes drift due to misunderstandings, as well as reconciliation. I also appreciated the use of the Bangla language peppered throughout the novel, as well as the cultural notes at the end of the book. It's not everyday that you come across a book (in English) with a protagonist of Bangladeshi heritage, and this book will definitely appeal to middle and high school readers.
One challenge I had with the book is that some of the illustrations were difficult to interpret, and a few pages that I kept flipping back-and-forth thinking that I had missed something. I also wish the author had explored/addressed Nisrin's problematic teachers, as well as delved deeper into her friendship with Firuzeh (perhaps there will be a second novel...).
The author, Priya Huq, presents a jarring- yet necessary story of Nisrin, a middle school student that is attacked while wearing her orna (Bangladeshi headscarf) while walking home from school with her friend. The trauma that she experienced, and the resulting family traumas that are revealed help Nisrin to make some personal decisions about wearing hijab, and and what gives her pride and strength. I appreciated the tough family conversations that arose, as well as the realistic portrayal of friendships that can sometimes drift due to misunderstandings, as well as reconciliation. I also appreciated the use of the Bangla language peppered throughout the novel, as well as the cultural notes at the end of the book. It's not everyday that you come across a book (in English) with a protagonist of Bangladeshi heritage, and this book will definitely appeal to middle and high school readers.
One challenge I had with the book is that some of the illustrations were difficult to interpret, and a few pages that I kept flipping back-and-forth thinking that I had missed something. I also wish the author had explored/addressed Nisrin's problematic teachers, as well as delved deeper into her friendship with Firuzeh (perhaps there will be a second novel...).
This is a coming of age story (and I considerably past that point), but it's well done for that audience. It's poignant and a bit sad. She does a good job. I particularly enjoyed her homework about Bangladesh.
challenging
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This book was beautifully illustrated, and clearly made with so much love. I did find the pacing a little off. In the beginning there are some pages were nothing much happens; this works really well to show Nisrin’s (completely justified and well handled) depression/PTSD, but it does lead to the back end feeling a little stuffed. A slightly longer book would not have had this issue. All characters except the grandfather were fleshed out and felt very real.
Absolutely gorgeous and powerful. When your 11 recommends a book- after finishing it in one day!- you read the book. So poignant and honest. I recommend anyone give it a read.