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What I liked about the book was the voice of the children. I think it really resonated with the early-teen spirit and aspirations. Though the book focuses on islamophobia, which is very relevant it seemed a bit odd that Aaliyah did not feel curious about the roots of it. She choose to express her identity based on protecting the perception of her religion. But as a young person, maybe not completely reason or question different sides and perceptions. She wanted the world to understand her perception, but was not sympathetic to the people who developed the phobia. I think this book would have been more bold if Aaliyah tried to question the role of religion and toy with the ideas of identifying ourselves by religion. Instead of being a book about being a defender it could have been a book about questioning fear and dogma on both sides of the table. What I mean is Aaliyah mentions that islam gives women the choice to choose to wear a Hijab. But I wonder why she did not wonder why many women and men had to look at islam to find the choice for this matter rests with the woman. If by any chance it had been mentioned differently what would she do? Why did she not think that she did not have to refer to islam to decide certain things. Why did she not think that she actually questioned the racists but she could also question religion as a phenomenon. I recall questioning many rules and dogma present in my own religion as a child and I did it simply out of rational reasoning. Islam was very present in the book, with Aaliyah choosing hijab, praying, salaam, nafl shukr, and more! But when a terrorist bomb goes off at the end of the concert, they are thankful that they weren't closer to the front, where people have been killed and maimed. Internationally acclaimed author A. M. Dassu’s follow up to Boy, Everywhere is an essential read to encourage empathy, challenge stereotypes, explore prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and encourage positive action.
Bestselling author Alexandra Christo, author of TikTok sensation To Kill a Kingdom, introduces her new book, The Night Hunt (Hot Key Books), a dark...An essential read to encourage empathy, challenging stereotypes, exploring prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and positive action. A.M. Dassu is the award-winning author of the critically acclaimed Boy, Everywhere. A story of hope, speaking up and the power of coming together in the face of hatred. Perfect for readers of Elle McNicoll and Helen Rutter.
Coffee house Caffè Nero has announced the 16-strong shortlist for the inaugural Nero Book Awards, recognising the outstanding books of the past 12... Perfect for readers of Elle McNicoll and Helen Rutter "A major, much needed voice in UK children's fiction." Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors and Crongton Knights "One of the best, most relevant, most important writers we have in the UK today." Liz Kessler, author of When the World was Ours "A. At the heart of it, this young girl is trying to prove how by having things such as religious bans we are actually causing more hatred amongst one another instead of allowing for an opportunity to learn from one another. Author Anna Kemp introduces The Hollow Hills, the sequel to her dark magical tale, Into Goblyn Wood. Aaliyah has such a real presence, a character you can’t help to want to relief of all her pains and worries. Seeing Aaliyah process and deal with the hate and bullying ends up being very educational of the Muslim community and faith.
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Screening: a bomb goes off in a concert the mc attends, and a scary aftermath. Some islamaphobic altercations (these did read age appropriate) Read it, share it, shout about it. The world needs this book." Kathryn Evans, author of More of Me "A.M. This morning…. i recieved a phone call…stating his reward will remain the same….FOR 10 YEARS!!! I almost dropped the phone, i asked the lady if this was a prank, she laughed and said no. After making her repeat “10years” to me 3 times she finally explained why and that my decision letter will be in the post. i still wont believe it until i get that HORRIBLE brown envelope, but Chloe, you are a star. I cannot thank you enough, thats 10years of peace. Thank you Shenaiye Brown There is a glossary at the end, and the definition of Hijab is a bit odd, highlighting Western and South Asian terminology and not the Middle Eastern or even global use of the Arabic word. I don't know that the glossary is even needed as the book really tries to establish that the characters are a part of their society and don't need footnotes and differential treatment, so the inclusion of a glossary for me, diminished the point a bit. Dapo Adeola, Tracy Darnton, Joseph Coelho and Chitra Soundar are among the 19 authors and illustrators longlisted for the Inclusive Books for Child...
An essential read to encourage empathy, challenging stereotypes, exploring prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and positive action. A.M. Dassu is the award-winning author of the critically acclaimed Boy, Everywhere, A story of hope, speaking up and the power of coming together in the face of hatred. Perfect for readers of Elle McNicoll and Helen Rutter. "A major, much needed voice in UK children's fiction." Alex Wheatle, author of Cane Warriors and Crongton Knights . "One of the best, most relevant, most important writers we have in the UK today." Liz Kessler, author of When the World was Ours "A. M. Dassu serves up an important, necessary book about racism and identity." Nizrana Farook, author of The Girl Who Stole an Elephant. Hijab bans in France and Quebec along with general islamophobia on the rise this book is quite relevant to the times we presently live in. This book is truly inspiring, not only for children that may be dealing with hate, bullying, racism and oppression from their peers and/or superiors, but all other readers that will feel driven to be more compassionate and pay more attention to their surroundings, helping out to raise minorities’ voices, to not remain idle the next time they witness someone openly hating on a person/community. An empowering story about finding your identity and the courage to fight for it. Aaliyah is an ordinary thirteen-year-old living in the Midlands - she's into her books, shoes, K-pop and she is a Muslim. Ortiz, Simon (Autumn 1989). "An interview with Simon Ortiz". Journal of the Southwest (Interview). Vol.31, no.3. Interviewed by Kathleen Manley and Paul W. Rea. pp.362–377.A timely, realistic look at what it is like to experience overt racism. In this case, Islamophobia. Thirteen-year-old Aaliyah is attending a K-pop concert in Lambert, England, with her friends when an explosion sends the audience stampeding to safety. Set in the U.K., a middle grade girl (who happens to be Muslim) is celebrating with her diverse circle of friends at a K-pop concert when a bomb goes off. The fallout is tragic: several people are killed, one friend's injuries result in her leg needing amputation, everyone at the concert experiencing some sort of trauma/PTSD, and the community becomes riddled with Islamophobia. Aaliyah becomes a target of hate by classmates, neighbors, and her best friend's older brother. To show her community that all Muslims are not evil, she decides to wear a hijab to remind them (and herself) of the tenets of her faith. As the hate continues to manifest around her, Aaliyah and her friends make plans to confront racism head on at their school. I enjoyed the character development of the main characters and her friends. As a mother of a 12-year-old daughter myself I felt that the children were portrayed quite accurately and in a relatable way. The parents were not portrayed as overly religious or hard to connect to. They were quite involved in their daughter's life and were supportive the way I would imagine or hope I would be myself towards my own children. I will like to add that all the people I’ve spoken to at the DWP and even the interviewer were lovely. All polite and helpful. I just truly do think that they underestimated my needs but it’s now been corrected and I get high on both.