Amina's Voice by Hena Khan

2017 Copyright MG

Genre:  Realistic Fiction

Grade Level: 3rd – 7th

Reading Level: 5.0 (5 points) 208 pages

Publisher: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers (March 14, 2017)

My Rating: 3 out of 4

Readability: Easy to Read

MHL Division: Division 1 or Crossover

Summary: 
Amina, a Pakistani American Muslim girl, struggles to stay true to her family's culture while dealing with the vandalism of the local Islamic Center and mosque and her best friend Soojin's new friendship with their former nemesis.

I thought this story would be more edgy and for older middle school and high school students but it is not. It is great for elementary through 6^th or 7^th.  It is about an everyday American Muslim girl and of course a bit about how her religion and culture affect her life. Amina loves to sing and plays the piano and even though it is not approved of in a traditional Muslim home, Amina’s parents feel her talent is a gift from God and support her.  When Amina’s uncle comes for a visit from Pakistan, his more traditional values do not approve of his American relatives. However, they find common ground. The vandalism of the local mosque happens at the end of the story and is not necessarily the main plot. The theme is working together with many cultures, religions, and values and being respectful of each other. 

I give it a 3 out of 4 rating because it is a book we need at school. The plot and story were simple and straight forward and not as memorable as other books I have read.