Teens read from a curated list of YA novels.
They submit a 500 word review or create fan art related to one of those books.
We post it here and at Kings Park Library.
Teens get 2 hours of volunteer time.
Huda Fahmy’s graphic novel Huda F Cares? shares a story about sister-bonding, identity, and hardships of being Muslim in public. Huda feels a roller coaster of emotions during her vacation to Disney World as she goes through her highs and lows. Although this book was very short and simple, it teaches us the importance of respecting others.
At first, Huda was very self conscious of her identity as a Muslim. She loved her religion, but she cared about what others thought of her. She felt very uncomfortable about making wudu in a public bathroom and praying outside in a public area because she was scared of people judging her. Towards the end, her parents teach her that the real life world will not have the same beliefs as them, but they should focus on the good things and leave the bad things behind. Huda realized that she didn’t have to care about how the world saw her and instead live life the way she wants to.This book has given me a new perspective on what the Islam religion can look like and how we can show them respect.
The author also emphasizes the value of sisters and shows a real life example of how sisters have your back. In the beginning of the book, Huda is very unhappy about having to be around her sisters for the whole trip. Her sisters take her clothes, boss her around, and snitch on her. She only saw the negative side of being with her sisters and missed the true meaning of what siblings were for. Huda’s point of view of her sisters began to change when she saw her older sister stand up for her against a guy who was making fun of their religion. Although this got Huda and her sister in trouble, they were able to create a deeper connection that they never had. In the end, her other sisters pretended to be Huda’s parents and helped them get out of their situation in time for them to make it to their actual parents for lunch. Huda began to see that their sister bond got stronger and she became more appreciative of her siblings. This book has taught me how valuable sisters can be, and helped me show more appreciation for my own sister.
The title of the book has several different meanings. It is asking the question: Who is going to care? The tone the author wrote it in sounds like the attitude of a teenager, which represents Huda. The author’s name is Huda Fahmy, which is also the main character’s name and it is included in the title. The title is an expression from the character itself, which conveys how she feels in the book.
Author Huda Fahmy’s writing style in this graphic novel is very funny and enjoyable. She writes in short texts which makes it very easy for people to read. Huda Fahmy creates books that are very fun but also have a deep meaning behind them. She expresses the struggles a Muslim girl can have while also making the characters relatable to anyone. Overall, this book interested me. The storyline was simple and quick, which allowed me to be able to finish this book without getting bored. The images and the catchy title will attract teen readers, especially ones who want a simple book to read during their free time.
A Guide to the Dark by Meriam Metoui is a thrilling story with the theme of grief, cultural heritage, and being accepted for who you are. A Guide to the Dark is Metoui’s debut novel and is a YA mystery book that deals with the supernatural. This story hooked me by the first page, the writing was riveting and kept the suspense going, making it impossible to stop reading.
The story starts with a short introduction of Room 9 in the Wildwood Motel. Room 9 has a history of unfortunate deaths of multiple people throughout the years. When Mira and Layla’s car breaks down, they are forced to stay in the Wildwood Motel and stay in Room 9. As Mira and Layla remain in the room, Mira notices a sense of dread pass over her whenever she approaches the room. She starts to see her late brother Khalil in the room and other places in the town. The Room seems to be affecting her greatly, as at one point Mira has a sleep paralysis where she describes it as if someone was pulling down on her. She also has a moment where she’s washing up in the shower, and it seems like the water starts rising and she’s drowning. However, Mira’s friend Layla never experienced anything like this in Room 9.
Layla and Mira meet Ellis, the boy who works at the front desk of the motel. His father died in the room, and Ellis has been tracking and researching the deaths in Room 9. Ellis had been researching the people who died in Room 9, looking for different patterns. They, along with another employee of the motel, Izzy, and Devlin, another guest at the motel, research and share experiences of Room 9. Devlin’s wife (Maddie) is in a mental institute after going through a similar experience to Mira in Room 9. When they learn this, their research goes deeper and they begin to look at all the guests who stayed in Room 9. They realize that more than a third of the guests were either killed, committed suicide, or had gone to a psychiatric ward.
At the end of the story, they plan to destroy the room. Mira and Layla plan to burn the room to stop the effects. Ellis steps inside for the first time and sees all the bodies of the people who died. He realizes that the room feeds on guilt, like how Ellis felt guilty for not stopping the guests from staying in Room 9, and how Mira felt guilty for her brother's death. Almost able to destroy the room, Devlin locks the door, saying they must save the room to figure out what happened to Maddie. Mira and Layla get past Devlin and bolt out, leaving the room burning. However, Ellis goes back into the room, locking the door. Earlier in the book Ellis takes the spare keys before they plan to burn it. The book says Ellis “realizes he took the keys without thinking, assuring his death without ever meaning to.” Ellis “sees” all the people in the room, and he walks towards his father, staying with him in the final moments.
I really liked this book because the suspense was gripping, but also touched on subjects like culture and sexuality. Layla struggles with her feelings in the book, and Mira is degraded because she comes out to her family about being attracted to the same gender. Acceptance from her family was hard because they held onto cultural traditions and beliefs, which conflicted with the America the girls grew up with. They also wanted to become more independent from their parents, because they wanted to go to college further than their parents wanted.
The book was very smooth and transitioned to other parts of the story very well. It kept the suspense going, and with each page turn you had more information that created new questions, which led to the next page turn. This is a YA book, and I would not recommend it to younger audiences because it contains some romance and cursing. B if you like scary or paranormal books, this is the book for you.
Huda F Cares is the third book in Huda Fahmy’s graphic novel series following the life of a young Muslim American girl named Huda who explores a different world without the same religion as hers. I had never known that this series existed before and only wanted to read it for service hours, but I now want to read the rest of the series because I was intrigued.
This book is a fun yet interesting book where the main character and her family have to go through racial discrimination because of their religion and work hard to try and blend in. I think this book is well represented through graphic images because I was able to see the situation Huda was in constantly. At the story's start, Huda was just starting to work through her feelings of inadequacy compared to her sisters. Both of them seemed to be doing so much better than her. The contrast left Huda feeling lost and unsure of herself, both within her family and as a Muslim. Huda decided to just try and do good. Almost immediately, she encountered obstacles to becoming a better human. Huda navigated uncomfortable situations such as praying publicly in rest stops, being stared at in the grocery store because she was wearing a hijab, and other things. together these instances undermined her feelings of safety and identity. Moving on with the story, she and her family were on a road trip to go to Disney World for vacation. She constantly gets into arguments with her sisters about small things which I think she improves on in the future. Going to Disney World is a big break for her and I think she gets stressed from all of the praying she does. At Disney World she learns many lessons. One of the more painful lessons came from her new friend, Kylie, who failed to speak up on Huda's behalf. Kylie's friends made fun of Huda's sister and their praying which upsets Huda. Kylie couldn't really stand up for her because then she would also get discriminated against. Huda came to terms with the fact that not all friendships come from a place of understanding and support. Kylie apologizes and they make up. Huda learns even more lessons as the story moves on. When she gets to know the backstory of her older sister Dena, she understands the meaning of family support. Dena would get bullied for liking a boy in school, but since she wore a hood she was made fun of. After getting rejected, she hit the boy she liked, but got suspended even though the boy and his friends made fun of her first.
I really like this book because it highlights the challenges that people with other beliefs can face when coming across someone with a completely different life. When I read this Novel, I realized how bad it could make someone feel when making fun of someone's beliefs. I think we should all treat each other the same even if they have different beliefs than us.
