
This engaging chapter book introduces Amal, a vibrant 16-year-old Muslim Australian navigating the complexities of high school, friendships, and first crushes. Her decision to wear the hijab full-time becomes a central part of her journey, prompting her to explore her faith and identity in a society that doesn't always understand. The story is a joyful and humorous exploration of what it means to be a Muslim teenager, balancing universal teen experiences with specific cultural and religious insights. It's an excellent read for middle schoolers and early high schoolers, offering both entertainment and a valuable window into a different perspective.
Year Eleven at an exclusive prep school in the suburbs of Melbourne, Australia, would be tough enough, but it is further complicated for Amal when she decides to wear the hijab, the Muslim head scarf, full-time as a badge of her faith--without losing her identity or sense of style.