Common Sense Media Review
By Jasmine Baten
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Journalist tween finds family history, culture in warm tale.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In THE PARTITION PROJECT, Maha starts seventh grade full of plans with her best friend, Kim, and a passion for journalism. She's excited about her new media studies class but doesn't have an idea for the documentary they've been assigned to make. At the same time, Maha's Dadi, her paternal grandmother, is moving from Pakistan to live with Maha and her family. Maha has to take Dadi, who is eternally unimpressed with her, to the senior center every day after school. Dadi starts telling Maha about her childhood during the Partition of India in 1947, recounting her and her family's experience leaving home, becoming refugees, and facing devastating loss in their journey to Pakistan. Maha decides that Dadi's story will be the center of her documentary, and as the two become closer, Maha learns about her culture, religion, and family history and about herself.
Is It Any Good?
Saadia Faruqi's dynamic and thoughtful novel will have readers rooting for Maha even as they grieve with Dadi. The Partition Project is full of heart, and Faruqi's writing of Maha as an endearing tween who matures through her growing connection to her family and heritage will appeal to readers of all ages. This book is particularly special because there are very few books for young readers about Partition and Muslim families, but this one will have readers listening and learning right along with Maha.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how important it is to include tough topics in books for younger readers. Even though Partition was very violent, it's a part of world history. Dadi even says that she was a child when she went through it, so she doesn't want to water it down for Maha. Why is it important for us to learn about difficult times in history?
Maha struggles with her identity. She was reluctant to make Muslim friends before her relationship with Dadi made her curious about her heritage. Why do you think she hesitated before Dadi moved in? How does she follow her curiosity about her culture? What helped Maha most to connect with her culture, despite the challenges?
Maha has a strong community of positive role models, good friends, and diverse people that show empathy for one another. Describe some of the ways characters show they care. Why is community so important to Maha? How does Maha's community support her?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Coming of Age
- Topics : History , School ( Middle School )
- Character Strengths : Curiosity , Empathy , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : Quill Tree Books
- Publication date : February 27, 2024
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 8 - 12
- Number of pages : 408
- Available on : Audiobook (unabridged), Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Award : Common Sense Selection
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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