Wanted: Role Models

Glancing through my cousin's bookshelf, I recently came across a Princess Diaries book. My cousin is eleven, and the book was filled with subject matter more suited for eighteen year olds, so I was surprised to learn that it was a gift from her usually conservative mother. After a little consideration I started to understand better. As adults (or somewhere around there) what can we provide for our ‘youth’ that is a suitable read? As for my cousin, how can she find books she might enjoy? The majority of pre-teen and teen reads are chock full of American style romances; ‘hangin’ at the mall, non-stop partying, sneaking out at night, unrequited love and an endless need to discuss boys twenty four hours a day. What messages do these send, what lessons can be learnt and how do Muslim relate to this almost alien lifestyle? What really bothers me as someone entering University without any real role models, is what impression the lead characters leave on the readers.

My natural conclusion is that there is a very clearly a damning void in the literary market; but fortunately I have found from discovering the talent that I will write about in this review, that the void is beginning to be filled, and with real star quality at that.

I'd be surprised if there was a single hijab wearing Muslim in the whole of the UK that hasn't heard of Na'ima B. Robert, but let me begin, in any case with a short summary: Roberts was born in Leeds and grew up in Zimbabwe, she was a pretty typical teenager, up until her second year of university until she converted (reverted) to Islam. Her story is documented in her first autobiographical novel, the touching, inspiring and pretty darn funny in parts, 'From My Sisters' Lips'. She is also the founder and executive editor of SISTERS magazine; she contributes frequently to various newspapers (the quality ones that is), and is a proud mother. Most recently, she made a stunning début into young adult fiction with 'From Somalia, With Love' and now with 'Boy Vs Girl.'

My slight exaggeration at the beginning stating that there are ‘NO’ books for teens is slightly more nuanced by adding that there is very little that is suitable for Muslims and then probably nothing that a British Muslim can relate. A good example is 'Does My Head Look Big In This' by Randa Abdel-Fattahan, an excellent depiction of teen Muslim life, but set in Australia, and thus a far cry away from life in Britain today. The two new books from Robert, however, are nothing if not easy to relate to for a European Muslim.

'From Somalia, With Love gives a fascinating insight into the life of fourteen year old British born Somalian, Safia, whose long absent father suddenly returns, throwing her life into disarray. The plot, while nothing explosive or shocking, breaks ground in presenting young adult fiction including minorities, both Muslim and Somali. Safia's story, though immensely relevant to all Muslim girls, appeals to a wider audience as a touching coming of age story. Robert's style is simple and easy to follow, with clever bits of humour that often hold a message behind them.

'Boy Vs Girl' features Farhana and Faraz, twins in their late teens, dealing with tradition and temptation through a turbulent Ramadan. Like its protagonists, this book is aimed at young people nearing the end of their education, and it doesn't shy away from darker subjects. Written in a light, non-patronising tone and using down-to-earth language, the twins' story, with their differences, similarities, problems and beliefs, unfolds. As with her earlier works, the book is easy to follow with a snappy, to-the-point plot, but makes many subtle points that hit home.

Both stories are underpinned by Islamic values, and environments many Muslims will be familiar with. Although aimed at teens several years my junior, the books completely gripped me and I'm not ashamed to say I was rather weepy by the end. Don't be fooled into thinking these are rose-tinted tales about girls who can't match their headscarves to their henna; these books feature realistic characters dealing with issues relevant to youth – Muslim and non-Muslim – today.

I am confident that Muslim youth across the UK will gobble up these new books and find role models in their lead characters. However, for me and many other young women trying to forge lives for themselves in today's society, in our own search, perhaps we need look no further than Na'ima herself.

Well? Don't just sit there, go pick up a copy and find out for yourselves! Remember to comment and let us know what you think or if you know of any other good books to recommend!