Review of Does My Head Look Big In This? written by Randa Abdel-Fattah.

Ive read this book many times, and its one of those books that never seem to get boring. It always makes me smile, and it also covers many serious issues in a way that is accessible to teenagers, but also not patronising and an overall good read for all adults. It would be difficult to give this book a genre, apart from a fictional novel, but its so much more than that... The book is based around the life of Amal, or to be precise, Amal Mohamed Nasrullah Abdel-Hakim, a teenage girl about to go into her last term at McCleans Grammar school, in Melbourne. The difference in this story is that Amal has just made a massive, life-changing decision, to wear the hijab full-time. This means she will be no longer allowed to take the veil off when she is in public places, and will have to cope with a lot of negative attention. The story begins 4 days before Amals first day of her 3rd term in year eleven, as she makes the decision to wear her hijab. The author really cleverly adds comedy into the plot, very accurately portraying Amal as a normal teenage girl, with crushes, worries and self-doubts. She also has a hilarious ability to say it like it is, in all situations. The plot continues as Amal takes the plunge and goes to her first day back at school wearing the hijab. The author once again really accurately places us in Amals shoes, describing clearly her anxieties but also her growing pride as she feels a connection with God and her faith. We meet characters such as Tia Tamos, the schools perfect girl, the one people look up to, and often keep their distance from! Also Adam, the clever, sporty, hes got it all guy, that Amal has developed a liking to, and struggles to convince him about her decision and its reasoning. All these characters contribute to creating a realistic image of school that is simple to relate to, and creates an everyday scene for the story of this girl discovering her identity in her religion. One of the more significant moments in the book, which for me related back to a news story a few years ago, was the reaction of Amals head teacher Ms Walsh when Amal enters her office. The author uses comedy and realism to describe that all too familiar reaction, a mix of awkward-ness, anxiety and shock, that leaves Ms Walsh stuttering and stumbling over her words. I remember a news story of a young girl who

wished to wear her veil to school, but the school felt it didnt fit in with their code of uniform. This created a huge religion versus authority debate that had sparks flying on both sides. Similarly here Ms Walsh feels the hijab is not appropriate, and to Amals disbelief firstly assumes she has been forced to wear it. Amal quickly corrects her and explains her passion for her religion, whilst trying to conceal her growing anger. The saga ends with Ms Walsh brushing the subject off, and sending Amal back to class. The whole style of this book is wonderful, Randa Abdel-Fattah has really accurately put on the persona of a teenage girl at high school, and Amals sarcastic, humorous nature adds another dimension to the story. We grow to love and support Amal, her enthusiasm for life is infectious and endearing. I love this book, in my opinion its a really satisfying read that has you wanting to know what happens next in Amals life, and how she grows up. There isnt really an age limit to who could read this book, although it seems to be aimed at girls a similar age to Amal, the religious issues and controversy that the plot covers are relevant to people of all ages. The book gives a fantastic in-sight into the world of young Muslims today, away from the dramatised news stories and protests. It shows that Muslims have exactly the same thoughts and feelings as everyone else, challenging the misguided media portrayal of quiet, often reclusive individuals. A thoroughly entertaining read.