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A review by jessicaaaaaaa
Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
Amina’s Voice is a feel-good middle grade novel about a 6th grader who is trying to figure out how much she wants to fit in and how much she wants to be herself.
Amina’s best friend Soojin is thinking about changing her name to Susan when she becomes an American citizen, and Amina wonders if she should try to fit in more, too. Emily, a former bully, wants to be friends with Amina and Soojin, but Amina is having trouble forgiving Emily for the past. Meanwhile, Amina’s uncle is visiting from “back home,” and he questions her piano lessons and involvement in chorus—saying that music is not Islamic. To top it all off, Amina’s parents sign her up for a Quran competition. How can Amina recite Quran, which she’s not very good at, in front of everyone?
I post reviews of #muslimreads at muslimreads.com.
Amina’s best friend Soojin is thinking about changing her name to Susan when she becomes an American citizen, and Amina wonders if she should try to fit in more, too. Emily, a former bully, wants to be friends with Amina and Soojin, but Amina is having trouble forgiving Emily for the past. Meanwhile, Amina’s uncle is visiting from “back home,” and he questions her piano lessons and involvement in chorus—saying that music is not Islamic. To top it all off, Amina’s parents sign her up for a Quran competition. How can Amina recite Quran, which she’s not very good at, in front of everyone?
Spoiler
I liked seeing interfaith issues explored in this book, and I’m glad the happy ending had to do with Amina finding herself in the larger interfaith community as opposed to her family or even her masjid. That is an important narrative that is not often explored. I also really appreciated that the Quran is ultimately a source of empowerment for Amina.I post reviews of #muslimreads at muslimreads.com.