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Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero
Yusuf Azeem has spent all his life in the small town of Frey, Texas—and nearly that long waiting for the chance to participate in the regional robotics competition, which he just knows he can win.
Only, this year is going to be more difficult than he thought. Because this year is the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an anniversary that has everyone in his Muslim community on edge.
With “Never Forget” banners everywhere and a hostile group of townspeople protesting the new mosque, Yusuf realizes that the country’s anger from two decades ago hasn’t gone away. Can he hold onto his joy—and his friendships—in the face of heartache and prejudice?
Only, this year is going to be more difficult than he thought. Because this year is the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an anniversary that has everyone in his Muslim community on edge.
With “Never Forget” banners everywhere and a hostile group of townspeople protesting the new mosque, Yusuf realizes that the country’s anger from two decades ago hasn’t gone away. Can he hold onto his joy—and his friendships—in the face of heartache and prejudice?
368 pages, Hardcover
First published September 7, 2021
About the author
Saadia Faruqi
89 books436 followersSaadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American author, essayist and interfaith activist. She writes the children’s early reader series “Yasmin” published by Capstone and other books for children, including middle grade novels “A Place At The Table” (HMH/Clarion 2020) co-written with Laura Shovan, and “A Thousand Questions” (Harper Collins 2020). She has also written “Brick Walls: Tales of Hope & Courage from Pakistan” a short story collection for adults and teens. Saadia is editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose, and was featured in Oprah Magazine in 2017 as a woman making a difference in her community. She resides in Houston, TX with her husband and children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 233 reviews
December 31, 2021
Every once in a while you finish a book where the characters feel so real, you feel many emotions along with the main character, and you gain a new perspective and more empathy than you had before. This is one of those books. The characterization was very well done as all of the characters felt real and dimensional. This is an important story and time for this story. So we’ll done. Will definitely be recommending.
November 14, 2021
A really important story I think many children and parents need to read.
I liked it but didn't love, hence 3 stars.
I liked it but didn't love, hence 3 stars.
Read
May 23, 2023a must read not just for children but for readers of any age
Faruqi thoughtfully tackles topics like bullying, Islamophobia, and intergenerational trauma in Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero
while the ideas presented are relatively straightforward, i never felt that Faruqi was talking down to her audience or treating her young readers as if they were incapable of understanding such complex ideas
there are important discussions surrounding assimilation, community building, and bystander effect that i imagine would leave a lasting impact on a child being presented these ideas for (what may be) the first time
i also thought the narrative choice to switch between Yusuf’s POV in the present day and his uncle’s childhood diary entries following the immediate aftermath of 9/11 was a great one and it really served the story and character development well
highly recommend to anyone looking for a middle grade book to read or to share with a young loved one <3
Faruqi thoughtfully tackles topics like bullying, Islamophobia, and intergenerational trauma in Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero
while the ideas presented are relatively straightforward, i never felt that Faruqi was talking down to her audience or treating her young readers as if they were incapable of understanding such complex ideas
there are important discussions surrounding assimilation, community building, and bystander effect that i imagine would leave a lasting impact on a child being presented these ideas for (what may be) the first time
i also thought the narrative choice to switch between Yusuf’s POV in the present day and his uncle’s childhood diary entries following the immediate aftermath of 9/11 was a great one and it really served the story and character development well
highly recommend to anyone looking for a middle grade book to read or to share with a young loved one <3
August 23, 2021
Thank you to #Edelweiss+ and the publisher for an eARC of this book.
Wow. I really enjoy the author's writing, and the subject matter of this story intrigued me because of the huge impact 9/11 played on the lives of those of us who vividly remember that day and its aftermath. As a white Canadian my perspective is extremely different from that of the author, so I picked up this book first to learn from it. I also wanted to see how a young Muslim teen today might experience the 20th anniversary and better understand the event's long-term ramifications.
This book takes place in the community of Frey in September 2021. Yusuf has lived here his whole life, where there is a small but dedicated Muslim population. Yusuf is excited to start school and finally join the robotics club as he dreams of making it to the Texas Robotics Competition. But the school year begins with racist anonymous notes in Yusuf's locker. As the 20th anniversary of September 11th approaches, the targeted attacks move beyond the school halls and out in the community. Yusuf and his friends want to focus their energy on building a robot for the competition, but with townspeople protesting the building of a new mosque and a resurgence of hate sparked by old anger, Yusuf can't avoid what's going on around him. His uncle also gives Yusuf the journal he kept during 9/11, which helps Yusuf understand his mom's present-day feelings in a new way.
