Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me an advanced copy of this book to read and review.

Ahmed’s new school year is not off to a great start. His dad is so sick they move from Hawaii to Minnesota for treatment. The first kid he meets is a bully. His new English class is studying three books which they were supposed to read over the summer, which he didn’t. Ahmed has to figure how he can fit into this new life. Along the way, he learns more about himself, his family, and the power of books. A touching and interesting story.

From the first paragraph, I knew this book would be a good one. I immersed myself into the book from the first chapter and I cannot say enough good things about this book! Honestly amazing! The writing is incredible and the plot is just one to die for. I am absolutely obsessed with this book. My favorite part would have to be the character development throughout the book. Character development is something I look forward to and this book did not disappoint.

This is a hilarious and heartfelt debut novel. Bookworms will appreciate the help that books offer Ahmed on his journey.

6th grader Ahmed and his family moves to Minnesota from Hawaii in order for his dad to get treatment for his liver disease at a hospital that treats this ailment. Along the way Ahmed has to adjust to the temperature change, making friends and deal with a bully. I love seeing another coming of again Muslim American story where the protagonist deal with assimilating while still holding to his cultural identity. This story not only focus on Ahmed but his father’s health and Ahmed discovering similarities between himself and his uncle who has passed away,

“Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year” is certainly an example of why this genre is becoming my go to! Author Nina Hamza has created the ultimate “coming of age” book for tweens that is hilarious despite tackling severa very difficult topics including moving, coping with an ill parent, intergenerational grief, and bullying. Add in stories that focus on books, a sweet sibling relationship, and a diverse cast of characters, and Ahmed will be one of your favorites!

When I selected Ahmed Aziz's Epic year, I went by the cover and did not read the description of the book first. And while the book was very different than my expectations, I am not disappointed.

Ahmed deals with moving, an extremely ill father, a new school, bullying, and a class project that he just can't seem to work his way out of. But while Ahmed is faced with some serious challenges, there is plenty of humor in the book.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Ahmed's family has moved from Hawaii to Minnesota so his dad can get treatment for his potentially fatal liver disease. Ahmed is NOT delighted to be moving and tries to do as little as possible but still remain is his mother's good graces. There is a wonderful story line about Ahmed being able to learn about his uncle (who died before Ahmed was born) as well as dealing with the school bully that will really resonate with kids. I thought this one was terrific.

Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year is a realistic, moving middle grade coming-of-age story about moving to a new city, rediscovering your roots, and coping with parental illness. This book is perfect for fans of funny books with inventive teachers and stories about being the new kid. If you like books with Muslim protagonists, sweet sibling relationships, and stories centered around books and libraries, you'll enjoy this one.

Ahmed is having a difficult year. After spending almost his entire life in one house in Hawaii, his parents decide to move them to Minnesota. It’s not a random decision. Not only is Minnesota where his father grew up, but it’s where there may be a life-saving treatment for his father, who needs an organ transplant but can’t get one because of a rare genetic disorder.

Ahmed’s little sister Sara is excited about the move, but Ahmed is uncertain. Changing schools is never easy, and Ahmed is even more nervous when he gets a package before they leave Hawaii. One of Ahmed’s teacher sends him a letter about his class will be asked to read 3 books from their childhood, to take a second look at them. The first book is Holes, and his teacher included a copy of it so he could read it on the plane if he wants. And she lets him know that at the end of the school year, there will be an epic competition, “Who’s smarter than Mrs. Gaarder?” And if Ahmed wants any chance of winning the trophy, he’s going to have to put in the work.

Once school starts, Ahmed immediately finds the bully—a kid from his neighborhood named Jack—and fast friends—his group in Mrs. Gaarder’s class who are gunning for that end of year trophy. He finds out that he has an unexpected ally at the school, and he gets a chance to learn more about his dad’s brother, who died when he was young. And as the class discusses Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Ahmed finds out that the characters in these books inspire him, and he finds that can take the lead in class discussions to share his insights.

As his father fights to survive his new treatment, Ahmed has to stay strong for his mother and his sister, and finding a connection to his uncle helps him do that. As he spends the year learning more about himself, taking chances at school, and trying not to let Jack get under his skin, Ahmed finds out that he has all the tools he needs to deal with is bully. But then he’s face with a choice: is he going to stoop to Jack’s level just to get even, or is he going to rise above?

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year is Nina Hamza’s debut middle grade novel, and the themes of family and friendship, bullies and building confidence are universal. And with Ahmed’s family being from India (his mother grew up there; his father’s parents did also), it’s a great way to introduce another culture to middle graders through the family relationships, food, and values.

I was so impressed with this novel. I loved Ahmed and was rooting for him though this whole book. And From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler has been one of my favorite novels since I first stumbled across it in my library, far more years than I want to count, so knowing that middle schoolers have this opportunity to learn about it and talk about it makes my heart happy. I loved this family, loved the concept of this book, and enjoyed every single chapter. I hope that there is a middle school teacher out there who, one day, makes this book an assignment in her class just like Mrs. Gaarder.

Egalleys for Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year were provided by HarperCollins Children’s Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

This is one of the best books I have read this year--across all genres. Ahmed Aziz is dealing with a move across country, his Dad is very sick, and he has a bully. He stays strong when he must and he is vulnerable when he needs to be. The way he deals with his Dad's illness is mature and steadfast, but he is still a boy and his pain shows through. He shows strength with empathy against his bully and he finds a way to continue to grow as a human even with everything piling up. He is there for his mom and sister and even finds a path to belonging at school. This book had me in tears. My heart was in my chest for the last half of the story. I recommend this book for middle grade readers and up. We could all learn a little from Ahmed Aziz. This is a true five star read.

Ahmed Aziz ‘s Epic year is a marvelous debut middle grade read.

