Bhai for Now by Maleeha Siddiqui
📚 Bhai for Now 📚
Author: Maleeha Siddiqui
Publisher: Scholastic @scolasticcda
Age: 9-12
Islamic Content: sprinkled
Concerns: Mentions music and band in passing
Summary:
Ashar is a hockey player with one thing in mind; making it to the hockey team of his dreams. Shaheer is always moving because of his dad's jobs always changing. When they meet on the first day of school, it was like looking in the mirror. Turns out Ashar and Shaheer were twins separated as babies and they had no idea the existed. Each with a different goal in mind, they secretly switch places until things take a different turn.
Review:
I was hooked in the story from the moment I opened it. This book is such a delight to read. Firstly, I love that this story has Muslim boy protagonists; it seems that middle grade Muslim options are mainly with girl protagonists. Secondly, I love that this story is so unique and that it doesn't revolve around a Muslim identity crisis. Each chapter gave us an alternating narration between Shaheer and Ashar. The characters were so well developed, I was able to feel the go-getter energy from Ashar and the continuous frustration Shaheer felt for being thrown in situations he never asked for. There are very few books that have a divorced Muslim family in the center of it all. I have read this with my kids out loud at bed time and I couldn't help myself and had to keep reading to find out what happens next. One of them grew up being involved with their local masjid and salah was part of his daily life while the other didn't. It was there as a fact and not something that was being excused or dwelled upon. Middle graders will enjoy this read with comical bits, they will sympathize and cheer on the boys for the best outcome. We really enjoyed this book. It comes out October 4th.
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