Independent Bookshops’ Children’s Book of the Month, June 2022
An empowering story — from the winner of the 2021 Little Rebels Award, Boy, Everywhere (the author’s debut) — about finding your identity and the courage to fight for it.
Aaliyah is an ordinary thirteen-year-old living in the Midlands, into her books, shoes, K-pop — and she is a Muslim. She has always felt at home where she lives, until a terrorist attack in her area changes everything.
As racial tensions increase and she starts getting bullied, Aaliyah decides to begin wearing a hijab — to challenge how people in her community see her. But when her school bans the hijab and she is intimidated and attacked for her choices, she feels isolated. Soon Aaliyah realises that other young people from different backgrounds also struggle with their identity and feel alone, scared and judged. Should she try to blend in, or can she find allies to help her fight back? Channelling all of her bravery, Aaliyah decides to speak out.
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