This story is powerful, timely, eye-opening, and would make an excellent addition to a middle school classroom or library. I'd love to see educators using it this year to examine the historical significance of September 11th and how relevant it is today.
Wow. I really enjoy the author's writing, and the subject matter of this story intrigued me because of the huge impact 9/11 played on the lives of those of us who vividly remember that day and its aftermath. As a white Canadian my perspective is extremely different from that of the author, so I picked up this book first to learn from it. I also wanted to see how a young Muslim teen today might experience the 20th anniversary and better understand the event's long-term ramifications.
This book takes place in the community of Frey in September 2021. Yusuf has lived here his whole life, where there is a small but dedicated Muslim population. Yusuf is excited to start school and finally join the robotics club as he dreams of making it to the Texas Robotics Competition. But the school year begins with racist anonymous notes in Yusuf's locker. As the 20th anniversary of September 11th approaches, the targeted attacks move beyond the school halls and out in the community. Yusuf and his friends want to focus their energy on building a robot for the competition, but with townspeople protesting the building of a new mosque and a resurgence of hate sparked by old anger, Yusuf can't avoid what's going on around him. His uncle also gives Yusuf the journal he kept during 9/11, which helps Yusuf understand his mom's present-day feelings in a new way.
This story is powerful, timely, eye-opening, and would make an excellent addition to a middle school classroom or library. I'd love to see educators using it this year to examine the historical significance of September 11th and how relevant it is today.
September 17, 2021
Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a poignant look at the impact of 9/11 on Muslim communities in America. This book encourages self-examination and delves into ways to deal with prejudice around us. Alternating between past (2001) and present (2021), with mentions of the COVID-19 pandemic, this realistic middle grade book is perfect for helping kids make sense of 9/11. Bonus points for healthy male friendships and a STEM-loving protagonist.
Read my full review on my blog
Many thanks to the publisher for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read my full review on my blog
Many thanks to the publisher for a free eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Read
January 16, 2022This is such a powerful and necessary book, and though I don't really believe in "required reading", if we have to have such a thing, this one should be on the list for middle-grade students. Saadia Faruqi handled such difficult and complex topics with deftness and a graceful strength, shining a light on the Islamophobia that has spread in the U.S., especially post-9/11, while also paying homage to the pain and terror of 9/11 and how that changed this country in so many ways. I also appreciated how she developed the white communities and characters, making them complex and varied in how they relate to 9/11 and Muslims in general, instead of just brushing a broad stroke of "this is how all white people are." Same goes for how she portrayed Muslims, both the larger community as well as individuals. It can be difficult to portray a group of people, capturing the essence of who they are as a community, while also showing that the group is still made up of distinct individuals who have their own unique perspectives, experiences, and beliefs, even within a unified faith tradition. It felt authentic and generous on all fronts. I can see this book being one that garners many awards and hopefully ends up on a lot of reading lists.
January 13, 2022
This is an important book for middle schoolers and their parents to read, possibly together. Parents make sure that you have accurate information on hand to answer the questions your middle schoolers are bound to ask.
I remember where my husband and I were when we heard the news of 9/11 - I remember going to work at the library and feeling like "the end of the world as we know it". I remember the days of absolute silence in the skies, as NO planes were allowed to fly anywhere in the world.
Yusuf and his family have lived in Frey, Texas since he was born --- an American Muslim. As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 is approaching, people his father has "served" for so many years, are beginning to display hatred towards Yusuf and his family.
When Yusuf starts receiving threatening notes in his locker, he attempts to hide it from his family, his close friends, and the school authorities.
Saadia Faruqi has taken a very difficult subject about an awful event and provided a look from someone who must have faced the same hate shown in the book.
I admire her courage to write this story at a time in our country's history when so much hate is once again rearing its ugly head.
I remember where my husband and I were when we heard the news of 9/11 - I remember going to work at the library and feeling like "the end of the world as we know it". I remember the days of absolute silence in the skies, as NO planes were allowed to fly anywhere in the world.
Yusuf and his family have lived in Frey, Texas since he was born --- an American Muslim. As the 20th anniversary of 9/11 is approaching, people his father has "served" for so many years, are beginning to display hatred towards Yusuf and his family.
When Yusuf starts receiving threatening notes in his locker, he attempts to hide it from his family, his close friends, and the school authorities.
Saadia Faruqi has taken a very difficult subject about an awful event and provided a look from someone who must have faced the same hate shown in the book.
I admire her courage to write this story at a time in our country's history when so much hate is once again rearing its ugly head.