This book made me laugh, cringe (in a good way), and want to read more. It’s perfect for readers who enjoy graphic novels that are funny but portray life in a different way.
"Squire" by Sara Alfageeh is an insightful and interesting graphic novel that tells the story of a young girl named Aiza, who dreams of becoming a knight in a world filled with war and adventure. The novel explores themes of bravery, identity, and the struggles people might face when following their dreams, making it a relatable and inspiring read.
The story is set in a vibrant kingdom filled with diverse characters and beautiful landscapes. Aiza, the protagonist, is determined to fulfill her dream of becoming a squire and later a knight to help her country in the ongoing battle against enemies. However, she faces several challenges, especially given that people of her heritage and lower social classes aren’t typically viewed as warriors. Readers might find this story relatable because of the struggle against societal expectations and pursuing your dreams that the protagonist faces. Aiza's journey is inspiring and encourages readers to confront their own challenges in order to fulfil their goals.
The graphic novel begins with Aiza attempting to persuade her parents to allow her to follow her dream of becoming a squire. After succeeding, she arrives at the knight academy, where she meets various peers who eventually become her friends. These friendships are important to the story as they provide her with a support system during her journey. As Aiza trains under the watchful eyes of her teachers, she faces not only physical challenges but also internal conflicts regarding what it truly means to be a warrior. Throughout her training, Aiza goes through important personal growth and comes to the realization that she doesn’t want to be a part of a war that has already caused so much violence and harm to countless lives.
Aiza's relationships with the other characters are important to the narrative and add more to the story. Through her friendships with fellow trainees, readers can see the importance of friendship and emotional support especially when working towards fulfilling your dreams.
In addition, the novel contains the recurring idea of wanting to prove yourself throughout its narrative, which is shown by multiple characters. Aiza, for example, is determined to become a squire not only to fulfill her dreams but also to demonstrate her capabilities as a warrior to both herself and her country. One of Aiza's friends is similarly motivated by a desire to prove himself, especially to his father, who thrusts great pressure and expectations on him to become a squire in significantly little time.
One of my favorite things in the graphic novel is the beautiful artwork, especially the vibrant landscapes that appear throughout the novel and make the story more enjoyable. The novel is filled with attention catching illustrations and bright colors that draw readers in and show the characters' journey. This artistry plays an important role in making the story both interesting and visually appealing.
Overall, "Squire" is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that effectively captures the spirit of adventure, bravery, following your dreams, and friendship. It’s a tale that inspires readers to be courageous in pursuing their own paths, regardless of societal expectations. I highly recommend "Squire" to anyone interested in comics and anyone who enjoys stories centered around courage as well as friendship. The balance of deep themes and engaging artwork makes it a really enjoyable read.
Squire
In the book “ Squire “ A young Ornu girl named Aiza signed up to be a squire in the king's army. She met and faced many challenges, such as battles, hard tests, and stubborn people. How did she make it? Read this review to find out. At the start of the novel, Aiza sells apricots on the street, hoping for a buyer. Then comes along a Bayt-sajji offering whoever signs up and passes to be a knight or a squire full citizenship, as an Ornu refugee, Aiza takes this opportunity. She travels on a cart to the training ground and meets this boy named Husni. They have a quick chat and have a long, everlasting friendship. When they arrive at the Bayt-sajji training ground, Aiza and Husni meet some stubborn, not so new recruits. They put up some trouble and prohibited Aiza and her friend to get a bed, resulting with them sleeping on the floor.
Aiza does bad and breaks some rules, so she has to do a test. She ends up partially cheating and gets sent to be a night time janitor in the armory. There she meets an old, war-broken man named Goruk. During this time period, she skips her mopping and sweeping, only to be taught the arts of sword mastery by Goruk. Aiza sometimes even spends her free time training sword fighting with Goruk.
After these events occur, the rest of the story is mostly filler, so I will just skip to the best part. When the time is right, Aiza and her friends are sent for a camping mission in the woods. Little do they know, the enemy Ornu are planning an attack. During the night, a few Ornu fighters show up to their campout and start trying to attack them. They are not having the best chances though, as all of the soon to be squires are well trained by the Bayt-sajji empire. Each of the preparing squires puts up a good fight, but not all of them. Whilst Husni was fighting an Ornu, he got stabbed in the leg. HIs injury was bad though so mostly everybody thought his end was near. Then comes Aiza. She makes a makeshift cast for Husni, helping him survive. When the group got back to the main base AIza got promoted to become a squire. Shewas sent with an experienced squire for a quest. They had to find the Ornu camp, and get all of the rebels, dead or alive. When Aiza found a rebel boy in hiding, she chased him. When she caught up to him, they had a little fight, with Aiza getting the upper hand. Realizing that he was no older than her, she spared his life and told him to run away and hide. She fibbed to the guards and her fellow helper, lying about where the rebel was. When she got back to home base, she found out some propaganda about the lead Squire tutor supposably forcing the Ornu to attack the young trainees at the camp. She was shocked, not knowing why the Main teacher would do such a thing. Aiza then decided to sneak into her office, trying to steal the files about the staged attack. When Aiza was not looking, the boss saw her. The boss decided that a punishment was fair for Aiza, then had her placed on trial. Some days later, Goruk and Aiza’s friends decided to stop the evil main boss once and for all. An intense battle occurred, with experienced Goruk fighting the boss’s soldiers, and the kids helping along the way. Towards the end of the fight, Aiza and the boss got caught up in some intense one versus one fighting. They fought until the building started burning, still not stopping. Aiza ran, offering to spare the boss’s life and help her from under the burning debris. The boss, feeling too powerful, refused, wanting a fair, uncowardly fight. Aiza decided to save herself, and the battle ended. She and her friends then lived a good life, enjoying all of the beauties. With some deciding to stay, it was Aiza’s choice to go back home to her family.
AGE RECOMMENDATIONS
I would personally recommend this book for people from the ages of 10-16. The ideal gender is probably female, as the main character is female. This is just an opinion though. I recommend that this book should ideally be in elementary or middle school library or classroom.
“All-American Muslim Girl by Nadine Jolie Courtney” was a challenging but overall good read. The story follows the main character, Allie Abraham, who at the beginning considers herself a “secret Muslim”. Allie is an only child with a father who is a professor and a mother who is Psychologist. Growing up, Allie was always told to “hide” her Muslimness because to the world she was an average American girl. However, Allie has never been able to communicate with her family who speak Arabic and Circassian and practice the religion of Islam. When Allie attends a new school in Providence, Georgia, she meets a boy named Wells Henderson and they start dating. An incident on a plane and one at school causes Allie to question her motives, which leads to Allie deciding that she wants to explore and practice Islam. However, Allie’s journey through embracing her culture and learning Islam is met with challenges. For example, when she discovered that Wells’s dad is a huge Muslim hater and that her dad does not agree with her decision to be religious because he believes in science and not a God. This book captures emotions, beliefs, and the journey of growing up really well.
Political Views and Race
I would say that this book is heavy on politics and race. Throughout the book there are several incidents that involve hurtful comments aimed at Muslims or the religion of Islam. Topics such as conservatives, republicans, and liberals are mentioned very frequently. Some of the comments and beliefs throughout the book are quite triggering, depending on what you believe.
Religion and Culture
Almost every page in this book has something about Allie’s culture and/or religion. Throughout the book, Allie chooses to learn more about Islam and how to speak Arabic. The Qur’an, prayers, scriptures, and Sharia Law are talked about a lot as Allie is exploring her religion. Also simple phrases in Arabic are said along with a large variety of Middle Eastern Cuisine.