There are so many things I loved about this book, so many!

Ahmed is making the move from Hawaii to Minnesota for his dad’s treatment. Ahmed’s dad has a rare liver disease, one which killed his dad’s brother Mohammed, and this treatment is one of the best options for him.

Ahmed is resentful, apprehensive, and unhappy. Starting over in a brand-new city, new school as the ‘brown kid’ has his anxiety levels up. It doesn’t help that he encounters a bully on the first day who happens to be his neighbor.

An epic-ally bad year this was turning out to be.

Debut author Nina Hamza introduces so many important themes into the story, she weaves them together to present a beautiful story. She handles the issues with sensitivity and understanding:

The fragility and fear felt by a child at having a sick parent.
His need to be strong for him mom and sister.
The teacher who champions her students and pushes the loves of reading
The healing after the loss of a relative, the realization that in life and death, of those who have left us, there are lessons to be learnt.
Bullying, the story behind a bully (not justifying the actions but maybe an understanding of how they too might be hurting)
The courage to do the right thing
The courage to step back from making a mistake
Life lessons takeaways from contemporary classic reads
Lastly the Islamophobia incident (and the handling of it) really stood out for me

Ms. Hamza breathes life into her story through the realistic classroom and cafeteria discussions; through each character from the principal, to the teachers to the classmates who have their own quirky personality. The comedic timing and Ahmed’s ‘broody tween voice’ add to the mood and tone of the plot.

As a reader we see Ahmed evolve through story. The three Newberry classics chosen by the author, Bridge to Terabithia and From the Mixed files of Mrs. basil. E. Frankeiler are excellent.

A read that left me wanting to know more about Ahmed Aziz’s next adventure.

A poignant and beautiful middle grade debut by Nina Hamza.

The cover of this book was great. It had wonderful reviews so I couldn't wait to read about Ahmed's epic year. However, his year was abysmal. His father was sick and could possibly die, his family moved to get him better care so now Ahmed has to start MS with no friends, and there is a boy who is bullying him at his new school. It wasn't what I was expecting, and not what the target audience will be expecting either. Although this book was well written, it is way too long, too depressing, and too slow paced for boys in grades 4-7 to read. I'm sure a lot of adults are giving wonderful reviews and adore the fact that there is a teacher inspiring kids to read books, but My rating is based on whether this book actual inspire readers to finish it.

Ahmed Aziz is having a pretty terrible school year. He is not thrilled to have moved from Hawaii to Minnesota. His father has a serious illness for which he is undergoing treatment. And being Indian American in a school that is mostly white, he is finding it hard to fit in. I really felt for Ahmed as he navigated a difficult school year and was rooting for him throughout the book. This is a fantastic story with a message about being true to oneself.

Ahmed's moving with his family from sunny Hawaii to cold Minnesota, so his father can receive an experimental treatment that will hopefully save his life.

So Ahmed can't complain, even though he really wants to. It doesn't help that his dad is so sick that his mom is almost never home, or that his sister seems to fit right in. Ahmed makes friends at school but Jack, his next door neighbor turned school nemisis has determined to make Ahmed's year not so much epic, as a painful slide into misery.

The only bright spot is Ms. Gaardner, his father's best friend from his childhood. She supports Ahmed through the difficulties he experiences at home and at school and becomes more than the weird lady his dad shares a history with or a teacher, she becomes a friend he can count on.

She challenges him to discover a mystery of the uncle who died before he was even a thought and she challenges him to live up to his full potential, so his parents won't hear anymore that Ahmed is smart, but doesn't work as hard as he could.

Hamza takes the reader through a year of Ahmed's life with all of its ups and downs and nail-biting moments. There is a brief touch on racism and a good exploration of how Ahmed has always felt a little different from the kids around him. This is a great book for any kid going through those awkward middle school years, but also helpful for kids who experience a parent who has a chronic illness.

I highly recommend this read. It is quick, light-hearted, despite heavy topics, and is written in an easily digestible way for kids.

This book about an Indian Muslim middle school boy who moves from Hawaii to Minnesota so his dad can get medical treatment was heartwarming and also an ode to some great books. The books "Holes", "The Bridge to Terabithia", and "From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler" are widely referenced in this book so it is helpful if readers are already familiar with them before reading this book. I was rooting for Ahmed throughout this book as he tried to find his place in his new school. Perfect for 5th and 6th grade readers.

Overall, I really liked the way that this story's protagonist represented so many middle graders -- someone who struggled with completing assignments, who had no interest in books, who had a lot of weight at home. It also included his family's traditions and religious practice in a really thoughtful way. This is not a story of trauma and prejudice, but a story of growth, friendship, and learning to live in new situations. The pacing in the beginning was a little bit difficult, but quickened by the middle. I think that middle graders will like hearing other kids' perspective about many of the classics that they may have read or had as required reading in class.

This book was absolutely wonderful! A perfect Middle Grade story. We need more #ownvoices stories like this one! I cannot wait to share this book with my kids when it is published.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are completely my own.

I adored Aziz's story and found it to be quite relatable for all kids (and adults)! Aziz moves from Hawaii to Minnesota so his father can receive treatment for an illness. In the process, Aziz connects with his deceased uncle and finds himself in the process. At school, Aziz is the new kid trying to find his way, make new friends, and contend with the school bully who happens to live down the street, When given an opportunity to retaliate on the bully, Aziz takes a moment to reflect and wonders if it is really worth it. Does he follow through or not?

I LOVED this book! What a fun middle grade read. I really related to Ahmed Aziz, and as a South Asian teen myself, I really liked seeing the South Asian representation in this book. I also moved to a new school in fifth grade, and thought Ahmed's fears and challenges he faced were very relatable. I am so excited for this incredible and hilarious book to be out in the world!