April 30, 2023
I chose this book for my fifth grade ELA classes to go along with our civil rights unit. The students are loving it and I do too. The characters are so well rounded and the historical tie to 9/11 and how that event has affected our society and the treatment of Muslims in this country is powerful food for thought. I will continue to use this book for years to come.
April 11, 2024
This well-written and engaging middle-grade novel is a gem on the shelves.
Set in a small town in Texas, HERO is the story of a bright 12-year-old kid who adores science and robotics, his Muslim-American family, and the community's response--both positive and negative--when a hate group forms among a small segment of residents and prejudice rears its ugly head.
As other reviews have noted, characterization is a highlight of this novel. The characters are multi-faceted and believable--and some of them will surprise you. Also, the way in which so many community members of very different backgrounds come together to stand up to hate is both heartening and demonstrative of how people can choose to react in real-life situations in a time when such groups are becoming bolder and more visible.
Content warnings:
Set in a small town in Texas, HERO is the story of a bright 12-year-old kid who adores science and robotics, his Muslim-American family, and the community's response--both positive and negative--when a hate group forms among a small segment of residents and prejudice rears its ugly head.
As other reviews have noted, characterization is a highlight of this novel. The characters are multi-faceted and believable--and some of them will surprise you. Also, the way in which so many community members of very different backgrounds come together to stand up to hate is both heartening and demonstrative of how people can choose to react in real-life situations in a time when such groups are becoming bolder and more visible.
Content warnings:
April 22, 2022
This is a book I believe everyone needs to read, especially youth. It teaches a powerful and important lesson that shines light on issues that many, including me, are uneducated on.
This book felt so real, it felt like I’d created a bond with each and every character, that by the end of this novel, I was a puddle of tears. This novel will, hopefully, one day be read in schools throughout the country, to teach children to see others in a new light.
10000000000/5 stars. Period.
This book felt so real, it felt like I’d created a bond with each and every character, that by the end of this novel, I was a puddle of tears. This novel will, hopefully, one day be read in schools throughout the country, to teach children to see others in a new light.
10000000000/5 stars. Period.
March 11, 2023
I LOVED this book. It was such a creative way to process 9/11 for two generations simultaneously, and I felt like it allowed me to work through some of the grief of that day. Beautifully told.
March 1, 2022
Loved this book. It had so many layers and perfect for middle grade. It would be a great read aloud for middle grade--so much to talk and think about.
July 26, 2022
Wow. I am blown away by the beauty of this story. I love books that can make me feel things, and this one sure is powerful. I greatly appreciated the juxtaposition of diary entries from a young Muslim teen boy in the aftermath of 9/11/2001 with the experience of a young Muslim teen boy 20 years later. I too was just a young kid on 9/11/2001, even younger than the character fo Yusuf's uncle who wrote the diary. The comments of how the aftermath of that tragedy still resonates with people in America today, from all walks of life, and how it is still like a wound that never healed just really hit home. I found myself angry and sad and hopeful all throughout this entire book, as it should be when talking about such a subject as how Muslims have been treated in America since 9/11/2001. It's been 20 years, but still so many people treat an entire group of people with so much suspicion, mistrust, fear, and hatred, because of actions taken by a small group of extremists. It is infuriating to me to hear or read comments like, "Go home," being said to these groups, because it is so ignorant. America is pretty well-known as a melting pot of a country - there are people from all over the world who come to America and have families, even generations on. But even if people have moved to America from another country, why is America not now their home? I'd almost say it's more so, because they chose it, they wanted it. Yusuf is a 2nd generation American - his own mother was born in America. Yet, a few white characters have the audacity to say America is not his home - and I know these things happen everyday across the country to anyone who appears Muslim. As if they also did not feel the heartbreak witnessing the events of 9/11/2001 and should have been brought into the fold of community and healing, because America was also their country. Just.. ugh.. such a wonderful way to bring about that commentary. I also super loved having Yusuf be a 12-year-old boy - a wonderful age to begin recognizing the world around you and the realities that come with it. It is so tough to start to realize that while your parents and the other adults around you take care of as much as they can, they can't put a stop to everything. There is a very vocal hate group in this book and I had very strong feelings throughout their interactions that Yusuf was recognizing how upset and powerless the adults in his life were feeling - there was really only so much they could do. There were moments when he recognized the hurt and anger in his mother's eyes, not only from the actions themselves, but from the fact that she could no longer fully protect him from so many issues that he was having to face. While this is a middle grade book, I would say it is a brilliant read for adults, as well - extremely thought-provoking. Also, Yusuf is just a dang amazing kiddo and him and his community made me want to be even more of a better person, because they're right - love can overcome hate.
