Amina's Voice by Hena Khan

Amina's Voice 

Written by: Hena Khan 

Originally Published in: 2017 

Amina has recently entered Greendale Middle School in the Milwaukee-area community of Greendale. She is a young Pakistani-American who practices Islam. Amina is an incredible singer but is too shy to share her talents in the end of the year play. She has always enjoyed keeping to herself and spending time with her closest friend, Soojin. Throughout the book, Amina faces issues with friends, family, identity, and passion. One morning, Amina is told there has been vandalism at the mosque her family practices at. This is yet another stressor to Amina. She is able to inspire hope within her family when she plays a melody on the piano. At the Quran recitation competition, Amina has the courage to perform in front of the audience and her brother wins the competition. The community’s spirits are raised and the book ends with Amina singing. 

This book is targeted to upper elementary and middle school students. I think it would be best for grades 5th-8th, as I worry younger grades may not be able to see the identity struggles Amina endures, as this is a key part of the novel. I think this is an extremely powerful book that emphasizes the identity struggles that children of immigrants endure. It is something that probably every first-generation American can identify with. Amina can inspire others to lead a life that not only includes their culture, but their passions as well. There is something in this book for everyone, as its examples of bullying, friendships, and family is something everyone can see reflected in their lives. 

Other information: 

Amina's Voice is a Juvenile Fiction novel. 

Khan, H. (2017). Amina's Voice. Prince Frederick, MD: Recorded Books, Inc. 

https://www.recordedbooks.com/title-details/9781501971945