Amina's Song - (Amina's Voice) by Hena Khan

About the Book

Feeling pulled between two cultures after a month with family in Pakistan, Amina shares her experiences with Wisconsin classmates through a class assignment and a songwriting project with new student Nico.

Book Synopsis

Winner of the Asian/Pacific American Award for Children's Literature

In the companion novel to the beloved and award-winning Amina's Voice, Amina once again uses her voice to bridge the places, people, and communities she loves--this time across continents.

It's the last few days of an amazing trip to Pakistan, and Amina finds it hard to leave the sights, the shops, and, most of all, her family. As she heads back to Greendale to start seventh grade, the experience has changed her, and she's eager to share it with her friends.

At home, though, Amina discovers her friends don't seem interested in hearing about her trip. With everyone growing in different directions, Amina wonders where she belongs--especially after her school presentation on Malala goes sideways, leaving her feeling like nobody understands both her worlds. When Amina turns to songwriting, a boy named Nico who shares Amina's love for music becomes a welcome new friend. Will Amina find a way to remain true to herself, and to honor everyone and everything that make her who she is?

Review Quotes

* "Khan excellently weaves together complex issues of feeling torn between two parts of one's identity, illness in the family, helping others, and finding out that growing up does not have to mean growing apart. Highly recommended for all collections."--Booklist, starred review

"Powerful, important, and compelling... Khan is too gifted a storyteller."--Jarrett Lerner, MG Book Village

"Readers will enjoy being along for the ride as Amina sorts through mild middle school turbulence and finds satisfying ways to express and share her true self... A sweet sequel."--Kirkus Reviews

PRAISE FOR AMINA'S VOICE

*"A universal story of self-acceptance and the acceptance of others. A welcome addition to any middle grade collection."

-- "School Library Journal, starred review"

*"Amina's middle school woes and the universal themes running through the book transcend culture, race, and religion. A perfect first book for this new Muslim imprint."-- "Kirkus Reviews, starred review"

*"Written as beautifully as Amina's voice surely is, this compassionate, timely novel is highly recommended for all libraries."-- "Booklist, starred review"

"[A] relatable portrayal of a tween who wants to fit in, and who's devoted to her faith even amid her confusion about her family's varied approaches to it."-- "Horn Book"

"For inspiring empathy in young readers, you can't get better than this book." -- "R. J. Palacio, author of #1 New York Times bestseller WONDER"

"Hena Khan (It's Ramadan, Curious George) writes a gentle coming-of-age story universal in theme and original in context, and appealing to any reader who has just wanted to slow the world down."-- "Shelf Awareness"

"Realistic fiction centered on a Pakistani-American Muslim girl is a refreshing change in the middle grade market.....It's solid storyline and the common denominator of middle school drama highlights the fact that students from all backgrounds may be more alike than they realize. Recommended."-- "School Library Connection"

"This gentle example of multicultural domestic realism hits all of the right notes...a comforting counternarrative to what young readers may see on the news."-- "BCCB"

"Watching Amina literally and figuratively find her voice--bolstered by community, friendship, and discovered inner strength--makes for rewarding reading."-- "Publishers Weekly"

About the Author

Hena Khan is a Pakistani American writer. She is the author of the middle grade novels Amina's Voice, Amina's Song, More to the Story, and the Zara's Rules series and picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It's Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family. You can learn more about Hena and her books by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com or connecting with her @HenaKhanBooks.