by Huda Fahmy
First published 2023
Huda can barely believe her parents have planned a real vacation this summer. They're driving from Michigan all the way to Disney World in Florida. The 24-hour road trip tests her patience as her sisters get on her nerves mile after mile. But the real challenge starts when they leave Dearborn's large Muslim community behind. Huda notices people staring when her family prays in public during their travels and at Disney World. Back home, they blend in with all the other Muslim families. Here in Florida, they stand out. Huda finds herself torn between pride in her faith and family and her deep wish that she didn't care so much about what strangers think. The vacation brings unexpected moments of bonding with her sisters, a new friendship that proves more complex than expected, and chances for Huda to gain some independence. She loves who she is and believes in her religion, but she still struggles with wanting to fit in.
Genres: family-life, coming-of-age, contemporary
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Setting: Dearborn, Michigan, Disney World, Florida
Period: summer
208 pages · Paperback · Dial Books