August 8, 2021
Thanks to NetGalley and Quill Tree Books for this arc, which I received in exchange for an honest review. Here are my thoughts:
4 stars
Yusuf is an 11 (going on 12 by the novel's conclusion) year old fellow living in Texas with his parents and younger sister, and he is busy learning some very difficult life lessons from the first to last page. He's one to root for and that's a good thing; he needs the support!
When the novel begins, Yusuf is starting the school year and noticing changes with his friends, social expectations, and the - for him - abrupt appearance of Islamophobia in his small town. For Yusuf, this is most pronounced when he starts finding racist notes in his locker at school, but it carries over into some horrifying bullying by not only one primary kid but also a whole group of appalling adults. Faruqi provides ample instances of different kinds of bullying as well as different reactions to it, and this is a strength of the novel overall. The target audience will be easily able to locate helpful and applicable material for their own experiences and certainly build sympathy or empathy as a result.
Yusuf's connections to his culture and religion are nicely developed. The Muslim community in this town is small but tight, and much like there are many different kinds of/reactions to bullying at school, there are many different trials for the adults (as well as responses to them). Faruqi again provides an array of characters who reflect different comfort levels and styles of intervention. The depiction is age appropriate and realistic, so readers get insight into how both children and adults can behave badly and correct that behavior in their communities.
On top of all of the social and personal turmoil, Yusuf deals with typical middle school business, works toward a major competition with his robotics club (which I really want to join), and reads passages from the journal his uncle wrote when he was around Yusuf's age...during 9/11. There is a lot happening!
Overall I really enjoyed this novel (my second by this author) and look forward to more. I do feel like this runs a bit didactic at times, and there are some details/relationships that could be more developed. It would be nice to see a character or two or an incident or two come out and that remaining attention go to that aforementioned expansion. I will recommend this to students and to those looking for a generally solid middle grade effort.
4 stars
Yusuf is an 11 (going on 12 by the novel's conclusion) year old fellow living in Texas with his parents and younger sister, and he is busy learning some very difficult life lessons from the first to last page. He's one to root for and that's a good thing; he needs the support!
When the novel begins, Yusuf is starting the school year and noticing changes with his friends, social expectations, and the - for him - abrupt appearance of Islamophobia in his small town. For Yusuf, this is most pronounced when he starts finding racist notes in his locker at school, but it carries over into some horrifying bullying by not only one primary kid but also a whole group of appalling adults. Faruqi provides ample instances of different kinds of bullying as well as different reactions to it, and this is a strength of the novel overall. The target audience will be easily able to locate helpful and applicable material for their own experiences and certainly build sympathy or empathy as a result.
Yusuf's connections to his culture and religion are nicely developed. The Muslim community in this town is small but tight, and much like there are many different kinds of/reactions to bullying at school, there are many different trials for the adults (as well as responses to them). Faruqi again provides an array of characters who reflect different comfort levels and styles of intervention. The depiction is age appropriate and realistic, so readers get insight into how both children and adults can behave badly and correct that behavior in their communities.
On top of all of the social and personal turmoil, Yusuf deals with typical middle school business, works toward a major competition with his robotics club (which I really want to join), and reads passages from the journal his uncle wrote when he was around Yusuf's age...during 9/11. There is a lot happening!
Overall I really enjoyed this novel (my second by this author) and look forward to more. I do feel like this runs a bit didactic at times, and there are some details/relationships that could be more developed. It would be nice to see a character or two or an incident or two come out and that remaining attention go to that aforementioned expansion. I will recommend this to students and to those looking for a generally solid middle grade effort.
March 7, 2022
I had so many thoughts about this book. First, I'll say I'm grateful to the author for bringing more attention to this always timely issue in our country. This story is important. However, pretty much everything else I have to say is not good. Spoilers ahead.
For one, I don't think that this author has ever talked to an 11 year old boy in her life. The dialog and peer dynamics were so unrealistic it got on my nerves.
Second, the friendships in this book were so toxic. How do Yusuf and Danial even like each other? They are literally so mean to each other, what an exhausting example of a friendship for young readers.
Third, I got strong anti-therapy sentiments from this book. A lot of the characters underwent very traumatic things, and therapy wasn't even discussed as an option for them ONCE. Only one character, whose mother is deployed, has a therapist. Yusuf asks him "why do you need therapy?" The author had an EXCELLENT opportunity to say that every person can benefit from therapy, there is no shame in going to therapy, etc etc. Instead, that is not addressed at all, and apparently this kid's therapist thinks that instead of talking about feelings, we should all just paint them instead. What?
