  | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 08/01/2019 In her latest novel, Khan (Amina's Voice, 2017) brings readers a charming take on Louisa May Alcott's 1868 classic, Little Women. Things for 13-year-old Jameela are great when she's named features editor of her school newspaper and becomes friends with Ali, who just moved to Georgia from London (dazzling English accent included). But when her dad is sent abroad for work for six months, things for Jameela and her three sisters feel like they're spiraling downhill, especially when one of her sisters falls ill. As her sister's condition worsens, Jameela must learn to curb her short temper to coexist with her sisters, while also learning that even as a journalist, some stories belong only to those who have lived them. Khan's homage to one of her favorite books growing up is engagingly written for a young, new generation. The plot takes a moment to thicken, but when it does, the natural prose and distinctive characters guide it along. Like Little Women, this is a story that is sure to appeal to many. - Copyright 2019 Booklist. School Library Journal - 08/01/2019 Gr 4–6—The Pakistani American Mirza sisters live in Norcross, GA, and each shares a first initial with one of the March sisters of Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. Jameela, the heroine and narrator, feels less polished than her older sister, Maryam; less virtuous than her younger sister Bisma; and less patient than she should be with Aleeza, the youngest. Jameela is most comfortable in her skin when she's writing, and she plans to publish a story for her school paper that will make her father, who is overseas for a new job, proud. She is also delighted to make friends with Ali, the son of family friends, who has recently moved to Georgia. When Bisma is diagnosed with lymphoma and Jameela breaks Ali's trust after publishing an off-the-record interview, she feels that she is losing her sister and a new friend in addition to her absent father. Jameela is a devoted journalist, and her curious, inquisitive voice makes her an engaging narrator. Simple, straightforward language will be accessible to middle grade readers, and the tone is informative but never didactic on topics such as journalism ethics. This is a positive and loving portrayal of a Muslim family, and details of Pakistani culture and Muslim observance are not given heavy-handed explanations, but are simply included as essential details of the Mirzas' existence. Readers may be inspired to compare notes with Little Women, but can enjoy this without having met the March sisters. VERDICT This thoughtful update of Alcott's classic text features an American Muslim family and deftly balances issues such as microaggressions and cancer treatment with typical middle grade tropes such as sibling rivalry, a first crush, and an early adolescent search for identity.—Lisa Goldstein, Brooklyn Public Library - Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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