Call Me Al

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the pressure of 'fitting in' while trying to stay true to their cultural roots and creative passions. It is a perfect choice for middle-grade readers who are beginning to negotiate the space between their parents' traditional expectations and their own emerging identities. The story follows Ali, a boy who loves poetry and rap but worries how his interests fit into his life at a new school and his observant Muslim household. It gently explores themes of self-confidence, artistic expression, and the courage it takes to be your authentic self. Parents will appreciate how it models a healthy, though sometimes complex, relationship between a child and his family, making it an excellent bridge for discussing heritage and personal ambition. It is a warm, realistic, and deeply relatable guide for any child finding their unique voice.