The Henna Wars

Reach for this book when your teenager is navigating the complex intersection of their heritage and their personal identity, especially if they are struggling with the fear of disappointing their family. This contemporary novel follows Nishat, a Bengali Muslim girl who comes out as a lesbian and faces a painful disconnect with her parents. While she deals with the tension at home, she enters a school business competition where she finds herself in direct rivalry with her crush, Flavia, who has started a competing henna business. Through themes of cultural appropriation and self advocacy, the story offers a realistic look at the pressures of high school and the bravery required to live authentically. It is a poignant, high school level romance that provides a safe space to explore the nuances of tradition versus individuality without easy or hollow answers.