Character Development
Allie has an extremely good character development, she goes from shy stereotypical “good Muslim” to “I’m proud about my culture and I want everyone to see it”. The other characters such as Wells and her friends grow all through the book. Wells, her boyfriend, goes from always tolerating his dad, so he could get what he wants, to standing up to his dad. Even Allie’s study group friends and dad are willing to change their views after consideration.
Romance Spice Level
There was not a lot of spice in this book, between Allie and Wells’s relationship. However, simple gestures such as kissing and hugging did happen between the two. One of the girls from her study group comes out and another hints at having a crush on a guy. Besides the relationships within the family, like her parents and her aunt and uncles, that's all for relationships. Making out is mentioned and hinted at but never happens. Sex is also mentioned but to discuss what Allie and Wells can and can’t do to abide by Allie’s religious laws she must follow.
Overall, the book was extremely good with an amazing plot and characters. It was very informative about Islam and Muslim culture. My final rating for this book is a 9.3/10.
The book that I did a book review on
is a fictional story called Bright Red by
Safia Elhillo. Bright Red Fruit by Safia Elhillo is a novel that tells the emotional story of Samira, a sixteen-year-old Sudanese American girl growing up in Washington, D.C. Samira is known to be the shy and nice girl but that all quickly changes after a rumor is spread about her making people view her as an outsider. She quickly notices how people around her shifted their feelings towards her as if she had done something wrong, making her feel misunderstood. As she feels disconnected from all those surround her, she finds comfort in an online poetry community, where she meets an older poet named Horus.
In the beginning, Horus seems like the only person out in the world who understands her and even encourages her about her writing. But slowly, things change. His behavior becomes more controlling and manipulative, and what started as a friendship begins to resemble something far more dangerous. Elhillo draws on the Greek myth of Persephone and Hades to frame Samira’s emotional journey. Just like Persephone is taken to the underworld, Samira is pulled into a situation that is confusing and she feels as though she has lost control of what is going on around her.
The personal tone that is set in this novel helps readers connect with Samira and understand her on a different level. Her poems emphasize how she speaks through her poems when words weren’t enough even when she didn’t fully understand herself. Her words make her seem like a strong person overall and help her build confidence in herself.
One of the biggest themes in Bright Red Fruit is identity. Samira feels caught between two cultures—her Sudanese roots and her American surroundings. At home, there are strict expectations for how a “good girl” should behave. At school, people are quick to judge and even quicker to spread gossip. Samira feels out of place everywhere she goes thinking she doesn’t really belong anywhere or ever will.
But what makes this story so powerful is that even in the darkest moments, Samira doesn’t ever lose her voice and herself. The only way Samira was able to take back control was through her poetry. Through writing, she begins to understand what happened to her, confront the manipulation she experienced, and start the journey toward healing. Her words don’t just describe her story—they help her reclaim it.
In the end, Bright Red Fruit is a powerful coming-of-age story about how girls, especially girls of color, are often misunderstood, judged, or silenced but also how they can rise, survive, and heal through creativity and courage. It’s a story about growing up, finding your voice, and learning that your words can be your greatest strength. Overall I think that this book was a very interesting read and helped me get a new preservative on things. I also think that if I had never read this book I don’t think i would ever fully understand the effects of rumor on people and how hard it can be.
We Hunt the Flame is about a group of misfits from a land whose magic had been stolen 90 years before. When a mysterious witch brings Zafira a letter for a challenge, she sets off to retrieve a magical artifact that could bring back the magic to the ravaged lands, fighting former imprisoned creatures and people that had survived their time locked up there along with a group of misfits, some wanting to kill her. Throughout the book, the group slowly learns to trust each other and, in the process, begin to heal from their past experiences.
The core of this book is about finding and expressing your identity and proving yourself, both to yourself and to others, despite challenges such as sexism and even racism. The main character, Zafira, has to struggle against sexism to prove herself. At the beginning of the book, she hides her identity through a cloak but by the end realizes her identity is important and is comfortable showing who she really is. The secondary main character, Nasir, has to prove himself as well. All he wants is to please his father, the Sultan, and his journey is about realizing that proving yourself to others (in this case his father) is never as important as expressing your identity and believing in yourself.
All of the characters in the book are relatable and well-fleshed out. They all have interesting backstories that explain their behaviors and provide character development. For example, Nasir is scared to cross his father because the Sultan has hurt him and those he loves when he has defied him in the past.
The alternate language in We Hunt the Flame is usually easy to understand. Most of the time there are clear context clues that make it easy to figure out what a word is supposed to mean. In some cases, however, there are words that aren’t as easy to figure out or aren't explained until later in the book. For the words you can’t figure out, I recommend just moving on as it will probably be explained later, and if they aren’t you can look for the book’s website online for a handy language (and pronunciation) guide. The rest of the book is generally easy to understand and would be easy enough for even younger children to understand, although some terms and topics may not be suitable.
The worldbuilding in the book is very good. The author’s use of only having only one country shows how the country is very isolated. Each of the provinces have a different curse and is isolated from the others. The author establishes the different traits of each province and shows how each curse has changed the people living there over time.
We Hunt the Flame is a very entertaining and captivating book with relatable and interesting characters. The story is compelling and has just the right amount of twists to keep the reader interested and not completely change the plot of the story. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy books and mythology, although I would keep in mind that there are some topics that may be sensitive to younger readers. I think this book would be perfect for teens and some younger children who are mature enough.
“Huda F Cares” is an excellently written and illustrated journey through cultural differences, family dynamics, and personal belief . Throughout the whole story, Huda struggles with her identity and wanting to be normal. Then she learns life lessons that are very applicable to the real world, and important things for young people to hear. The story tackles difficult stereotypes of Muslims, and the struggles of being ‘different’ from others around you.
Huda and her family live in a town that has a very large Muslim community, but this story is centered around their trip to Disney World. Disney World is a symbol for American culture, and placing Huda and her family there highlights the struggles of being somewhere where your ideas are less accepted. In the beginning, she is more insecure about her physical appearance and the rude assumptions people make. Although the characters in the novel make rude comments, she realizes that it’s okay to be herself and to be different. The glasses and contacts also are amazing symbolism. The glasses symbolize her differences, and the contacts symbolize her desire to be normal. In the beginning, her big event she’s looking forward to is getting contacts, symbolizing her trying to change to be normal. At the end of the book, she puts her glasses back on on the car ride home, symbolizing her acceptance of differences. Huda Fahmy weaved in so much symbolism throughout the book that made the message so impactful.
In the beginning Huda speaks about her difficult relationship with her sisters even though her mom puts so much emphasis on the idea of sisters being a very important relationship. Then throughout the novel, Huda and her sisters navigate through Disney World and stick up for each other against mean-spirited people, which bring them closer. This aspect of the book highlights important family bonds, despite being annoyed by them. It is an extremely relatable topic and can speak to so many young readers.
Personal belief also played a big role in this book. It sent the message that personal belief is important and that you will be different from people, and that’s okay, but to still be respectful. After their trip to Disney world, Huda’s mom gave a speech to the family. It was a very important message that speaks to not only differences in religion, but differences in everything. It was a very meaningful message that is important for young people to hear.
