Maleeha Siddiqui

I was sucked in to this story -- it's really well told, and I appreciated the author's respectful depiction of several ways of interpreting Islam. It's unusual to have a contemporary middle grade book where the main character eventually chooses not to pursue something that she feels in her heart is haram _for her_ , but isn't in any way judgmental about others participating. Even more unusual when she has stumbled across a significant surprise talent and chooses not to pursue it. Great show more messages here about being honest with your friends, figuring out who your true friends are, and starting over when things don't go well at first. It's fun, it's sweet, and there are some big thoughts going on. show less

When Shaheer shows up as the new boy on the first day of school, everyone is shocked by how much he looks like a twin of Ashar. The two boys couldn't be any more different in interests and personality, but they soon figure out Shaheer's father was married to Ashar's mother and they are brothers who share the same birthday. Dismayed that their parents kept their separation a secret from them both, the boys pull a Parent Trap maneuver to get to know the other parent. Their elaborate schemes show more often complicate how the boys get to know each other, which adds extra layers to what could just be a fun story about mistaken identity. The clever title ("bhai" means brother) hints at the sometimes fragile nature of family. show less

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 show more 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. show less

AParent Trap redux that doesn’t disappoint.

Ashar plays hockey and lives with his mother. Shaheer likes interior decorating just like his paternal grandfather, something he can’t really indulge in because the two of them are constantly moving house with Shaheer’s doctor father. Ashar’s least favorite subject is science, one that Shaheer is pretty good at. The two boys, long-lost identical twin brothers whose parents divorced when they were babies, finally come face to face at school show more after a series of comedic errors. Determined to figure out why they were separated and the existence of each kept hidden from the other, the twins come up with a complex swapping system in which Shaheer gets to spend time with his mother and Ashar with his father and grandfather. What follows is a heartwarming story of family, siblings, and belonging. Set in Northern Virginia, the story’s outline may be familiar, but what makes it work is the writing: It’s lucid, pacy, and gives enough space for all the characters to find their own voices, especially the tweens. There are morsels of Pakistani food, moments of Muslim solidarity, and lots of hopes and aspirations about growing up that come with being eighth graders, all skillfully brought together.

A delightful tale of family love and complexity. (Fiction. 8-12)

-Kirkus Review show less