Fourth, holy sexism. Madison, who is in the robotics club, apparently has to justify her presence there by saying she has brothers (yikes). She also speaks up when Yusuf, the group's president, makes her the notetaker instead of letting her take part in making their robot. He gives some half-assed justification, and then all of a sudden she's excited to be the notetaker. What in the world.
Fifth, and this isn't the author's fault, the person who reads the audiobook version of this novel might be the worst reader I've ever heard in my life. The voices were AWFUL. Every single one of them was off, except for the dad. This person should never voice children, ever.
Anyway, there have got to be better books that address these very important topics.
For one, I don't think that this author has ever talked to an 11 year old boy in her life. The dialog and peer dynamics were so unrealistic it got on my nerves.
Second, the friendships in this book were so toxic. How do Yusuf and Danial even like each other? They are literally so mean to each other, what an exhausting example of a friendship for young readers.
Third, I got strong anti-therapy sentiments from this book. A lot of the characters underwent very traumatic things, and therapy wasn't even discussed as an option for them ONCE. Only one character, whose mother is deployed, has a therapist. Yusuf asks him "why do you need therapy?" The author had an EXCELLENT opportunity to say that every person can benefit from therapy, there is no shame in going to therapy, etc etc. Instead, that is not addressed at all, and apparently this kid's therapist thinks that instead of talking about feelings, we should all just paint them instead. What?
Fourth, holy sexism. Madison, who is in the robotics club, apparently has to justify her presence there by saying she has brothers (yikes). She also speaks up when Yusuf, the group's president, makes her the notetaker instead of letting her take part in making their robot. He gives some half-assed justification, and then all of a sudden she's excited to be the notetaker. What in the world.
Fifth, and this isn't the author's fault, the person who reads the audiobook version of this novel might be the worst reader I've ever heard in my life. The voices were AWFUL. Every single one of them was off, except for the dad. This person should never voice children, ever.
Anyway, there have got to be better books that address these very important topics.
September 9, 2021
A very timely middle grade release, particularly in terms of delving into the impact of 9/11 for young readers who live in a world shaped by it but have no memories of the day itself and might not have even been given specific explanation of that time period, as well as detailing the post-9/11 experience for Muslims in the US. I really appreciated the well-rounded characters, including Yusuf, but also his pessimistic/realist best friend Danial; Yusuf's parents who have different outlooks and strategies illuminated by their differing backgrounds and whose viewpoints are each at times justified by the events of the story; new friend Jared; and even minor characters like Sameena Aunty. Yusuf's world also seemed very full, worries over his little sister's asthma, work at his father's dollar store, and his robotics team dreams coexisting with experiences of racism and major questions about world events. I did find that the placement of the bomb incident closer to the end of the book disrupted the pacing a little, and that the Holocaust references felt a little shoehorned. The integration of COVID mentions into the story also felt a little odd, although I understand why - on the one hand, it would feel disingenuous to write a story taking place specifically in fall 2021 and not add mentions of such a significant event, but on the other hand, the pandemic is still very much a current event in fall 2021, so a story where it's something which happened rather than something which is happening felt off. However, this is overall a well-written book with an important story to tell which will appeal to plenty of realistic fiction lovers, perhaps to read alongside Senzai's Shooting Kabul.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the eARC.
December 17, 2021
Such a wonderful story! I can see this book being a one-book read on a middle school campus. Readers follow along in Yusuf’s steps, feeling the bullying, hate-speech, and conflict he feels about speaking out. They also experience the bravery and courage he feels as he comes to understand the power of his voice.
December 19, 2021
I love middle-grade books that highlight religions and cultures that are different than mine in an effort to show that we humans are all more alike than different. When we understand each other, even a little bit better, we become more empathetic and kind. The sooner these lessons are taught, the better, so I always cheer when I read children's books like YUSUF AZEEM IS NOT A HERO.
The novel, which is set in 2021—the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks—tackles the issue of Islamophobia head on. Through Yusuf, who is not just a good Muslim but also a smart, kind, obedient boy, Faruqi brings to vivid life the suspicion and outright persecution that Muslims in the U.S. often feel, especially in the wake of 9/11. The author, an American of Pakistani descent who is also a Muslim, channels her own experiences and those of others in her faith community to really show the reader what it feels like to be treated as not just different but also dangerous. It's heartbreaking. Through Faruqi's careful storytelling, she shows that Islam is a religion of peace and that different people practice it in different ways. She also demonstrates that bullies come in all shapes and sizes, espousing varying philosophies and religions. How do we stop them? By taking action. By getting to know people who are different from us. By working together to create safe, inclusive communities. All of these valuable lessons—and many more—are taught in YUSUF AZEEM IS NOT A HERO. Faruqi is an excellent teacher, not just because of her writing skill but also because she lives these ideals as an interfaith activist and a sensitivity trainer.