The illustrations also played a huge role in the message of the book. The facial expressions and physical language spoke to something words could not communicate. The illustrations really elevated the book and helped in understanding the plotline and message trying to be communicated by Huda Fahmy. I really liked the ‘shoulder angel’ depicted in the story, communicating Huda’s thoughts. It was a clever way to incorporate her subconscious and beliefs. Understanding Huda’s thoughts elevated the relatability of the story and helped understand the different situations. I liked some of the illustrations with symbolism, because it helped my understanding of the message; one example would be the ‘bubble’ that Huda’s parents put her and her sisters in.
Overall, I think this book was excellently written and illustrated. It addressed difficult topics very well, and is an important message for people of the Islam faith, but can also be applicable to many others struggling with self image.
As Long as the Lemon Trees is grown is a beautiful story by Zoulfa Katouh. The novel Al Long as the Lemon Trees Grow is based in Syria during the Syrian Revolution; this book is about a girl facing the burdens of war while navigating loss, love, and survival. The author creates a raw story. Which is about the difficulties faced during dark and gloomy time. She also wrote about the hope of survival and the hope for freedom without fearing for life. The author Katouh shows the darkness and cruelty of wars while sharing the glimmer of hope Salama has. This also shows the darkness and cruelty of wars while sharing the glimmer of hope Salama has for the future. Salama Kassab is a medical student but due to the war she started volunteering as a medic. As she faces the challenges of helping others heal and survive, she has her own mental and physical challenges. Salama is torn by the havoc happening in her own country, she is losing hope. Her struggle to choose between her love of her country and the hope for survival with her remaining relatives. Salama is struggling with trauma, reality and the slightest bit of hope; soon she starts to see Khawf. He is the embodiment of the fear she feels everyday with her home in shambles and her hope disappearing. Salama’s sister-in-law is due to giving birth soon and she fears that once the baby arrive in Syria will be too dangerous to stay. With each day getting worse with more bombs and bullet wounds to fix. She soon meets a boy who she was always supposed to meet as if it was fate. With his arrival Salama world is shaken to the core. Salama needs to make a choice before it is too late, will she choose the freedom she’s wished for or the memories of her past, she so deeply holds onto. Kennan shows Salama stability and hopes for survival. While Khawf shows the dangers and frustrations of wars. Salama has to face her own challenges to make her decision and has to come to peace with her identity. Kennan is Salama’s lemon tree, he keeps her grounded and stable. He is the light through dark times. I wonder if Salama will every want to go back to Syria and return. Will she show the identity she keeps in the dark? I also wonder if her sister-in-law was never pregnant would she be less determined to leave? I think the theme of this book is whatever struggle or challenge you may face there will always be a door to the other side or a hand to stabilize on your journey. I would recommend this book to teens 13 and up because this book has PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), violence, and deaths of loved ones. I would also recommend this book to people who like heartfelt romances that can make you think. I would also recommend this to people who like historical fictions which show the dark, but also the light. I liked this book because of the deep plot and character development. Like when Salama makes her choice and how she got to that judgment. I also enjoyed how this book shows not only the bad in dark times, but also the good.
A best friend is a cherished person, especially when you secretly have feelings for them. That was not the point of their trip, however. Layla and Mira from “A Guide to the Dark” by Meriam Metoui are two best friends eager to go on their Spring break road trip. As Laya is exploring her dream colleges, Mira is looking for a distraction from her brother’s death. In the midst of this road trip, Mira swerves out of the street and the two girls get in a crash. The result: staying in a small town with an eerie history. They stay in a hotel, specifically a well-known room labeled “Room 9.” Ellis, a new friend of Mira, and maybe Laya, is one of the family workers there who guides them around town. One event that confuses Mira and Laya, however, is when they go into a diner with Ellis and all eyes are on him: can he be trusted? While the ending to this book may seem obvious, Metoui’s literary choices keep the reader nervous, put-off, and surprised. Metoui’s tone is Jittery, putting the mood at unease. This definitely confirms the book's genres of suspense, mystery, and thriller. In addition, her development of characterization through the novel heavily influences the storyline, and also how the book is perceived. As the book progresses, the audience learns more about Layla and Mira personally. Each chapter, the book changes from either Mira’s perspective or Layla’s. This can be confusing at first, but as the story unravels, it allows for additional inscite to Mira and Layla’s thought processes. Not only allowing a better understanding for the reader, but it also creates an authentic environment: the reader can easily feel the characters’ emotions and confirm why they are acting a certain way. For the most part, no questions are left unanswered because the mystery will be solved in a later chapter. Another bonus from this book is the genuinity. Layla’s trouble with reaching her photography dreams, being limited by her parents, or her secret feelings for Mira are personal events the reader can relate to or sympathize with. On the other hand, Mira finds herself acting out, mentally and physically, in response to her brother’s death. There is no sugar-coding in this book. Metoui brings up mature issues, and besides the fictional ghost plot, the book also exposes real life events. All in all, if you enjoy horror, mystery, or feeling on the edge of your seat, I would recommend this book to you. Right after the crash, the story kept on getting more interesting, confusing, and creepier. I could not put the book down, despite the slight nerves from being unsettled. There are moments of friendship, horror, ghosts and love. This may seem chaotic, but Metoui’s diction makes the storyline digestible and intriguing. If you get scared easily, I would not recommend it. This is not the scariest book ever, but with the strong details and imagery, moments can get tense. The complexity of this book is like no other I have read, and it is definitely worth the read if you can handle it.
“As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow” is a realistic fiction novel written by Zoulfa Katouh that explores the revolution of Syria. This book guides us through the life of Salama, a pharmacy student forced to endure unthinkable horrors of a revolution.
In Syria, people have started to rebel against the government for freedom. Being only 17 years old, Salama is not prepared for everything that is happening and that is yet to come. As Salama struggles to survive and save as many people as she can, she is faced with an impossible decision: to stay in Syria or to leave to the safety of Germany. During a protest, Salama’s father and brother are captured and taken into prison, mentally breaking Salama and Layla, Salama’s sister-in-law. Salama attempts to save as many lives as she can, all the while mourning for everyone that has gone. After a tragic incident before becoming a doctor, Salama's PTSD takes the form of an illusion called Khawf. Khawf pushes Salama to escape Syria to the safety of Germany, and Salama must make her decision before it is too late.
Zoulfa Katouh expresses many emotions through the book. It is incredible how the readers can make so many personal connections to her writing. The book is full of twists and surprises, keeping the storyline appealing. The sudden change of events always keeps you anticipating what comes next, anxious for more.
One particular twist that makes the book a lot more interesting when Salama encounters the man she was supposed to meet before the revolution. The story takes on a whole new light, as Salama no longer feels alone. His personality helps carry the story. Katouh does a good job in slowly making him an important part of Salama’s life without drastically changing the mood. Many of the surprises are unexpected, which enhances the story.
The setting that the author chooses helps to create the mood, and the author’s choice of words really pulls at your heart. The way of writing that Zoulfa Katouh uses makes you feel what the characters are feeling.
In this book, each character has a special personality. The development of their personality is really fascinating. The book really shows how Salama overcomes challenges of the revolution, and how she slowly learns to accept things as they are. There are special characters like Khawf, who is a simple illusion that solely exists in Salama’s head. However, he plays important roles in the plot.
In addition to the fear of living in a revolution, there is also a little bit of romance. It gives the book bright moments, and moments that might make you laugh. The amount of characters in the book aren’t overwhelming, and they all help the plot keep flowing. This story shows friendship, kindness, acceptance, and resilience.
“As Long As the Lemon Trees Grow” is a book that reveals dreadful reality. The heartbreak and loss that happens in the book are what really give it a push. This book tells more about what could happen in real life, compared to fantasy books. This book does not only show how the main character has to survive during a revolution, it also shows how the main character has to battle against herself. This creates more conflict, more excitement, and more suspense. If you like thrilling books with tragic events, I would highly recommend this book.
