Book Review: Amina’s Voice 

By Hena Khan 

5 Stars

Twelve-year-old Amina is a shy Pakistani-American girl who struggles with balancing her cultural traditions and personal aspirations. As she faces challenges with her best friend’s changing behaviour and the arrival of a new family member, Amina struggles with her own identity and self-expression. Through a journey marked by personal and familial tensions, she learns to assert her voice and reconcile her desires with her family’s expectations, ultimately finding confidence and a deeper understanding of herself. I like how the protagonist, Amina, is very well-developed and relatable. Her journey from a shy, reserved girl to someone who finds her voice and self-confidence is portrayed with sensitivity and depth. This book promotes positive messages about self-acceptance, standing up for oneself, and balancing personal desires with cultural as well as family expectations. It encourages readers to embrace their identities and find their own voices. I love how this book provides educational value by introducing readers to aspects of Pakistani culture and Muslim practices in a way that is both informative and engaging. Although Amina is a well-developed character, some secondary characters might feel less fleshed out or one-dimensional. This could limit the depth of interaction and the overall complexity of the story. Hena Khan’s writing is accessible and engaging for middle-grade readers. The narrative flows smoothly, and the characters are portrayed with warmth and authenticity. So, this book would be great for kids around the ages of 8-12 years old. 

Reviewed by Hanan 

View in Library Catalogue: Print