My only beef with this book is that the main characters, who are junior high school-aged boys, don't always speak and act like male children in this age group. Because of this, the story sometimes feels inauthentic. It doesn't detract from the powerful message of the book, but it did pull me out of the tale more than once. Still, it's a small thing. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it highly to anyone.
If I could, I would give YUSUF AZEEM IS NOT A HERO 4 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
The novel, which is set in 2021—the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks—tackles the issue of Islamophobia head on. Through Yusuf, who is not just a good Muslim but also a smart, kind, obedient boy, Faruqi brings to vivid life the suspicion and outright persecution that Muslims in the U.S. often feel, especially in the wake of 9/11. The author, an American of Pakistani descent who is also a Muslim, channels her own experiences and those of others in her faith community to really show the reader what it feels like to be treated as not just different but also dangerous. It's heartbreaking. Through Faruqi's careful storytelling, she shows that Islam is a religion of peace and that different people practice it in different ways. She also demonstrates that bullies come in all shapes and sizes, espousing varying philosophies and religions. How do we stop them? By taking action. By getting to know people who are different from us. By working together to create safe, inclusive communities. All of these valuable lessons—and many more—are taught in YUSUF AZEEM IS NOT A HERO. Faruqi is an excellent teacher, not just because of her writing skill but also because she lives these ideals as an interfaith activist and a sensitivity trainer.
My only beef with this book is that the main characters, who are junior high school-aged boys, don't always speak and act like male children in this age group. Because of this, the story sometimes feels inauthentic. It doesn't detract from the powerful message of the book, but it did pull me out of the tale more than once. Still, it's a small thing. Overall, I loved this book and would recommend it highly to anyone.
If I could, I would give YUSUF AZEEM IS NOT A HERO 4 1/2 stars; since I can't, I'm rounding up.
December 5, 2021
Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a middle grade contemporary written by Saadia Faruqi. It centers on twelve-year-old Yusuf Azeem, who is excited to start sixth grade until he finds hostile and racist notes in his locker.
Quiet, bespectacled, robot-loving Pakistani-American Yusuf Azeem, who is almost 12, is excited to start the sixth grade, until a series of ominous notes appears in his locker. Yusuf's family is one of eleven Muslim families in the small town of Frey, Texas, and the Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism the family has faced have only intensified in the weeks leading up to the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Ethan Grant is Yusuf's nemesis: he's a vicious bully and the son of a white nationalist who opposes the construction of a town mosque. Yusuf tries to keep his head down, but when Ethan accuses him of carrying a bomb in his backpack and Yusuf suffers repercussions, he gathers his friends to take on Ethan and his hateful father.
Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is written rather well. Faruqi effectively intersperses Yusuf's narrative with his maternal uncle's journal entries from 2001 – these epistolary interludes, written when Yusuf's uncle was twelve, are particularly powerful, capturing the raw emotions of American Muslims at the time and serving to reinforce the importance of learning the un-whitewashed histories.
All in all, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a timely, emotional story full of hope and love even in the face of discrimination and prejudice.
Quiet, bespectacled, robot-loving Pakistani-American Yusuf Azeem, who is almost 12, is excited to start the sixth grade, until a series of ominous notes appears in his locker. Yusuf's family is one of eleven Muslim families in the small town of Frey, Texas, and the Islamophobia, xenophobia, and racism the family has faced have only intensified in the weeks leading up to the 20th anniversary of 9/11.
Ethan Grant is Yusuf's nemesis: he's a vicious bully and the son of a white nationalist who opposes the construction of a town mosque. Yusuf tries to keep his head down, but when Ethan accuses him of carrying a bomb in his backpack and Yusuf suffers repercussions, he gathers his friends to take on Ethan and his hateful father.
Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is written rather well. Faruqi effectively intersperses Yusuf's narrative with his maternal uncle's journal entries from 2001 – these epistolary interludes, written when Yusuf's uncle was twelve, are particularly powerful, capturing the raw emotions of American Muslims at the time and serving to reinforce the importance of learning the un-whitewashed histories.
All in all, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a timely, emotional story full of hope and love even in the face of discrimination and prejudice.
