Check out my take on the latest Muslims kid lit as well as South Asian picture books, middle grade and young adult novels.
We Are All We Have by Marina Budhos reflects on the lives of many undocumented immigrants and asylum seekers forced to flee their homes in search of safety, zeroing in on the threat of retribution for dissenting politics.. Reviewed for the September/October 2022 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
In Hollow Fires Samira Ahmed skillfully brings together the burning issues of our times- rampant disinformation, rise of alt-right ideology, silent complicity and the fight for justice into an unforgettable story. Reviewed for the July/August 2022 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
Overall Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang feels as cozy and inviting as a cup of tea, except for an unfortunate glaring error. Read the review here.
Samira Surfs by Rukhsanna Guidroz is compassionate and inspiring story that highlights the plight of the Rohingya refugee community. Reviewed for the September/October 2021 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
That Thing About Bollywood by Supriya Kelkar explores the impact of suppressing ones emotions through Bollywood’s kaleidoscopic lens. Reviewed for the September/October 2021 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
Enduring Freedom by Jawad Arash and Trent Reedy is a touching story about differences and finding common ground. Reviewed for the July/August 2021 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
Home is not a country by Safia Elhillo is a strikingly original novel-in-verse that showcases the gritty reality of working-class immigrants. Reviewed for the July/August 2021 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
Unsettled by Reem Faruqi is a coming-of-age story that will inspire readers to step into their own light. Reviewed for the July/August 2021 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
Sugar in Milk is a story of new beginnings by Thrity Umrigar, lushly illustrated by Khoa Le that celebrates the threads of kindness and humanity that bind us together. Reviewed for the March/April 2021 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
Mitali Perkins sweet and restrained story underlines the message that we all belong and can create a space for our culture and experiences. Read the review here.
A Sweet Meeting on Mimouna Night written by Allison Ofanansky and illustrated by Rotem Teplow explores interfaith friendship and a connection over shared food and festivities. Read the review here.
A Thousand Questions by Saadia Faruqi is a charming novel that examines urban Pakistan in all its complexity. This richly imagined book shows you the power of friendship, family and how to use privilege to uplift one
another. Reviewed for the November/December 2020 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
The Unexpected Friend is story about kindness and compassion and the Rohingya community’s plight that has gotten little international attention. Read the review here.
Hunted By the Sky, Tanaz Bhatena’s new young adult fantasy novel is an inspired resistance. Read the review here.
In this beautifully rendered study of opposites, author Tara Dairman imagines a meeting between a girl and boy in India whose lives are upended by the vagaries of weather. Reviewed for the July/August 2020 Horn Book Magazine (requires login for access)
Like the Moon Loves the Sky is a heartwarming universal prayer of love and hope. Read the review here.
In this warm and enveloping look at universal love, author Mina Javaherbin takes a nostalgic snuggle back into her childhood in Iran growing up with her grandmother or Khanom as she lovingly used to call her. Read the review here.
Lantern Reads 