I gave Squire 3.75 stars. (Picky, I know.) I couldn’t really give this book 4 stars, but that definitely doesn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy it. Squire is definitely an enjoyable read, and there’s a lot to love about it for a book that you can finish in a couple of hours. The characters were lovable and well-developed, the storyline was pretty solid, and it even deals with current issues in a way that’s understated and keeps you interested.
To summarize, Squire is a book about a second-class citizen named Aiza, who was born into a life of poverty in Bayt-Sajji empire. Aiza is the classic case of a trapped explorer at heart, and she wants to take every opportunity she can to see the world. She is courageous, spirited, and also funny. Along her journey, she meets a new type of family in the friends (and rivals) that she makes… but she still neglects to tell them a little secret. Her relationships are shaken with her friends and the world around her as she realizes that she isn’t the only thing in Bayt-Sajji that isn’t what she seems.
First off, the art felt like a warm hug. The warm toned colors make this book feel perfect for curling up on the couch and binging. Every panel was so detailed, so Squire definitely surpasses 99% of graphic novels in that department. The art made the story feel alive, and it was better than anything my imagination could cook up. The art was a very nice addition to the book, and that’s all I really have to say on that front.
As a reader that loves underdogs, I definitely rooted for Aiza. She’s part of a regularly discriminated-against minority group, yet her dream is to fight for her country as a knight. She yearns to explore, and experience new things, and earn the respect of others by her own merit. Her determination, drive, and resilience was a great character trait. I also liked the side characters in this book. No one felt there to fill a singular role, and instead they were all multi-faceted with conflicting emotions. The types of characters to expect are dumb and lovable, tough but soft-hearted, and strong-willed (among others).
Another thing that I really liked in this book was the complexity of the topics that it dealt with. I never expected this from a YA graphic novel, but the book handles topics of oppression, judging others, and racial division. Sometimes books can try to resonate with audiences in a certain way, and try to appear “deep” while hand-feeding readers overdone themes, but Squire’s handling of these topics felt mature yet digestible. Not only did it perfectly capture the teenage feeling of not being able to solve huge (particularly systemic) problems, it also showed that even young people have choices in their lives.
And of course, I loved the plot! The devoured this graphic novel in a hour or two, not just because it was short but because the pacing kept me interested. One caveat to this is that Squire sticks to the “group of kids changing the system” trope very very closely, so it was pretty predictable at times. While I didn’t hate it, because it was still fun to read, I wasn’t very surprised at all while reading this book.
The one thing that was really disappointing to me was the ending. Honestly, felt a lot more rushed than what I was expecting. The entire story consisted of great build-up, but the ending just felt… unsatisfying. The ending wasn’t all that horrible, but it left me with a bittersweet taste in my mouth. And not the kind that says, “wow, I don’t want this to be over yet”. It felt more like “wait, is that all?”. I really expected a sequel to at least be in the works, in which case I would understand the ending and probably rate this 4.5 stars, but no such luck. I had to take a whole star away for the injustice of it all! In conclusion, Squire was a lovable and multi-faceted story that was enjoyable in all aspects, except for a wonky ending and the usage of common tropes.
If you are looking for an exciting, action-packed fantasy book that offers battles and mysteries then you should read We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal. We Hunt the Flame is a story about Zafira, a huntress who protects her country disguised as a man so that she can preserve her status as a hunter as well as her achievements. The story is also about Nasir, an expert assassin who seems to be driven only by cruelty, but who hides a compassionate side to defend his career. The story follows Zafira as she ventures out to the island of Sharr alongside her boyfriend Deen to reclaim a magical book so that she can restore magic to her country and stop it from being consumed by the dark forest known as the Arz. The story also follows Nasir as he is deployed to the island of Sharr by an evil sultan to defeat Zafira and return the magical book to the sultan so that he can have control of all magic.
We Hunt the Flame is a thrilling story that will leave you on the edge of your seat with epic battles, unique characters, threatening villains, intriguing mysteries, and vivid settings. Zafira is an aspiring hero whose journey is exciting to follow. Nasir is a memorable anti-hero whose mixture of compassion and cruelty makes him stand out as a character. The best character is Altair, the comedic henchman of Nasir who always tells his jokes with perfect timing and lightens the darker tone of the story. Deen is a delightful character whose romance with Zafira is wholesome and enjoyable. The side characters are enjoyable and spend the proper amount of time in the story, adding sparkle and interest without overstaying their welcome.
The villains of the story are threatening and memorable, ranging from skilled fighters to terrifying monsters. The best parts of the story are the battles between the protagonists and the villains. Each battle is distinct, intense, and dramatically described. The story’s darker tone and high stakes make the story more intense and captivating. The split perspectives of the story complement each other and work well to propel the story. The story is perfectly paced, with a pleasing contrast between action, exposition, and character beats, but with a clear focus from beginning to end. The mysteries of the story are puzzling and offer just enough clues to be challenging but solvable. The ending provides a satisfying resolution to the main plot.
The worldbuilding of the story is descriptive and detailed. The fantastical elements of the story are prominent and make the settings of the story feel either accursed or enchanted. The depiction of magic is unique and sensational. The locations in the story are distinct and memorable. Each location has its own distinctive atmosphere and attributes. The best location is the island of Sharr because it crawls with danger, mystery, fearsome foes, and few safe spaces. The map at the front makes the story more immersive and it offers vivid descriptions. Your time will be well spent immersing yourself in the expansive and captivating world of We Hunt the Flame.
What if the scariest thing about being trapped in a haunted motel wasn’t the ghosts, but the secrets buried deep inside yourself? In the book, A Guide to the Dark, Meriam Metoui mixes horror with an emotional story, making a scary yet engaging young adult novel about friendship, grief, and identity. The story takes place in a mysterious motel where time seems to be twisted and memories become a reality. The story focuses on two best friends dealing with supernatural forces, and the pain and truth within themselves.
The book centers around Mira and Layla, best friends with a complicated bond and a history of silence between them. When their road trip is cut short by a car accident, they have to spend the night in the eerie Wildwood Motel, Room 9. Room 9 has a scary history and creates a sinister environment. Mira, still mourning the death of her younger brother, begins seeing visions of him, while Layla, a talented photographer, starts uncovering secrets through her camera lens.
What sets this book apart from others is its two different perspectives, changing each chapter. The author’s writing doesn’t rely only on jump scares or horror. Instead, she builds suspense through the setting, emotional journey, and character development. The haunted motel copies the characters’ internal thoughts and feelings, making the supernatural feel more personal. The emotional journey makes the story better, because of how it handles the different perspectives throughout the story, cultural expectations, and mental health. The main characters, Mira and Layla, both come from strict Muslim families, and their struggles with identity and fear of others' opinions are shown throughout the story with empathy and depth.
The book's perspective changes between Mira’s and Layla’s point of view, with thoughts from an eerie third voice. This different point of view allows readers to see how each girl goes through fear, memory, and loss in different ways, while the third voice introduces a scarier view that keeps the reader excited to read more. Layla’s black-and-white photographs, which are scattered throughout the story, provide a picture for the reader. These images act as snapshots of the characters’ inner worlds, adding imagery for the reader. These photos contribute to the book’s haunting setting and show Layla’s personality as a quiet observer and artist.