August 14, 2021
Yusuf has spent his whole life in small town Frey, TX right outside of Houston.Yusuf was starting 6th grade and beginning to realize middle school was not so easy - horrible notes were getting left in his locker every day; “Go home. We hate you.” It’s the 20th year anniversary of 9/11 and the hatred for Muslims in his small town is coming out more than ever from this group called “Patriot Sons”. Horrible things start happening and even more, his family becomes a target. Trying not to “be the hero” but also standing up for what he believes in shows some major courage in Yusuf and his friends. Yusuf is gearing up for the first ever TRC competition and finds himself in a handcuffed position due to the son of of these Patriot Sons claiming he had a bomb. Yusuf is having to learn to stand tall. Be above the negativity, the pessimism, the hate, and be a leader for his TRC team and all of those looking at his next move.
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I LOVED this story. The true way to build empathy an understanding of others - providing a safe space to discuss all involved (and the backstory of the true events this was based around).. To me, this reflects so much the mantra “see something, say something” - Yusuf starts to stand up for what he knows needs to be done without showing fear.
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Out September 7, and an absolute must read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
CW: racism, racist acts, Islamophobia, bullying.
🤖
I LOVED this story. The true way to build empathy an understanding of others - providing a safe space to discuss all involved (and the backstory of the true events this was based around).. To me, this reflects so much the mantra “see something, say something” - Yusuf starts to stand up for what he knows needs to be done without showing fear.
🤖
Out September 7, and an absolute must read. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
CW: racism, racist acts, Islamophobia, bullying.
June 8, 2021
Thank you Edelweiss for the advanced copy.
Don't listen to me about whether this was a good book or not. My litmus test is my 13-year-old daughter, an avid reader in her own right, but also quite picky about her chosen reads. So when I found her secretly reading over my shoulder, absorbed in this exceptional middle grades book, I knew this was a winner.
Of course, without her affirmation, this refreshing story about a young Muslim boy who is forced to come face-to-face with reality when the town commemorates the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, is an exceptional read. Even for people who don't usually read middle grades novels, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero deals with important and extremely relevant issues. Saadia Faruqi hits this one out of the park with this unputdownable book.
Don't listen to me about whether this was a good book or not. My litmus test is my 13-year-old daughter, an avid reader in her own right, but also quite picky about her chosen reads. So when I found her secretly reading over my shoulder, absorbed in this exceptional middle grades book, I knew this was a winner.
Of course, without her affirmation, this refreshing story about a young Muslim boy who is forced to come face-to-face with reality when the town commemorates the twentieth anniversary of 9/11, is an exceptional read. Even for people who don't usually read middle grades novels, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero deals with important and extremely relevant issues. Saadia Faruqi hits this one out of the park with this unputdownable book.
December 3, 2021
One of Yusuf Azeem's first assignments of sixth grade is to write a report about September 11, 2001. With the insights of his uncle's middle school journal, written twenty years ago, Yusuf begins to understand the anti-Muslim sentiment still prevalent in small town Frey, Texas. Yusuf's biggest dream and life-long obsession is to be part of a team to compete at the Texas Robotics Championship. Can he manage the hurt he feels from the aggressive "Patriot Sons" who want to force anyone who's "not American" out of Frey? Yusuf was born here; he's as American as you can get. Can he overcome his fear that someone's out to get him when he finds notes in his locker that say "You Suck", "We Hate You", and "Go Home"? This middle grade novel presents a myriad of real and painful hostilities directed toward the American Muslim community in the aftermath of 9-11 and that sadly linger today. A fresh and important perspective on the 9-11 experience for all Americans.
June 4, 2023
This book gave me all the feels, from frustration, sadness to joy and really made me thinking more closely about some things. Like what the aftermath of 9-11 means for some people. How it caused distrust not only out of fear, but also provided a stick to throw for narrow minded people. And how a few sow seeds of distrust so easily.
In the beginning I had some doubts about continuing with the book. I felt some dislike for Yusuf's father who tried to please everyone, just to be accepted. How Danial always wanted Yusuf to "shut up" and ignore all the insults even when sometimes they can't be ignored. Putting your head in the sand like an ostrich never solved anything.
Maybe the ending was a bit too good to be true, but it was also an example of how it could be and how it should be, just like the author said in the after word. Like I said before, it really gave me some food for thought and was an eye-opener about what we sometimes let slide just to keep peace, but actually open the door a litter further to something worse...
In the beginning I had some doubts about continuing with the book. I felt some dislike for Yusuf's father who tried to please everyone, just to be accepted. How Danial always wanted Yusuf to "shut up" and ignore all the insults even when sometimes they can't be ignored. Putting your head in the sand like an ostrich never solved anything.
Maybe the ending was a bit too good to be true, but it was also an example of how it could be and how it should be, just like the author said in the after word. Like I said before, it really gave me some food for thought and was an eye-opener about what we sometimes let slide just to keep peace, but actually open the door a litter further to something worse...
