I screened this for my twin granddaughters. I thought this might be a positive introduction to a culture other than their own. This story is about Nimra, a 12 year old girl who loves her Muslim religion. When she transfers into the public school system, from her religious school, her best friend Jenna, is going to show her the ropes. However Jenna disappoints her when she voices concern about Nimra’s wearing of a headscarf in school. How she handles the problems that arise, teaches her an important lesson about honesty, acceptance, respect, friendship, family loyalty and love. She learns to trust her parents with all of her secrets and problems. They will always be there for her. She learns that her religion will guide her and bring her peace. She matures.
As she finds more friends at school that accept her for herself, as she finds friends that she is more comfortable with, her life is happier but more complicated. In the end, however, she realizes what is really important, and that is, to be proud of what she believes in, to respect herself and her family, to follow her dreams and to follow her religion where it leads her. She wants to be her best self. She also learns what it is to have true friends.
I believe the author wrote an excellent book that accomplished the goal she set out for herself, that is to help young Muslims feel more comfortable when they are in uncomfortable environments, to honor themselves and to not compromise their core beliefs to satisfy others. I think she instills pride in the young who follow Islam. She makes the religion beautiful for them and makes it something others can respect. I am not certain, however, if it accomplishes the goal of mutual respect and inclusiveness.