Amina's Voice - by Hena Khan (Paperback)

About the Book

A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community in this sweet and moving novel from the award-winning author of "It's Ramadan, Curious George."

Book Synopsis

A Washington Post Best Children's Book of 2017

"For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can't get better than this book." --R. J. Palacio, author of #1 New York Timesbestseller Wonder

"Amina's anxieties are entirely relatable, but it's her sweet-hearted nature that makes her such a winning protagonist." --Entertainment Weekly

A Pakistani-American Muslim girl struggles to stay true to her family's vibrant culture while simultaneously blending in at school after tragedy strikes her community in this "compassionate, timely novel" (Booklist, starred review) from the award-winning author of It's Ramadan, Curious George and Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns.

Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she's in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the "cool" girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more "American." Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized.

Amina's Voice brings to life the joys and challenges of a young Pakistani-American and highlights the many ways in which one girl's voice can help bring a diverse community together to love and support each other.

Review Quotes

"For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can't get better than this book." --R. J. Palacio, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Wonder

*"A universal story of self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. A welcome addition to any middle grade collection."-- "School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW"

*"Amina's middle school woes and the universal themes running through the book transcend culture, race, and religion. A perfect first book for this new Muslim imprint."-- "Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW"

*"Written as beautifully as Amina's voice surely is, this compassionate, timely novel is highly recommended for all libraries."-- "Booklist, STARRED REVIEW"

"[A] relatable portrayal of a tween who wants to fit in, and who's devoted to her faith even amid her confusion about her family's varied approaches to it."-- "Horn Book"

"Hena Khan (It's Ramadan, Curious George) writes a gentle coming-of-age story universal in theme and original in context, and appealing to any reader who has just wanted to slow the world down."--Shelf Awareness "3/17/17"

"Realistic fiction centered on a Pakistani-American Muslim girl is a refreshing change in the middle grade market.....It's solid storyline and the common denominator of middle school drama highlights the fact that students from all backgrounds may be more alike than they realize. Recommended."--School Library Connection "May/June 2017"

"This gentle example of multicultural domestic realism hits all of the right notes...a comforting counternarrative to what young readers may see on the news."--BCCB "March 2017"

"Watching Amina literally and figuratively find her voice--bolstered by community, friendship, and discovered inner strength--makes for rewarding reading."-- "Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

Hena Khan is a Pakistani American writer. She is the author of the middle grade novels Amina's Voice, Amina's Song, More to the Story, and the Zara's Rules series and picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It's Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family. You can learn more about Hena and her books by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com or connecting with her @HenaKhanBooks.