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. 

Books I Voted For! Division 2 Grades 6-8 Maud Hart Lovelace Award Nominees 2019-20

The following  books are the ones I had in my list to vote for the Division 2 books for grades 6-8 nominees for next school year. Since I had two Lauren Wolk books, I just voted for one but I liked both equally. Most of these books would be great reads for 5th graders and advanced 4th grade readers.

Amina's Voice by Hena Khan
Amina is a Pakistani Muslim middle school girl who struggles to stay true to her culture.

Beyond The Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
12 year old orphan, Crow, tries to find out why she was abandoned as a baby.

Countdown Conspiracy by Katie Slivensky
Miranda and her team are stranded in outer space and have to figure out how to save themselves.

Real Friends by Shannon Hale
This is a graphic novel memoir about Shannon's struggles with friendship as a child and teenager.

Greetings From Witness Protection by Jake Burt
13 year Nikki is an orphan who is asked to be another family member in a witness protection situation. 

Nine, Ten: A September 11 Story by Nora Raleigh BaskinThe story of four children from different parts of the country and how their lives were affected by September 11th.

Pax by Sara Penny-packer
Peter is forced to give up his pet fox but later decides to leave and go looking for him.

Wolf Hollow by Lauren Wolk
12 year old Annabelle must stand up for the local hermit against the school bully.