And Other Mistakes

A parent would reach for this book when their teenager is struggling with the weight of a public mistake or the stifling pressure to maintain a perfect image within their community. It is an essential choice for a child who feels like they have let people down and doesn't know how to navigate the path toward self-forgiveness while still honoring their religious and cultural roots. The story follows Aaliyah, a high-achieving student whose scholarship is threatened after a series of mistakes come to light. It explores the intersections of Black Muslim identity, academic burnout, and the complexity of adolescent friendships. While it addresses serious themes of shame and reputation, it remains grounded in a realistic, contemporary high school setting. It is a powerful tool for opening conversations about accountability and the fact that one's worst moments do not define their entire future.