While A Guide to the Dark focuses on character development and atmosphere, it's a slower book, taking some time for the story to develop. The horror element is less compared to other horror or action young-adult books. Also, there are some unanswered questions at the end, leaving the reader wanting more. A Guide to the Dark is about the invisible things that haunt us throughout life like grief, guilt, unspoken truths and the courage it takes to face them. For readers who like character development and a slower story, this book is a good, captivating read that will make you want more. With its emotional story, amazing writing, and a new perspective on young adult horror. In my opinion this book deserves an 8/10 as it had a great story, character development, but lacked some of the horror element.
Reader's Review of We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faisal
Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars
We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faisal is a fantasy romance novel with elements of adventure and mystery, located in an ancient Arabia-inspired world. It revolves around Zafira, a young woman who disguises herself as a man to hunt and provide for her people, and Nasir, a ruthless assassin working for the kingdom's ruthless sultan. Their paths cross when they are both sent on a mission to retrieve a magical artifact that could save their ailing world—or destroy it.
One of the things that I thoroughly enjoyed about this book was world-building. Hafsah Faisal created a lush, dark, and mystical world with landscapes like the cursed forest of the Arz and the enchanted island of Sharr. The way she described the places made them feel real, just like the characters. The author is very descriptive and poetic, especially when describing feelings or dramatic circumstances. That truly helped me see the story in my head.
I also enjoyed Zafira as a character. She's strong, gritty, and stubborn to protect the people she cares about, even going as far as to hide who she really is. I loved the message of how no matter how much society is trying to silence or oppress you, your strength and identity are still significant. I was also interested in the character of Nasir. He is so bad at handling guilt and being seen as a monster that it made him more than one-dimensional and caused me to sympathize with him even though his actions were atrocious.
But there were some things about the book that I didn't enjoy quite as much. The pacing was really too slow in the first half. The principal characters took ages to get together, and the real adventure did not begin immediately. I was getting somewhat tired of waiting for something significant to happen. Some of the conversation also sounded slightly dramatic or unclear, and I had to re-read a paragraph a couple of times in places in order to fully understand what was going on. The development of Zafira and Nasir's relationship seemed a bit rushed and slightly unbelievable at the beginning, but it did become more natural as the book progressed.
Another thing that didn't quite work for me was the manner in which the book kept presenting new terms, including different locations, cultures, and languages, without properly defining them each time. It made the beginning of the book a little confusing. I would have liked it if they had provided a glossary or map at the beginning.
Overall, I think We Hunt the Flame was a good book with excellent characters and an excellent world, but not without imperfections. The slow pacing and the confusing parts made it harder to stay hooked at times. Despite all that, I do enjoy how original and important the novel is, especially with its themes of identity, sacrifice, and hope. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy fantasy with deep emotions and rich settings, and I’m curious to see what happens in the sequel.
For people who are big fantasy readers and want a book filled with a thrilling adventure, then I recommend this book. Hafsah Fazai's fantasy novel, We Hunt the Flame, is the journey of two young fighters pursuing the same prize, the Jawarat. Both characters carry a heavy weight in their heart while facing the threats that lies ahead. The adventure has its own path of fear and devastation that will be faced, so the two fighters need to find the courage to fight it. We Hunt the Flame is an exceptionally written book for teens who love to read books.
The characters in this book are written not necessarily as heroes, but as people who just want to live a peaceful life. Zafira is a young girl who is desperate to keep her people from dying, so she hunts and pretends to be a hunter, rather than a huntress. She is now known as an infamous hunter and is noticed by the royal family. Zafira decides to find the Jawarat to stop the dark magic growing, but Deen, someone she cares deeply about, decides to join her on her quest. Nasir is the son of the sultan and is a dangerous assassin who is feared across the land. He is sent to find the "hunter" and use "him" to get the Jawarat. What makes these two characters so great is because of their desires of who they want to be. Zafira wanted to live a normal life with her family and friends without pretending who she really is. Nasir wants to have his hands clean from the blood and to spend his life with the girl he loves. Even though both characters are fighters who want to honor their loved ones, they are still human and want to be normal for once. That's what truly makes them well written characters.
The plot and the theme for this novel has its own twists and turns that keeps the readers engaged with the events being played out. There are revelations of one's life and sacrifices made along the way. Zafira learns that there is more to her past than what she truly knows and Nasir fights the person who he was made to be. While Zafira and Nasir meet allies along the way, they are forced to fight monsters who threaten to destroy what Zafira and Nasir fought for. What they face isn't just the monsters themselves, but their inner monsters as well. It's something readers can relate to when dealing with their own battles. This story teaches us about forgiving ourselves and to understand the power of fighting for the people you love.
This book is recommended for people who love a good fantasy book and for readers who want to read about Arab culture. A genre of a book is a component of a good book for a reader. If the genre isn't what the readers prefer, then there is a good chance they might not like it. So, if you are comfortable with reading fantasy books or is interested in reading one, then We Hunt the Flame is a recommendation. Arab culture is also key factor being brought up in the book. There setting and characters are all based on Arab culture, so it maybe hard to understand for readers with no experience with this culture. The book brings up words that readers may not be familiar with, but may be able to guess if the word is similar to the English vocabulary. So, if any reader wants to reader wants to read We Hunt the Flame, then get ready for the magical world of fantasy and ancient Arab.
Overall, We Hunt the Flame is an excellent book for readers. It's filled with beautifully written characters, plot, and theme. The setting and culture brings out the art of this novel. This book would make the reader want to keep reading all the way to the very end. It's a story worth reading any day.
by Zoulfa Katouh
This is one of the books I could genuinely feel an attachment to. I would give this book 5/5 stars, even more, if possible. This is for many reasons including the beautiful writing, the story, the characters, and their character development over time, and because it was a moving and powerful masterpiece. I read this book through one sitting for the whole night because I couldn't wait enough to take breaks through it. The way Zoulfah Katouh uses her words, filling them with sincerity and warm language, can truly captivate and absorb you. The main story is gut-wrenching. The book had all sorts of twists and turns and would leave me in tears and wanting more. I can't possibly put my feelings into words about the way the characters were beautifully written. I felt a deep attachment to them, especially to the main character Salama. The fear these people feel in this book leaves you in awful distress.
Even though this was just a fictional story, the author made sure to keep the setting based on real events, and that is what broke my heart and left me with mixed emotions like sadness, sorrow, grief, mourning, and enraged at the horrific situation. I got so attached to the characters I felt like they were real people. They had me worried for their future, giggling at their happy moments, and mourning over their sad ones. However, that doesn't stop the fact that these character’s stories could have been real for anyone in Syria. This book is truly magical, it leaves you thinking for a long period, it has you pondering things and it does not disappoint in any way whatsoever.
I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to feel something, not just to feel sad or mourn, to just feel. This story includes the romance of two who meet each other during this terrible time, but it's not just about that, there are themes and lessons to learn in this book. The book also focuses on the harsh reality of war, the chaos that occurs whether it's behind the scenes or not. I love the way Katouh enlightens the mood of the story with the relationship between the two characters Salama and Kenan. They had a beautiful and halal romance. Everything about them is so exquisite. When we would see the way Salama would work in the hospital trying to heal and save the lives of these innocent children and people while carrying trauma from the things that occurred to her since the war started had me feeling ache in my heart. I will not spoil anything in this review, but this book takes you on a huge roller coaster of emotions and twists and turns. The way the characters suffered in this book had me even doubting a happy ending. If I'm being honest with you, this book is not an easy read, but it truly became one of my most treasured and favorite reads. The story flows so smoothly and makes you feel gratitude for the things you have. I hope anyone who gets to read this book can fully captivate its message and its full beauty. Overall, the story is gripping and powerful. FANTASTIC NOVEL!
