Mascot by Antony John

Mascot by Antony John
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is adorable and heartfelt with tons of diversity and a surprising amount of depth. The writing is solid and engaging, and this is an enjoyable middle grade read.

Antony John is a Missouri author, and I have enjoyed several of his novels. I really should go back and read them all.

Pages: 336

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi

A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This story is so full of mistakes and heartache and misunderstandings and love and growth. It tugged hard at my heart and held my full attention. It’s just so raw and sincere.

The is best YA novel I have read on what it is like to be Muslim American post 9/11.

Pages: 310

The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan

The Love & Lies of Rukhsana Ali by Sabina Khan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Rukhsana is an average American teen with makeup, crop tops, a girlfriend, and a desire to become a scientist, all of which must be hidden from her strict and traditional Muslim parents.

POTENTIAL SPOILER ALERT (THOUGH THIS IS ALL IN THE BOOK SUMMARY): 

When her mother catches Rukhsana kissing her girlfriend, things go from bad to worse, and her parents pack her up and sweep her away to Bangladesh for what is supposed to be a 2 week visit to her ailing grandmother but instead turns into a 2 month stay in order to force her into an arranged marriage with a proper man.

This is a fascinating and layered read, full of Bengali culture, generational family history, angst, drama, and determination. I liked it a lot.

Pages: 336

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was delicious, well-written, and heartfelt. I'm loving all the amazing and diverse YA stories the publishing industry has to offer these days. What a great time to be a reader. It's also nice to see a female MC with a passion for food and cooking.

Pages: 400