Love from A to Z

This book dealt with a lot, but it didn't feel overbearing or sadly, unrealistic. I was both saddened (though not surprised) and intrigued that Ali based the students' crusade to rid the school of the racist teacher on real life events at a Toronto school. My experiences with Muslim kids in school was very different. I had friends who were Muslim, who wore hijabs, but it wasn't any big deal. I grew up in a bit more diverse area so different wasn't really different. I went to school before 9/11, before the height of Islamophobia, so my heart broke to read about the small ways other students chip away at the Muslim students. I thought about how terrible that would have been to see that happen to my friends and wondered if I would have had the courage to stand up for them. I understood Zeynab's anger and did feel wonder at her growth in learning how to successfully fight the battles that needed to be fought. Adam was the balm, but she found her way mostly by her own strength and desire to make real change. Speaking of Adam, he was a fantastic character. I mean, there's not much more to say about that. He was strong in character and grace. He accepted his faults and felt like the most peaceful person despite the blows dealt to him.

It gets me choked up knowing that there are books like this out here in the world and maybe some won't feel so alone and unheard. Books like this are much needed today.