It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did, I flew through it. I've never read a book that specifically explored a young girl's decision whether or not to wear hijab. I really appreciated this examination, particularly the reflections that Ainy had when trying to make her decision regarding wearing hijab. I also loved the conversation between Ainy, her sister and their mom discussing their decisions. I think the author created very believable characters and situations. Even though this speaks specifically to wearing hijab, I think many middle schoolers will likely be able to relate to the feelings or events in this book. Middle school is a time of finding more individuality and more freedom to make decisions for yourself. It is also a time when many are exploring crushes and feelings for others. It can certainly be difficult to navigate unwanted attention, figure out how to deal with it, and know when to alert others if more assistance is needed to stop the advances. I think this book tackled this very difficult topic well. The author's note mentions that the author was inspired by Barbara Dee's Maybe He Just Likes You, and I can definitely see some parallels. This is a wonderful choice for readers that enjoy realistic fiction about family and friendships.

This is a really good book for any library to have available for teens. This has great diverse representation. Ainy is a great character as we see her deal with discrimination and finding her place wearing the Hijab.

Thanks NetGalley for this ARC.

Excellent female empowerment story. I loved Ainy's journey in navigating her decision to wear the hijab. She wasn't so much ti be like her perfect sister and to be a helpful daughter to her mother. But she quickly gets into undiscovered territory when she begins getting unwanted attention from a male classmate. She makes some mistakes along the way but she soon discovers the true meaning of wearing the hijab and ultimately her voice.

This was such a good book!! I loved Ainy so much and her journey with hijab and dealing with so many different things, my heart! This tackles so many different things in a way that, at least to me, felt very appropriate for middle grade audience and I hope it helps kids with seeing themselves and seeing how powerful their voice can be when necessary. Just, all around I really loved this and found it hard to put down!

This is absolutely a book I’ll be adding to my classroom library. Ainy is a a relatable character in between her sixth and seventh grade year. Her journey with hijab is very personal and important to her, and it is also very much NOT the only aspect of her identity. She is a sister, a daughter, a friend, and a fashion-enthusiast. She’s not perfect, but she’s trying her best.

Any Way You Look has many strong female characters who practice/showcase their Muslim faith in a variety of ways, and Siddiqui doesn’t indicate that anyone is more right/devout than anyone else (which I love).

I can’t wait to add this book to my classroom library!

*thank you to Netgalley for the arc of this book!

I requested this book based on the cover alone. Any book that has to do with shopping, clothes, or the mall I will be game for. The book follows our main character, a Muslim 6th grader who is grappling with the idea of wearing a hijab and trying to understand boys and life in general. Truly this was such a breath of fresh air. I thought that there was a perfect balance of moral lessons and just teenage girlieness.

I read this book in Ramadan, because it is about a Muslim girl and her story. I enjoyed the book quite a bit but it could be longer and a bit more developed.

A phenomenal middle grade book! I have loved Maleeha Siddiqui's writing since "Bhai for Now" (a very fun and funny Parent Trap retelling that managed to also write realistic middle grade characters and struggles and is one of my favorite middle grade novels). "Any Way You Look" did NOT disappoint.

I love the way Siddiqui writes realistic characters, both kids and the adults in their life, and how much warmth and love the adults/parents have (even if they are still realistic/flawed-- there are things like money struggles, sexual harassment and the decision to wear a hijab or not that are written with the seriousness and thoughtfulness they deserve without ever feeling preachy or heavy handed). I find it impressive how the characters feel like real people that you root for, and there is a real warmth and joy throughout this book, even when dealing with heavier topics. There were moments I teared up or laughed and cheered along.

My only critique? I wanted more! I wasn't ready to leave the characters just yet (but this isn't a real complaint-- the story wraps up satisfyingly). I already know I can't wait for Siddiqui's next book!

Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this story!
SPOILERS TO FOLLOW

Truly an incredible book. Ainy's journey with her religion and what it means to wear a hijab were very real and personal. I enjoyed how this also played into her love for fashion and design and that the overall message of the story was that people can be beautiful with or without a hijab. Bajjo and Ainy reminded me of my own sister so I loved their relationship. I also really loved Safiya and the struggles she was facing with a new baby sister. It was a very heartwarming story about sisterhood, friendship and religion that I enjoyed greatly!

This book was so good! I really enjoyed the chance to read a book about a Muslim teen, since those books are harder to find. I really liked seeing Ainy grow up and learn to stand up for herself, and I loved when she and her sister and friends made up.

Any Way You Look by Maleeha Siddiqui
I received an eBook ARC from Netgalley to read and review and give my honest opinion of.

First, if like myself, you are not of the Islamic faith, you may want to keep another way of accessing the internet to look up words or phrases that we may not know. Some phrases and words are explained, others, are not. You don't have to, but it's useful.

This book has a 12 year old Muslim girl as the main character. The author writes her in a very believable manner. Sometimes, she seems older than 12; sometimes, so much younger. Welcome to TWEENager's. Ainy is deciding whether to hijab or not. Her older sister has been, then suddenly does not. Ainy loves doing fashion designs and dreams of one day making outfits for those who hijab.

In her decision making, she feels alone. Her best friend hijab's, her sister did, until she didn't. Her mother wears the niqib. The boy she likes, and the one she doesn't, along with their friends are constantly around. Her "auntie" who is the mother of the boy she likes is judgemental toward Ainy and her family...while demanding they create one of a kind bridesmaid outfits for her daughter's wedding.

The book basically takes us through Ainy's process of deciding to hijab, and then not.

I think this is a book well worth reading and recommend to all.

NOTE TO PUBLISHER: Please work on getting the formatting of the book correct. The formatting went wonky repeatedly, making the book nearly impossible to read.

A beautiful book about feminism and having confidence in ourselves and the right to make choices about our own appearance. This would make a wonderful book for any young girl or teen to read. For women and girls we are always subjected to constant criticism, comments, and opinions on our looks and the way we dress from others. Especially for young girls, this can take its toll and we can end up dressing not for ourselves but to please others. I loved how this story reinforces and encourages us to be ourselves and make our own choices. I love the fiery responses of the mc’s friends and family to the boys who were harassing her. Also a great book for any women struggling with this also, or women considering becoming a hijabi! It did have some recommendations of famous hijab companies as well as tips and instructions within the story.