“A Guide to the Dark” by Meriam Metoui is an enthralling ghost story about two friends who have to stay in a room they soon discover has a curse - anyone who stays in it dies soon afterwards or sometimes even during their stay. It’s a classic setup for a spooky story with some new elements, such as the two main character girls having crushes on each other and the photos included throughout the book. This book was a super fun read (especially to read while at a haunted hotel) and lived up to expectations. A few things I liked included the pictures in the book. Layla, a main character, wants to be a professional photographer and any photo she takes is put into the book. It gives a cool visual reference to look at and shows you the warping effect done by the room entity. However, it did force me to think of the scenes in only one certain way. One of the best things about reading is how you can visualize the scene and characters in your own way, but the photos made it hard to do that. I still liked seeing them though. Another good thing about the book was the mid segment chapters told from the room-being’s perspective. They were super creepy and fun to look forward to. It was a little unclear what the room actually was, but in the end it pretty much got explained. The ending was another super plus for me. It was a good climax and kept me guessing until the last page. Of course, there were some not-so-great elements of this book as well. I think the two main character girls did not really understand each other. There was a lot of miscommunication and a sentence I kept reading was “I wished I could help, but I couldn’t.” in some way, which started to get annoying. There were things they weren’t telling each other and it grew kind of hard to read through all the miscommunication. Also, some more character backstories would have been great. I think Layla’s character could have been explored a lot more; I didn’t know much about her. The author also focused a lot on Mira’s traumatic event that occurred before the story, but nothing else in her life, leaving her a little unfilled. A big part of this book was guilt and the impact of keeping it. Mira had a lot of guilt from the death of her brother earlier in her life, and it almost the only thing she thinks about during the story. While I know guilt was the main focus of the story, I would have loved to see more of her life before and after this event and her previous relationship with Layla. This unclarity was frustrating because they also both deliberately say they like each other in their chapters, but neither acts like it on the outside. Part of this reason is because Layla is questioning whether or not to come out, and she thinks Mira has a crush on Ellis. Just one more critique with some spoilers - when Mira and Layla had their first kiss, Ellis was in the room watching them! That is not first-kiss scene material. However, it was still a really good scene. All in all, this book was a really fun read with a good climax but some of the communication is poor and the characters are lacking in depth.
By Hafsah Faizal
“People lived because she killed. People died because he lived.”
The perfect crossover of Six of Crows and Ember in the Ashes, We Hunt the Flame was a fast-paced, atmospheric book with the perfect blend of angst and slow-burn tension. Hafsah Faisal builds a world that feels ancient and alive, inspired by Arabian mythology and culture in a way that’s refreshing and powerful. The desert is practically a character in itself–harsh, beautiful, and unforgiving. We Hunt the Flame is an epic fantasy set in the kingdom of Arawiya, inspired by Arabian mythology. The story follows Zafira, a girl who disguises herself as a man to hunt and provide for her people, and Nasir, a prince-turned-assassin who carries out his father’s brutal orders. Both are sent on a mission to retrieve a lost artifact in the cursed land of Sharr: Zafira to restore magic, and Nasir to kill her once she finds it. Their paths inevitably collide, forcing them into an uneasy alliance as they navigate a treacherous land filled with ancient magic, deadly creatures, and secrets that could unravel everything they believe in. The novel is slow to build but brimming with tension, adventure, and a beautifully crafted setting that makes Arawiya feel like a living, breathing world.
The characters are the heart of this story, each carrying their own emotional weight and complex motivations. Zafira is strong-willed and determined, but also struggles with her identity and the burden of responsibility. Nasir is a perfect embodiment of the brooding, tortured assassin trope, yet his internal conflicts and slow unraveling make him more than just a cliche. The supporting cast–Altair, the charismatic and infuriating general; Kifah, the fierce warrior; and Benyamin, the enigmatic scholar–bring humor, tension, and depth to the group, making the found family dynamic one of the book’s strongest elements. The slow-burn romance between Zafira and Nasir is built on tension and understanding rather than instant attraction, making their relationship all the more satisfying to watch unfold.
While We Hunt the Flame shines in its characters and worldbuilding, it does have some pacing issues. The first half of the book moves extremely slowly, with a lot of introspection and setup. There are moments where the prose leans too heavily into lyrical descriptions, which, while beautiful, sometimes slow the momentum. While the metaphors are beautiful, there just seems to be no end to the flowery language. Additionally, while the romance is well-developed, certain elements of the plot–especially the bare-bones magic system and antagonist motivations–could have been explained more clearly. That being said, these issues don’t overshadow the book’s strengths, and by the time the story picks up, it delivers an action-packed and emotionally gripping ride that leaves you eager for the sequel.
If you like morally gray characters, lush worldbuilding, emotional stakes, and stories that lean into grief, identity, and survival, this one's for you.
Check out this title in the Fairfax County Public Library catalog!
by Meriam Metoui
"Guide to the Dark" by Meriam Metoui is a compelling mediation on humanity, loss, identity and resilience. The text intertwines each character's story as they grapple with their own darkness while seeking light in a world predicated on circumstance that was often larger than themselves.
The narrative focuses on a youthful protagonist who initiates a journey of self-discovery after suffering a tremendous loss. Metoui's writing is poetic and raw, providing readers with a palpable sense of connection to both characters' emotions. The author's talent for articulating nuanced feelings through, vivid imagery and deliberate metaphors, was one of the highlights of the book. Each page held a sense of longing and reflection, prompting readers to reflect upon their own relationships with darkness and light.
The novel distinguishes itself through its exploration of how grief affects personal identity transformation. The main character's path goes beyond loss recovery and leads to embracing her new identity. The story by Metoui reveals how the main character learns about connection with similarly bereaved individuals and understands that shared grief creates supportive networks which offer hope by demonstrating shared human experiences of suffering.
The story maintains skillful pacing through a combination of tense moments and quieter introspective scenes. Metoui demonstrates exceptional skill in dialogue which brings out the subtle elements of human interaction and the hidden emotions that persist underneath. The character relationships demonstrate multifaceted complexity that explores the depth of love and friendship and how strong bonds develop when people face difficult situations.
The novel is visually abundant in descriptions that take us into the protagonist's experience. Metoui's skill at developing settings in great detail enriches the emotional aspect of the story, as the external environment commonly reflects the character's internal struggle. Whether it's a vibrant urban landscape or a calm and contemplative space, the many settings construct the meaning and arc of the narrative.
That said, the book may occasionally drag for some readers as it really digs into the ins and outs of the protagonist's internal dialogue. Although it is very important for establishing the character, it may take away the excitement for readers looking for a fast paced book. But for readers who enjoy a character driven story, with a greater focus on emotional rather than action, "A Guide to the Dark" will talk with the reader in a meaningful way.
In conclusion, Meriam Metoui's “A Guide to the Dark” is a wonderful exploration of grief, identity and searching for light in the dark. The poetic words and emotionally careful turn of phrase make this novel a rich experience intellectually, psychologically, and emotionally for the reader who wants to contemplate the complexities of being a human. Metoui represents one way to understand the nuances of existing with grief and moving through it, and the reader will contemplate her observations well beyond putting the book back on a shelf. This text beautifully articulates that there must be a way through it or even a way for healing to begin even in our darkest scenarios, as well as the resilience (the transcendence) of the human spirit and the importance of hope in moving through the life course.
