Member Reviews
thank you penguin teen for giving me an eARC
*3.5*
I really liked this book, Huda was such a relatable main character, even though I’m not Muslim myself I relate to being embarrassed of my culture and etc.
I wish this was longer so we truly could’ve seen Huda change and stand up for herself and learn to love herself more. I also wish we got to see her and Joe team up and take down Warren more bc it happened too fast for me to really take it in.
Huda F Are You is a brief look at what it is to be Muslim-American. The title makes me a little nervous to bring it into my school, but otherwise I feel this was a great book for middle and high school age readers.
Fahmy manages to convey funny and sweet moments while also pointing out the blatant microaggressions Muslim-Americans face all the time. The illustrations, the dialogue, and the narration are seamless in their simplicity.
I liked the story of this graphic novel and I feel as thought it almost could translate to a series. Each year of high school could have all kinds of new adventures for Huda. The illustrations were also pretty good. Some of them could maybe use some polishing. The fonts are a little tough to read at times, but they might be easier in the print version of the book. I felt like the actual execution of the story and the way it progresses through were a bit disjointed in the first half of the book. I'd like to see some more consistency and a little better flow in the setup of the plot. The end was kind of abrupt and I was hoping for more. Maybe there will be a sequel after all.
All in all though, it was an enjoyable story told in a fairly original way. With a little polishing, it will be even better! My rating is 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4.
Huda F is this girl!? She is awesome and giving youth graphic fiction the update it so badly needs. Huda F is a teen trying to find her way through high school as a Muslim in America. A great read for all ages and such a wonderful (and at times uncomfortable) glimpse into the trials of simply existing in a space that is fearful and unwelcoming.
Hilarious and wonderful. Full of voice, heart, wit, snark, and a wonderful illustrative style. Huda was instantly a character I loved. Though she is Muslim and many of her experiences are unique to that, but just as many are not unique to her religion--such as figuring out who she is, what she believes, and how to start standing up for herself.
To feel seen is a vulnerable thing and when it comes to representation, I tend to shy away from media with Muslims in it because inevitably I end up feeling hurt — whether it’s because the rep is offensive/comes at the sake of other Muslims or because it requires me to confront and acknowledge my own trauma. But Huda does this flawlessly in Huda F Are You?; a little bit of therapy mixed in with a good number of jokes gives way to something that I loved every second of. I’m a huge fan of Hudda’s work and will always continue to be grateful for what she does to continue to uplift Muslim women. 💗
<b><i> Thank you Penguin Teen for sending me an ARC. </i></b>
<b>rating:</b> 5 stars
This book was actually one of my first ever graphic novels, and I can't say I'm disappointed. I absolutely adored reading this book, and it genuinely felt like a hug when reading.
As an Arab-American Muslim who went through the motions of growing up the token Arab to being in a crowd of people just like me, this book REALLY hit home. The identity crisis experienced throughout the book felt like I was reading one of my old diaries, but in the best way possible. Seeing myself in the pages was something I didn't even realize I needed until I finished it.
I think this book is a must read for multiple reasons, but especially because of the transparency of the immigrant child experience. So many kids grow up feeling odd and out of place because of their identity, and I can see <i>Huda F Are You?</i> being a must read to help kids find acceptance in their identity. And beyond the serious undertones, it's so funny! I was genuinely laughing multiple times, and I didn't want it to end, despite devouring it in probably less than an hour.
This was definitely a coming-of-age masterpiece and I don't think I'll ever be able to stop praising it. I loved it!
This was great! Very relatable for any teenager (or adult) trying to figure out who they really are. It was funny. I haven't seen a whole lot of hijabi wearing muslim women in graphic novels, so I appreciate the exposure to a community that is different than my own. Really quick read. I think this would be very appropriate for many middle grade readers as well as teens. Will definitely recommend to patrons at my library.
This was a quick read, but it fit in a lot of good information. Huda is trying to figure out who she is beyond her Muslim identity. In a new school where so many students wear hijab, she isn't used to that. She tries to fit in with a lot of different groups as she figures out who she wants to be. She also faces discrimination from classmates and school staff. While she is still learning who she is, she presents a lot for readers to think about.
