Name: Sadia
ISBN: 9781459740303

Colleen Nelson

Sadia, a Muslim teenager, must decide how far she is willing to go to defend her beliefs when faced with the pressures of life.

Sadia

Nominated for the Forest of Reading 2019 Red Maple Fiction award Sadia wishes life in high school was as straightforward as a game of basketball. Fifteen-year-old Sadia Ahmadi is passionate about one thing: basketball. Her best friend Mariam, on the other hand, wants to get noticed by the popular crowd and has started de-jabbing, removing her hijab, at school every morning. Sadia’s mom had warned her that navigating high school could be tricky. As much as she hates to admit it, her mom was right. When tryouts for an elite basketball team are announced, Sadia jumps at the opportunity. Her talent speaks for itself. Her head scarf, on the other hand, is a problem; especially when a discriminatory rule means she has to choose between removing her hijab and not playing. Mariam, Sadia’s parents, and her teammates all have different opinions about what she should do. But it is Sadia who has to find the courage to stand up for herself and fight for what is right — on and off the court.

Jelke Lenaerts

Galley provided by Netgalley

I definetly had many isues with this book. Most of them are with the main character. However, it got better. I also loved the messages this book brought across about being muslim and being a refugee.

full review: https://jelkelenaerts.blogspot.be/201...

Note: This review is based on an uncorrected proof and therefore quotes may not reflect the published book.

I love how much I learnt from this book. Sadia follows the story of three young Muslim girls as they navigate a Canadian high school, fitting in, pleasing their families, and being true to their faith. 

The MC, Sadia, is not a refugee but rather an immigrant from before the war reached her home in Syria. Now, Sadia is between Nazreen, her best friend - who is exploring how she fits in with her non-Muslim friends, while also adhering to her parent's strict rules in culture and faith - and Amira, a recently arrived refugee who is still reeling from the trauma of the war in Syria.


  "After living in refugee camps for the last and a half, she'd proven that she was a survivor. There was no way high school was more challenging than the life she'd left behind."


This book explores so much about being a Muslim, navigating life as a diverse teenager, and the barriers life can present for those from diverse backgrounds.

The whole story is lovely, easy to read, and delightful to explore. The encouragement from Global Issues teacher, Mr Letner, to engage in 'passion projects' and viewing the world from a different perspective was also great, tying the whole story together wonderfully. 

I l o v e d the diversity throughout this book, all the side stories to explore and the overall message the story brings. A great effort from an author, while not ownvoices, that wished to create a story for her students to relate to. I am truly looking forward to seeing how ownvoice readers respond to this book.

"'If you give a kid a teacher...' I whispered.
'She'll want to learn,' Nazreen added, with a smile. 
'And if she wants to learn...' Amira continued quietly. 
'She'll want to change the world.'"

Note: Review copy received via NetGalley. This does not impact opinions within this review.

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Happy reading! ❤

Sadia

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