Huda F. Cares?

By: Huda Fahmy Published: 2023 Genre: Memoir/Graphic Novel Awards: Grades: 7th+

Huda Fahmy's graphic novel, "Huda F Cares," is a delightful coming-of-age story perfect for middle schoolers. It follows Huda, a Muslim American girl, on a family vacation to Disney World. While the excitement of the trip is undeniable, Huda grapples with self-consciousness about her family's traditions and her own place within them.

Firstly, Fahmy's art style is vibrant and engaging with a stroke of cartoon-like, brings Huda's internal struggles and the external world of the vacation vividly to life. The humor is spot-on, capturing the awkwardness and comedic situations that teenagers often encounter.

Huda's interactions with her sisters and her tentative exploration of a new friendship are relatable and authentic. Beyond the typical vacation story, It tackles important themes of cultural identity, family dynamics, and navigating friendships in a way that is both sensitive and age-appropriate. Young readers, especially Muslim girls, will find a strong role model in Huda as she learns to embrace her heritage and navigate the challenges of growing up. They'll also be treated to a fun and entertaining adventure, reminding them that even the most familiar situations can be filled with unexpected discoveries.

"Huda F Cares" would be a fantastic addition to my library's graphic novel collection. It offers a lighthearted yet relatable story for middle schoolers, addressing cultural identity and family dynamics through the relatable protagonist, Huda. With its engaging art style and humor, it will resonate with young Muslim girls in particular, providing a positive role model, while also entertaining a wider audience with its coming-of-age themes. This diversity of representation and engaging storytelling makes "Huda F Cares" a valuable addition to library and proud to offer.

References:

Fahmy, H. (2023). Huda F cares? Dial Books.