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Parents' Guide to

Does My Head Look Big in This?

By Stephanie Dunnewind, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 13+

Muslim teen grows up, sees prejudice Down Under.

Book Randa Abdel-Fattah Coming of Age 2007
Does My Head Look Big in This? Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this book.

Community Reviews

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age 12+

Based on 3 parent reviews

Mikami V.
Mikami V. Adult
June 20, 2017
age 10+

I read this in middle school I recommend it.

This book helps students acknowledge the struggles that other people face. There is a need for kids to recognize that all children aren't always in control of their origins, but there isn't any excuse to discriminate because of it.
mdmuslima
mdmuslima Parent
November 10, 2010
age 14+

A unique POV

As a Muslim mom, who grew up in the west, much of the story is spot-on with what I've experienced. It's interesting to see how the main character walks a fine line in order to stay true to her beliefs. At the same time, the book is funny and not preachy. The author has given voice to a female character (a strong girl who is a practicing Muslim) the likes of whom we have seen very little of in English literature. Bravo!
See all 3 parent reviews

What's the Story?

Sixteen-year-old Amal exchanges IMs with a cute boy, chats with friends on her cell phone, reads Cosmo … and decides to wear a hijab, or Muslim head scarf, full-time, including to her elite private high school in Melbourne, Australia. Her friends, both Muslim and Christian, support her choice, but she still deals with negative consequences at school and in the community. Amal's close relationship with her parents contrasts with her friends': Leila's mother is determined to marry her off at 16; Simone's mom tells her to diet because she's fat; Adam's mother deserted him. With her attention-attracting hijab and her policy against dating, Amal tries to find the line between social acceptance and assimilation as she grapples with adolescence and her "hyphenate" identity as an Australian-Palestinian-Muslim girl.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say (3 ):
Kids say (11 ):

Abdel-Fattah, who describes herself as "an Australian-born-Muslim-Palestinian-Egyptian-chocoholic," gives voice to girls underrepresented in literature and the popular media. Readers will learn more about Islam's religious practices and beliefs, but to the extent that some dialog exchanges seem awkwardly set up in a question-and-answer format. Amal's behavior is full of contradictions as she learns that wearing the hijab is symbolic; She eventually realizes she must also change what's inside to truly reflect her religious values.

Western feminists may struggle with Amal's assertion that wearing the hijab is "liberation" from body-image issues. Readers of different faiths will admire her determination to be true to her beliefs and identify with her strong friendship bonds. Overall, it gives teens of every faith and background a great chance to see another perspective and discuss prejudice and identity.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about their own religious beliefs and their perceptions of people from other faiths. Was any of the background about Islam surprising? After a terrorist attack in Bali, a fellow student asks Amal to "explain to everyone why they did it and how Islam justifies it." Amal, in turn, asks if the Christian girl could explain the Ku Klux Klan, or the IRA, or "Israeli soldiers bombing Palestinian homes." Families can discuss how the media portrays followers of different faiths, especially in the wake of violence.

Book Details

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