This graphic novel was so cute! It immediately brought me back to high school and trying to find a way to stand out amongst people like me, but also not wanting to stand out too much. Additionally, the underlying theme of being Muslim and being persecuted because of your religion is very well done. Fahmy's artwork is also fantastic and paired with this story just makes this graphic novel a joy to read!
If you're looking for a fun and quick graphic read, then I highly recommend this one!
*I received an ARC from Penguin Teen in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was an amazing graphic novel that many youth could relate to. The book has a powerful message, done through humor and awkward moments, about learning who you are, standing up for yourself, and forgiving yourself for missteps along the way. Along with the message of self-confidence and learning about yourself, it also can serve to teach empathy to those that could use an inside look into someone else's experience. Great read and perfect addition to a public or school library! And what a perfect title!
Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin for this ARC!
Although some experiences, such as discrimination based on my skin color and religion, will always be foreign to me, Huda F Are You is still utterly relatable to readers of ALL nationalities and religions. Huda's cheeky narrations of her struggles to find herself and where she "fits in" resonated in the best (and funniest) ways. The illustrations are fantastic, and all around this graphic novel did not disappoint! I look forward to reading anything Huda writes in the future.
P.S. - I loved the note at the beginning explaining why Huda is depicted wearing her hijab in bed, and just little informational notes like that about her religion - I always love learning more about others!
Loved this coming of age graphic novel from author Huda Fahmy!
Huda tells the story of her own high school experience as a Muslim-American coming to grips with her identity. Her honest and humor make this an entertaining and important novel.
I enjoyed learning about her family and religion, and getting to know her inner struggles with identity, self-hatred, self-esteem, and fitting in. As someone who also struggled with these things in high school, I recognized myself in Huda, and loved watching her take baby steps to grow as a person. To see Huda learn to respect and love herself was really rewarding and inspiring.
Thank you Netgalley for this ebook arc in exchange for an honest review.
Okay so this graphic novel was everything! It made me giggle, made me think, and gave me all the feels. I honestly can’t recommend it enough.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Provides the same hilarity and wisdom that is installed in any of Huda Fahmy's comics! But what is great about this one is that it focuses on the teenage emotions and journey trying to discover one's true self. Fahmy's story is so relatable and readers will have a wonderful time connecting with this realistic story!
While this isn't a long graphic novel, it does so much in such a short time. Huda's family moves to Dearborn, where Huda feels she won't be alone anymore because there are other girls that also wear hijabs. Unfortunately, this doesn't magically solve all of Huda's problems, because the real problem is that Huda doesn't know who she is or where she wants to go in life, and just drifts from one friend group to another. While also dealing with lots and lots of racism. Trying to live up to her parent's standards, Huda starts to feel like she can't do anything right. Thankfully she has the support of her friends, her sisters, her parents, and those at her after school halaqa group, Huda is able to grow as a person and learn to stand up for herself. With simple, clean drawings, this is a great book for teens just trying to find their place.
This is a wonderful, hilarious and heartfelt coming -of-age story. Huda's writing is so funny and witty!
I LOVED this book! So relatable and felt like Huda knew my life story. It was shorter than I thought it would be, but told a very heartfelt and funny story about growing up brown in America. I liked getting more insight into Huda's family life and education. I also liked how she explored the differences between living isolated from your culture, and sometimes even when you are surrounded by people with a similar background, you can still feel alone. Such an honest graphic novel that I am sure it will be a bestseller. Huda never misses!
This was such an exceptionally sweet and heartfelt book. I identified with so many of Huda’s struggles with identity and faith (I’m not Muslim but cultural experiences do cross over). The art and illustration was incredible. I loved the expression in the drawings and the dynamic nature of storytelling within each frame.
*Thank you to Penguin Teen and NetGalley for sending me an eARC of this graphic novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*
This graphic novel is a very short and absolutely adorable coming-of-age story. It follows Huda F. as she navigates trying to piece together her identity as more than "the Muslim."
I thought the art very well done. The illustrations are cute and full of teen angst and drama.
The storyline itself I think is a great example of what it is like to be a teenager. As a non-Muslim, I cannot tell you that Huda's struggles with balancing Islam and American High School are particularly relatable to me, but I can say that I loved reading this story, and it is a story that is very important.
This graphic novel took about half an hour to read, but it made me think, it made me sad, and it made me laugh. I. Adored. It.