Wednesday, April 19, 2017

Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan - ADVISABLE

Khan, Hena Amina’s Voice, 197 pages.  Salaam Reads (Simon), 2017.  $17. 

Amina’s family is from Pakistan, her best friend Soojin is from Korea; together the two survive and thrive in middle school.  Now Emily, one of the “cool” girls is hanging out at their table and Amina is afraid that she is trying to steal Soojin away.  Meanwhile, Amin’as uncle is coming to visit from Pakistan and his is much stricter about his religious observance than Amina’s father.  Amina is also worried because she is ultra shy and she is preparing for a public speech at her mosque’s community center. 

Amina’s story is very sweet and does a good job of exploring many issues that immigrant communities have to deal with, including suspicion and animosity against a mosque.  Her worries about school friendships are sincere without being overly dramatic, too.

EL, MS – ADVISABLE.  Cindy, Library Teacher

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