: This debut features Maya Aziz, a Muslim-American teenager navigating her identity and dreams of film school amidst a climate of prejudice.
: A teen reviewer from the Fairfield Public Library praised Mad, Bad & Dangerous to Know for its masterful narration of a teenage girl's journey toward self-discovery. Head-to-Head Comparison Samira Surfs Samira Ahmed's YA Novels Target Audience Middle-grade (Ages 8-14) Young Adult (Ages 12+) Format Novel in Verse Traditional Prose Core Theme Resilience & Empowerment (Surfing) Identity & Social Justice Community Perspectives
“The book is fine, it just didn't inspire me or move me. It checks boxes for having characters with strong Muslim identities... I just wanted it to be so much more.” Islamic School Librarian · 4 years ago Mad, Bad & Dangerous To Know by Samira Ahmed samira teenager
: After fleeing violence in Burma, Samira works on the beach selling eggs to support her family. She finds empowerment and a sense of belonging by joining a local surf club for girls, despite cultural and familial expectations that prioritize boys' education and activities.
: The book features illustrations by Fahmida Azim that help bring Samira's beachside world and her "childlike enthusiasm" to life. YA Novels by Samira Ahmed : This debut features Maya Aziz, a Muslim-American
: This novel alternates between the modern-day story of Khayyam Maquet, a teenager on vacation in Paris, and a 19th-century woman.
“I loved the story, and with some improvements in casting and language use, it could have been even stronger.” Facebook · Joy Charles Ekong · 11 months ago It checks boxes for having characters with strong
Reviewers often highlight the emotional weight and cultural importance of these stories:
