List

Muslim Authors in Teen Fiction

By Skokie Staff Advisory Services

Our staff share books that see the world of teens through the eyes of Muslim authors.

Spice Road
2023 by Ibrahim, Maiya
This action-packed, Middle Eastern-inspired debut, epic fantasy series opener features an angsty 'enemies to lovers' romance, magic, and monsters. It's perfect for fans of the Ember in the Ashes quartet. Suggested by Rummanah.

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The Love Match
2023 by Taslim, Priyanka
Inspired by Pride and Prejudice with the lighthearted spirit of To All the Boys I've Loved Before, this heartfelt rom-com is rich in Bangladeshi culture and features a "will they/won't they" love triangle. Suggested by Grace.

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All My Rage
2022 by Tahir, Sabaa
National Book Award and Printz Winner, Sabaa Tahir's contemporary novel is memorable and heart wrenching as Noor and Salaluddin navigate complex relationships and search for hope for a future when their reality is bleak. Suggested by Rummanah.

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House of Yesterday
2022 by Zargarpur, Deeba
Inspired by her own Afghan-Uzbek heritage, this author has written a story about Sara Amani, who is uncovering family secrets in this gothic, ghost story. Suggested by Rummanah.

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This Woven Kingdom
2022 by Mafi, Tahereh
A mesmerizing fantasy series opener filled with rich world building that incorporates Islamic cultures and Persian mythology, court intrigue, and a forbidden romance. Suggested by Rummanah.

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As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow
2022 by Katouh, Zoulfa
This powerful and often heartbreaking character-driven debut novel chronicles what it might be like living during the Syrian Revolution. Suggested by Rummanah.

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You Truly Assumed
2022 by Sabreen, Laila
This pacey and empowering novel explores the multitude of ways to be a Black Muslim in our contemporary world, as well as the importance of standing up for yourself and your beliefs. Suggested by Grace.

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The Loophole
2022 by Kutub, Naz
Kutub weaves family, love, and self-discovery in this thoughtful adventure around the world. Suggested by Rummanah.

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Squire
2022 by Shammas, Nadia
Set in an alternative history of the Middle East and North Africa, this graphic fantasy skillfully tackles complex subjects such as war, loyalty, and imperialism through the lens of a young, relatable, compelling protagonist. Despite the heavy issues, it has an action-packed plot and beautiful illustrations. Suggested by Rummanah.

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A Million to One
2022 by Jaigirdar, Adiba
This heist book sets an "Ocean 11" type of adventure on board the Titanic with four talented woman out to steal a priceless treasure before it sinks beneath the sea. Suggested by Grace.

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Road of the Lost
2022 by Azad, Nafiza
This romantic and suspenseful fantasy features the fae and a magical quest that is perfect for fans of Holly Black's Folk of Air series. Suggested by Rummanah.

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Love from Mecca to Medina
2022 by Ali, S. K.
In this follow up to Love from A to Z, Adem and Zayneb are married according to Islamic law, but they are living apart. Ali unequivocally and unapologetically continues to discuss Islamic customs, love, and faith, which are all examined through a non-Western lens. Suggested by Rummanah.

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Punching the Air
2020 by Zoboi, Ibi Aanu
Beautifully written, heartbreaking, and raw, this is the story of Amal Shahid, who is wrongfully convicted of a crime and incarcerated. Yusef Salaam, one of the Exonerated Five and a prison reform activist, collaborates with author Ibi Zoboi to tell this tale, inspired by Salaam's own story of injustice. Like Amal, Salaam has mentioned that his Muslim faith has helped him get through this dark time in his life. Recommended by Rummanah.

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Queen of the Tiles
2022 by Hanna Alkaf
A clever, award-winning murder mystery set against the backdrop of a competitive Scrabble competition, with an intrepid hijabi detective ready to solve the puzzle and win the day. Suggested by Rummanah.

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Wrong Side of the Court
2022 by Khan, H. N.
Fawad Chaudhry, a Pakistani Canadian teen, strives to break away from his often violent and soon to be gentrified neighborhood and dreams of playing in the NBA in this thoughtful debut. Suggested by Rummanah.

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Perfectly Parvin
2021 by Abtahi, Olivia
I was completely charmed by this girl-centered rom-com that has the expected breezy romance tropes but also deals with deeper concerns such as navigating one’s cultural identity, Islamophobia, and immigration bans. Parvin is witty and relatable, and I am so eager for the next in the series. Recommended by Sharon.

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Yasmeen
2021 by Ahmed, Saif A.
A powerful and at times heartbreaking graphic novel about a young girl, Yasmeen, as she comes of age living between the United States and Iraq. It sensitively explores many hard topics, such as the devastating impacts of war, human trafficking, post-traumatic stress disorder, and the plight of refugee families. Yasmeen remains courageous and resilient in the face of suffering. Recommended by Rummanah.

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Huda F Are You?
2021 by Fahmy, Huda
With possibly the greatest title ever, this hilarious, heartfelt graphic novel explores identity, self-awareness, and all of the complexities of wanting to belong in a way that is universal for readers of all backgrounds. An absolute delight. Recommended by Rummanah.

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How It All Blew Up
2020 by Ahmadi, Arvin
This is a wonderful and intimate story of self discovery. Amir's yearning to be his authentic self and own his truth while respecting his conservative family is nuanced and moving. This book also addresses Islamophobia and racism while trying to make sense of sexuality in a culture where it is not discussed openly. Recommended by Rummanah.

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