Samira - Teenager

“The book is fine, it just didn't inspire me or move me. It checks boxes for having characters with strong Muslim identities... I just wanted it to be so much more.” Islamic School Librarian · 4 years ago Mad, Bad & Dangerous To Know by Samira Ahmed

: After fleeing violence in Burma, Samira works on the beach selling eggs to support her family. She finds empowerment and a sense of belonging by joining a local surf club for girls, despite cultural and familial expectations that prioritize boys' education and activities. samira teenager

: This novel alternates between the modern-day story of Khayyam Maquet, a teenager on vacation in Paris, and a 19th-century woman. “The book is fine, it just didn't inspire me or move me

Reviewers often highlight the emotional weight and cultural importance of these stories: She finds empowerment and a sense of belonging

: The book features illustrations by Fahmida Azim that help bring Samira's beachside world and her "childlike enthusiasm" to life. YA Novels by Samira Ahmed

: Reviewers from Kirkus Reviews and Publishers Weekly describe it as an "authentically written" and "emotionally resonant" read. Critics appreciate how it highlights a persecuted population through the perspective of a resilient young girl.