The drama and angst-filled life of middle schoolers, who worry about fitting in and being cool, is given a twist in this tale of a Muslim girl, new to the public school, who must decide how far she is willing to go to fit in.

Synopsis

Twelve-year-old Nimra Sharif joins the public middle school after going to an Islamic school all her life. With the fear of losing her childhood friend on her mind, she joins an all-boys band, Barakah Beats, with the hopes of appearing cool, finding a place for herself in the new school, and winning back her friend. The only problem, her faith makes her uncomfortable with producing music and her parents also do not approve so she keeps her band a secret from them.

What’s to like

This book is a great addition to Middle-Grade literature with an Islamic theme. For Muslim kids, it offers a story that they can relate to. In an age when tweens and teenagers start understanding and thinking about their identity, this book offers motivation for introspection and courage to stand for what one believes in the face of peer pressure.

Nimra’s story is refreshing and much needed for Muslim kids in the multicultural world of today.

What’s not to like

*Spoilers ahead*

While the stance of the author on music is quite clear and her effort to navigate the issue while steering clear of controversy is noticeable, some things such as Nimra reciting the Quran at a concert right after a song seem a bit confusing and can make some uncomfortable.