December 27, 2021
Yusuf is nervous about starting middle school. When he finds hateful notes in his locker, it doesn't help matters any. He tries to stay focused on the robotics club, but a group of men calling themselves Patriot Sons start harassing members of the Muslim community in this small Texas town. With the 20th anniversary of 9/11 stirring up a variety of emotions among the grown ups, Yusuf and his friends are facing a great deal of discrimination at school. As Yusuf struggles with this, his uncle gives him the journal that he kept during 9/11 when he was in sixth grade. This is a good look at anti-Muslim biases in the United States and the lasting effects of 9/11 in a way that will resonate with readers today. Highly recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
eARC provided by publisher via Edelweiss
August 12, 2023
This is a book that will spark difficult, but important, conversations about justice, bullying, and the impact of 9/11.
It took me awhile to get into, because of the at times heavy subject matter, but it is a well-written story and Yusuf, his friends, family, neighbors, and classmates feel very authentic.
I particularly enjoyed experiencing snippets of a regular Muslim family’s every day life and felt that Saadia Faruqi skillfully portrayed interfaith interactions.
Book Club potential? Balance the heavier content with some of the STEM and robotics elements.
**I had the pleasure of meeting the author this summer. She is a wonderful presenter and so down-to-earth. Can’t wait to read her graphic novel that comes out in Sept. 2023!!
It took me awhile to get into, because of the at times heavy subject matter, but it is a well-written story and Yusuf, his friends, family, neighbors, and classmates feel very authentic.
I particularly enjoyed experiencing snippets of a regular Muslim family’s every day life and felt that Saadia Faruqi skillfully portrayed interfaith interactions.
Book Club potential? Balance the heavier content with some of the STEM and robotics elements.
**I had the pleasure of meeting the author this summer. She is a wonderful presenter and so down-to-earth. Can’t wait to read her graphic novel that comes out in Sept. 2023!!
October 10, 2022
Honestly, the content is wonderful, I really enjoyed the plot and development of the characters for what it is as a middle reader! A fairly unique setting (Muslim child born in US dealing with anti Muslim pushback In the US and having to try to understand why)
The only reason I’d hold off on the fifth star is… as a middle school teacher, some of the specific dialogue in the book could feel a little stretched. Some students speaking as if they were their teachers on complex topics, especially early on in the book. the voice felt off. It was almost enough to have me quit, but pushed through and it seemingly got better.
The only reason I’d hold off on the fifth star is… as a middle school teacher, some of the specific dialogue in the book could feel a little stretched. Some students speaking as if they were their teachers on complex topics, especially early on in the book. the voice felt off. It was almost enough to have me quit, but pushed through and it seemingly got better.
Read
April 4, 2022I just found a new favorite book. This type of book proves how middle-grade narratives are so underappreciated. I connected to Yusuf instantly because he is just such a good main character trying to understand the tragedy of living when hatred surrounds you. Especially considering that the impact of 9/11 still affect muslim comunities. The fact that this book is based on a real event is pointless, but there was a particular plot element that is specific from a kid being taken away.
I just loved it from start to end.
I just loved it from start to end.
January 2, 2022
Yusuf shows us the tenets of Islam through his upstander actions in 6th grade. Strong reminders here of why teachers need to address 9/11 and its awful legacies, the poor treatment of Muslim and Middle Eastern people. I loved Yusuf and his friends, the community in their fight against white supremacists in this Friday Light Nights like town. The challenge will be selling a nearly 400 page book!
July 16, 2024
Yusuf is a very relatable character. With my Battle of the Books students, we are going to have to have lots of conversations about 9/11 and hate groups. My heart broke for Yusuf, and the hatred aimed at him and other Muslim-Americans. (The author's note, and one of her inspirations for the book, will need to be discussed.
July 19, 2021
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the electronic ARC.
Even though it has been 20 years since 9/11, Yusuf's story shows that many of the Islamaphobic feelings in America are still present today. Yusuf faces both micro and macro aggressions on a regular basis and tries to figure out how to deal with them. For today's students, this is historical fiction and will provide some insight into why adults around them find this day so important to our history. Another great middle great read from Saadia Faurqi.
Even though it has been 20 years since 9/11, Yusuf's story shows that many of the Islamaphobic feelings in America are still present today. Yusuf faces both micro and macro aggressions on a regular basis and tries to figure out how to deal with them. For today's students, this is historical fiction and will provide some insight into why adults around them find this day so important to our history. Another great middle great read from Saadia Faurqi.
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