Does My Head Look Big In This?

Amal, an Australian teenager attending an elite prep school, decides to wear the hijab full-time as a 'full-timer.' The story follows her junior year as she navigates the social hierarchy of school, a crush on a non-Muslim boy, and the varying degrees of Islamophobia she encounters in her community. SENSITIVE TOPICS: The book deals directly with racism, religious discrimination, and xenophobia. The approach is realistic and contemporary, showing both the subtle microaggressions and the blatant hostility Amal faces. The resolution is hopeful and empowering, focusing on personal agency rather than a magical end to prejudice. EMOTIONAL ARC: The story begins with nervous excitement and anticipation. It moves into a period of tension and vulnerability as Amal faces backlash, but the overall arc is one of building resilience and confidence, ending on a high note of self-acceptance. IDEAL READER: A 14-year-old girl who feels pressured to conform at school, or a teenager interested in social justice who wants to understand the intersection of faith and feminism. PARENT TRIGGER: A parent might reach for this after a child experiences a discriminatory comment about their cultural or religious background. PARENT PREP: Parents should be prepared for some realistic depictions of verbal harassment and a scene involving a post-9/11 style backlash following a news event. The book can be read cold by most teens. AGE EXPERIENCE: Younger teens (12-13) will focus on the school drama and friendship dynamics. Older teens (15-17) will better grasp the political nuances and the complex internal conflict regarding Amal's crush and her religious boundaries. DIFFERENTIATOR: Unlike some books that focus on the challenges faced by Muslim teens, this book centers on hijab as a choice of empowerment and a vehicle for a very funny, relatable teenage voice.