Salaam, With Love
Muslim teen finds acceptance, courage in heartfelt story.
Kids say
Based on 2 reviews
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this book.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Salaam, with Love by Sara Sharaf Beg is a heartfelt coming-of-age story about 17-year-old Dua. The story takes place over the course of Dua's monthlong stay with her relatives during Ramadan. This faith-centered story features a diverse group of loving family and friends, a dose of humor, relatable awkward teen moments, and mild romance. Dua and her family are Pakistani American, and the family's Pakistani culture and Muslim faith are prominent throughout the story. There are a few references to and instances of Islamophobia. For example, Dua's cousin is harassed for wearing a hijab in one scene. Islamophobia turns violent when a character is shot during an armed robbery. The incident is retold by another character after the fact. Blood is mentioned briefly but otherwise the description of the incident is vague.
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What's the Story?
In SALAAM, WITH LOVE, Dua travels with her parents to New York City from their small hometown to spend Ramadan with her uncle, aunt, and five cousins. Dua is disappointed to be away from her best friend Kat the summer before their senior year. She's also worried about observing Ramadan with her relatives, who she thinks are more devout or "better Muslims." She's afraid she won't fit in. Dua's relieved to find her uncle, aunt, and cousins warm and welcoming, although she struggles to connect with her aloof older cousin Mahnoor. Dua also meets Mahnoor's fiancee and his siblings Haya and Hassan, who are in a Muslim rock band with two of Dua's cousins. Dua and Haya become fast friends, and Dua quickly develops a crush on Hassan. Along with faith and family, music is a large theme throughout the story. All of the young people play an instrument or sing. Dua herself is an accomplished musician and dreams of studying music in college. Dua's cousins and friends encourage and support her both in her musical aspirations and in her desire to deepen her faith as she memorizes passages from the Qu'ran. But Dua has a lot on her mind. Will she meet all the goals on her Ramadan checklist? Does Hassan share her romantic feelings? And what happens when she goes back home? She wonders if she has the courage to start a Muslim Student Association at school and to be honest with her parents about studying music in college.
Is It Any Good?
Dua is a likeable protagonist who learns a lot about herself and gains confidence in this heartfelt coming-of-age story. Salaam, With Love is notable for its warm representation of a large and loving Pakistani American Muslim family who celebrate a memorable, and ultimately joyful, Ramadan together. Teens may relate to many of Dua's experiences, from struggling through embarrassing moments with a crush to navigating unwanted parental expectations.
The depictions of Islamophobia help readers better understand the characters. However, the shooting incident is abrupt and not fully developed. Readers may have unanswered questions. There are a few other plot points that are inconsistent or unrealistic. For example, it's hard to believe that Dua's parents, otherwise thoughtful, would wait until the day before to tell Dua that they're going on a monthlong trip and then yell at her to hurry up and pack.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Dua changes over the course of the story in Salaam. With Love. What was she worried about before she went to New York? What does Dua learn and how does she grow?
Characters experience Islamophobia in Salaam, With Love. What would you do if a friend or family member said something anti-Muslim? Would you confront them or stay silent?
Dua is afraid to tell her parents that she wants to study music in college. Eventually she builds up the courage and does it. When was a time that you had a difficult conversation? What was it about and how did it go?
Book Details
- Author: Sara Sharaf Beg
- Genre: Coming of Age
- Topics: Friendship, Great Boy Role Models, Great Girl Role Models, Holidays
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Underlined
- Publication date: January 4, 2022
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 12 - 17
- Number of pages: 272
- Available on: Paperback, Nook, Audiobook (unabridged), iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: March 31, 2022
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