Check out this title in the Fairfax County Public Library catalog!
By Sara Alfageeh and Nadia Shammas.
Squire is a powerful and emotional graphic novel written by Nadia Shammas and illustrated by Sara Alfageeh. It tells the story of a brave young girl named Aiza, who wants more than anything to be seen, respected, and accepted in a world that sees her as an outsider. Set in a fictional empire inspired by Middle Eastern culture and history, the book explores important themes such as identity, war, oppression, and what it truly means to be a hero.
Aiza is a member of the Ornu people, who have been conquered and mistreated by the Bayt-Sajji Empire. In this empire, full citizenship can only be earned by serving in the military. Like many others in her position, Aiza dreams of becoming a knight—not just for the title, but for the chance to belong. She believes that joining the military will help her prove herself and make a better life for her and her family.
To join the program, Aiza hides her true heritage, knowing that Ornu citizens are discriminated against and rarely given the same chances as others. She starts training in a squire program with other teens who come from different backgrounds. While going through hard training, strict rules, and difficult tests, she begins to make friends and learn more about the empire she wants to serve. But soon, Aiza discovers the darker truths about the war, the empire’s history, and the way people like her are treated.
As Aiza starts to see how the system is built to keep certain people in power, she begins to question everything she believed in. The book does a great job of showing how complicated things can be when it comes to loyalty, justice, and identity. Aiza is not just fighting to become a knight. She’s fighting to figure out who she really is and what kind of future she wants to build.
One of the strongest parts of Squire is its artwork. Sara Alfageeh’s illustrations are bold, colorful, and full of emotion. The characters are expressive and diverse, and the world feels rich and realistic, even though it’s fictional. The action scenes are clear and exciting, while the quiet, emotional moments are drawn with care and detail. The art brings the story to life and makes it even more powerful.
The writing is also strong. The dialogue feels natural, and the story moves at a good pace. While some readers may feel that the ending comes a little too quickly, the overall message is clear and meaningful. It’s a story about being brave enough to ask hard questions, stand up for what’s right, and make your own path, even when the world tries to stop you.
Squire is a great book for teens who enjoy stories about courage, friendship, and fighting for justice. It’s more than just a fantasy story. It’s a deep and thoughtful look at real-world issues like discrimination, colonization, and the cost of war. Aiza is a relatable and inspiring main character, and her journey will stick with readers long after they finish the book.
In conclusion, Squire is an exciting and important graphic novel that’s perfect for 9th graders and up. With beautiful artwork, strong characters, and a powerful message, it encourages readers to think about their own values and the world around them. It’s a book that’s both fun to read and full of meaning. One that I strongly recommend.
Check out this title in the Fairfax County Public Library catalog!
By Huda Fahmy
Huda F Cares by Huda Fahmy is a funny and honest book that talks about growing up while being different. The main character is Huda, a Muslim American teenager who wears a hijab. She's funny and a little awkward but is trying to figure out who she really is. In the book, Huda goes on a road trip with her 3 sisters and parents. Huda feels very self-conscious throughout the book; wondering what people think of her and her family while they pray in public or even just eat outdoors. One thing that's very special about the book is how it shows Muslim life in a normal/everyday way. Huda talks about her faith, praying with her family, and wearing her hijab, but none of it feels forced or confusing. It's just part of who she is, and I think it's nice to see that shown in a meaningful way. Even though I am not Muslim and other people reading it might not be, the main idea is still so significant because so many people can relate to simply "feeling out of place." Growing up in the U.S coming from another country can certainly cause mixed feelings and makes you feel like you don't belong. I felt like this book really touches the significance that it’s okay to be different, and that in the end most people don't really care and won’t judge you for being you! I really liked the art in the book because it is expressive, and the character's faces are full of emotion. There are a lot of funny scenes where Huda pictures dramatic versions of what's happening. These scenes make the book very enjoyable! Another strong point of the book is the family relationships Huda has. Huda has to deal with her two younger sisters, who can be annoying, and parents who sometimes don't understand her. But even when they argue, it's clear that her family loves her and just wants what's best for her. I loved how Huda had a meaningful relationship/conversation with her older sister Dena towards the end of the book. This conversation shows Huda that not everyone is perfect, especially her older sister, but that’s okay! At the end of the book, Huda doesn't just have everything figured out. But she has changed, she starts to care more deeply about herself and the people around her. She learns that you don't have to fit in with everyone, you just have to be honest, open, and willing to learn. Huda is such a well written character as it shows her true emotions but also follows through her story of how she feels better about herself and her religion. I thought the way the book has a very meaningful message was incredible but also how well the author Huda Fahmy made the story into a fun adventure. Even the art by Nadia Shamas was incredibly expressive and added so much to Huda’s story. Overall, Huda F Cares is a great book for middle schoolers. It’s funny, thoughtful and relatable. If you’ve ever felt unsure about yourself, felt out of place where you are, struggled to speak up, or even wondered what really matters, this book will speak to you. It shows it's okay to grow up differently, and that caring even a little bit– can make a big difference.
Check out this title in the Fairfax County Public Library catalog!
BY HUDA FAHMY
'Huda F Cares?’ is a funny and honest graphic novel about a teen named Huda and her family. In the book, Huda goes on a long road trip from Dearborn, Michigan to Disney World in Florida. The trip takes 24 hours, and Huda has to deal with a lot of everyday family moments along the way.
At the beginning of the story, Huda lives in Dearborn with her four sisters. Her life is normal because many people in her community share the same customs and beliefs. But then, one day, her parents announce a big surprise—a vacation to Disney World. This news changes everything for Huda. She is not sure what to expect, and soon she finds herself out of her comfort zone.
The road trip is filled with many small, funny moments. Huda and her sisters argue over where to sit and who gets the window seat. They eat snacks at rest stops, and sometimes the long drive makes them all a bit tired and cranky. These simple moments feel very real and remind us of our own family trips. Even if you have not been on such a long journey, you can still laugh at the way the family interacts.
One part of the book that stands out is when Huda and her family pray in public. Huda feels very self-conscious as people look at them. She worries about what strangers might think of her and her family. This scene shows how hard it can be to live your life the way you want while being different from the people around you. Huda’s feelings are mixed; she is both embarrassed and proud at the same time. This moment is both funny and a bit sad, and it helps us understand how Huda feels about her identity.
When the family finally reaches Disney World, Huda is shocked by the new surroundings. The park is full of bright lights, loud music, and people who dress very differently. Huda is not used to these things, and they make her feel even more out of place. However, she soon learns that it is okay to be different. The trip helps her see that she does not have to change who she is to fit in. Along the way, she meets a new friend named Kylie. Even though Kylie’s friends sometimes say mean things about Huda’s way of praying, this new friendship teaches Huda to stand up for herself.
The art in the book is simple and clear. The drawings show the characters’ feelings very well, and the captions help us see what Huda is thinking. The pictures are full of color and life which makes the story easy to follow, and the art style adds a humorous touch to the story’s funny moments, which makes reading it all the more appealing
Overall, ‘Huda F Cares?’ is a heartwarming and funny story. It shows us that family trips can be both fun and a little messy. Huda’s journey is about growing up and learning to be proud of who you are, even when things are hard. The book is easy to read, and its simple language makes it a great choice for young readers and anyone who enjoys a good, honest story. It reminds us that even when we feel out of place, our true self is something to celebrate. Huda’s story is a great reminder that family, with all its ups and downs, is always there for us.
Check out this book from the Fairfax County Library Catalog!
