Any Way You Look - by Maleeha Siddiqui (Hardcover)

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Ainy is looking forward to working at her mother's clothing store for the summer--and someday soon wearing a hijab--but when certain boys harass her, and the boy she has a crush on doesn't step in, she turns to her older sister for help.

Book Synopsis

What do you do with the wrong kind of attention?

Dress Coded meets Amina's Voice in this new middle grade novel by Maleeha Siddiqui.

Ainy is excited for summer! She plans on working at her mom's clothing store, having adventures with her best friend, and maybe even starting to wear the hijab--just like her big sister.

Everything changes when a boy from her community starts messaging her and following her around, even showing up at the store while she's working! Ainy knows his behavior isn't okay, but she can't find the words to tell the people around her how the unwanted attention makes her uncomfortable.

Finally, Ainy decides that she needs to start wearing the hijab to get him to leave her alone. She's always used fashion to express herself, so maybe now she can use it to become invisible.

But things don't get any better--and Ainy starts to realize that she's lost her own sparkle along the way. Maybe she can't handle this all on her own. With the help of her best friend and her sister, Ainy must find a way to stand her ground and get the respect that she knows she deserves--no matter how she looks.

Review Quotes

Praise forAny Way You Look:

"This much-needed story shows young women that unacceptable male behavior isn't their fault. A great book." -- Booklist

★ "Engaging and hugely relevant: an empowering gem." -- Kirkus Reviews, starred review

★ "Give this story to children everywhere. A powerful story of finding your voice and using it to advocate for yourself." -- School Library Journal, starred review

"This book perceptively illuminates how tricky it can be to tune out the world's noise and connect to the voice within. A touching, important story." -- Brigit Young, author of The Prettiest

"Any Way You Look is as light and airy as Ainy's fashionable designs, but layered underneath is a powerful message to speak up for oneself and find your voice. Enthralling." -- Reem Faruqi, award-winning author of Call Me Adnan and Unsettled

"An enchanting coming-of-age must read, especially if you are a superfan of forever friendships, first crushes, and fabulous fashion!" -- Erika J. Kendrick, author of Squad Goals

"Perfect for readers who love stories about friendship, family, and standing up for yourself." -- Debbi Michiko Florence, author of Keep It Together, Keiko Carter

Praise for Barakah Beats:

School Library Journal Best Book of the Year

New York Public Library Best Book of the Year

Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection

Indie's Introduce Pick

Indie Next Pick

"This book about friendship and faith absolutely sings." -- Buzzfeed

★ "Every elementary and middle school library will benefit from this touching story." -- School Library Journal, starred review

About the Author

Maleeha Siddiqui is an American writer of Pakistani descent who loves to tell stories for all ages about the American Muslim experience. She can't live without caffeine, rainy days, and books with a whole lot of heart. She is the author of Barakah Beats, a Junior Library Guild Selection and an ABA Indies Next List Pick, Bhai for Now, a Junior Library Guild Selection, and Any Way You Look. By day, Maleeha works in the biotech industry. She grew up and continues to reside with her family in Virginia. Find her at maleehasiddiqui.com and on Instagram at @malsidink.