Any Way You Look

March 15, 2024
Ainy's dreams for the summer don't turn out how she expected in this nuanced coming-of-age story. Pakistani American Quratulain "Ainy" Zain loves fashion. What she wants most is to be allowed to help her mom with her custom clothing boutique over summer break, and she might get her chance since Kulsoom, her older sister and role model, took a second job to help their family and is less available. She also envisions endless fun with bestie Safiya, and maybe even starting to wear the hijab. Learning the ropes at the boutique requires a lot more time than Ainy thought it would, however, which leaves Safiya feeling slighted. Even worse, her sister suddenly stops wearing her hijab without explanation, Ainy develops a creative block just as her mom entrusts her with an important job designing bridesmaids' dresses, and unwanted attention from irreligious classmate Yasir makes Ainy feel compelled to wear a hijab to thwart his advances--all to no avail. Ainy is overwhelmed! Siddiqui's latest presents authentic characters who are inspirational, not only to Muslim girls who might be facing their own difficulties with religious judgmentalism or sexual harassment, but anyone looking for a story about staying true to oneself in the face of adversity, especially with the help of strong women like those who surround Ainy. Important insights into Islamic religion and South Asian culture add to this book's value. Engaging and hugely relevant: an empowering gem. (author's note, glossary) (Fiction. 9-13)

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April 15, 2024
Grades 4-7 Incoming seventh-grader and fashionista Ainy just wants to spend her summer working at her mother's clothing shop. Beautiful dresses, unique Pakistani flair, and a love for sparkle excite Ainy--but what does not excite her is the attention that some of the boys in her community are giving her throughout the summer. When they don't take the hint, Ainy considers wearing hijab (like her sister) sooner rather than later, but that doesn't solve the problem like she thinks it will. Ainy's voice is poignantly attuned to the smart insights of a middle-school girl who is in over her head. Between her workload at the clothing shop, her schedule-frenzied friendships, and the expectations of her community, Ainy doesn't know where to turn next. How can she balance all that is expected of her with being her most authentic self? Full of on-point middle-grade insight into the complexities of Muslim dress for girls, an affirming feminist undercurrent, and family who are as comforting as a cup of chai. Hand to readers who loved Hena Khan's Amina's Voice (2017).

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Starred review from May 1, 2024

Gr 3-7-Ainy Zain, aspiring fashion designer, has a lot going for her as she finishes sixth grade. She convinced her mother to let Ainy work in her clothing store for the summer, which means she doesn't have time for her best friend Safiya's dream summer to-do list. While her father is in Pakistan caring for her ailing grandmother, her family has moved into the basement of her childhood friend Izyaan, whom she has started to develop feelings for. Ainy has been taking steps towards wearing a hijab, while her older sister has suddenly decided to stop wearing hers. Her mother agreed to let her design bridesmaid dresses for the mother of the boy who has not stopped harassing her since summer began. This was supposed to be Ainy's summer, but amid boy troubles, friendship troubles, and financial troubles, it's not shaping up how she planned. This is a beautiful story that discusses important themes such as faith, family, friendship, bodily autonomy, and standing up for yourself in a way that is accessible for a middle grade audience. Wonderfully crafted, the story presented is a reflection of real life, showing that not everything turns out the way it is expected to. Ainy is a character tweens will relate to and admire, and her story is one that needs to be told. VERDICT Give this story to children everywhere. A powerful story of finding your voice and using it to advocate for yourself.-Amanda Harding

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