Does My Head Look Big in This?
Scholastic
Other books by the Author:
Ten Things I Hate About Me
Summary: Australian 11th-grader Amal is smart, funny, outspoken, a good student, and a loyal friend. She is also a devout Muslim who decides to wear the hijab, or head covering, full-time. The story tells of her emotional and spiritual journey as she copes with a mad crush on a boy, is bullied by jerks at school, befriends an elderly Greek neighbor, and tries to help a friend who aspires to be a lawyer but whose well-intentioned mother is trying to force her to leave school and get married. Amal is also battling the misconceptions of non-Muslims about her religion and culture. While the novel deals with a number of serious issues, it is extremely funny and entertaining, and never preachy or forced. This book is wonderful at showing the diversity within Muslim communities and in explaining why so many women choose to wear the hijab. Amal is an appealing and believable character. She trades verbal jibes with another girl, is impetuous and even arrogant at times, and she makes some serious errors of judgment. By the end of the story, she and readers come to realize that "Putting on the hijab isn't the end of the journey. It's just the beginning of it." Here is a video tutorial about how to wear the hijab.
Personal Review: I thought this book was an insightful view of the Muslim culture, while not being too preachy. Amal is a character that most teenagers can relate with as she deals with bullies, crushes, and her parents. She also is a strong character who stands up for what she believes in even when it is difficult. Teenagers could learn a lot from this book about true friendship, standing up for what you believe in, and not judging someone based on how they look or what they wear.
Cautionary Notes: This book talks openly about sex before marriage, but does not describe anything in detail. It just discusses the pros and cons of abstinence.
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