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bookishrealm's review against another edition
4.0
I didn't even read the description of this one. It was just one that I decided to pick up because I love what Hena Khan did with Amina's Voice. It's one of my favorite middle grade novels. Color me shocked to find out that this is an adaptation of Little Women and it was done so well. This, of course, is no surprise because it's Hena Khan
More to the Story feels like a story done in with two major themes in mind. One that focuses on the interconnectedness of sisterhood and another that focuses on understanding empathy, kindness, and friendship. The story itself is told from Jameela's point of view as she struggles with her relationships with her three sisters and her place on the school newspaper (she's had conflict with a member of the writing team for a while). As she aspires to be a great writer, Jameela writes an article about a family friend that ends up putting their relationship on the line. It is through this misstep that she learns the importance of empathy and friendship over ambition. At the same time, she's dealing with an illness that is impacting her younger sister.
One of the strongest parts of this book is the character development. Jameela is a not a perfect character. She not only struggles with respect and empathy in regard to her sisters, but she also struggles with this in regard to her friends at school. There are moments when her desire to be a great journalist outshine decisions she should make to protect those that she cares about. She has a really rocky relationship with her sisters that often turns into arguments and hurt feelings. But as the novel progresses, Jameela grows. It takes a few accidents/mishaps for her to realize the error of some of her decisions, but Khan allows her the space to grow with thoughtfulness and grace. Jameela is attempting to balance a lot: coping with the fact that her sister is extremely ill, her reputation working on the school paper, and the absence of her father due to work commitments. Every struggle that she encounters and every lesson that she learns when she can no longer handle that balance makes her into a more relatable character for middle grade readers.
Khan has a way with words and it's that ability that has attracted me to her works as a reader. There is an ease to the way in which she writes that makes the text accessible and easy to read. This doesn't take away from the story, but it broadens the amount of readers that would be able to enjoy her work. This is another book that has a plot, but it is more about the character development and the relationships that are created amongst characters. Their dynamics affect the way events happen and how they end up reacting to them. And for the length of this book, Khan is able to do a lot.
Overall, this was a great middle grade novel. It was both a refreshing and fun take on Little Women. You don't have to read Little Women in order to enjoy this story. I've never read it and it didn't detract from my reading experience.
More to the Story feels like a story done in with two major themes in mind. One that focuses on the interconnectedness of sisterhood and another that focuses on understanding empathy, kindness, and friendship. The story itself is told from Jameela's point of view as she struggles with her relationships with her three sisters and her place on the school newspaper (she's had conflict with a member of the writing team for a while). As she aspires to be a great writer, Jameela writes an article about a family friend that ends up putting their relationship on the line. It is through this misstep that she learns the importance of empathy and friendship over ambition. At the same time, she's dealing with an illness that is impacting her younger sister.
One of the strongest parts of this book is the character development. Jameela is a not a perfect character. She not only struggles with respect and empathy in regard to her sisters, but she also struggles with this in regard to her friends at school. There are moments when her desire to be a great journalist outshine decisions she should make to protect those that she cares about. She has a really rocky relationship with her sisters that often turns into arguments and hurt feelings. But as the novel progresses, Jameela grows. It takes a few accidents/mishaps for her to realize the error of some of her decisions, but Khan allows her the space to grow with thoughtfulness and grace. Jameela is attempting to balance a lot: coping with the fact that her sister is extremely ill, her reputation working on the school paper, and the absence of her father due to work commitments. Every struggle that she encounters and every lesson that she learns when she can no longer handle that balance makes her into a more relatable character for middle grade readers.
Khan has a way with words and it's that ability that has attracted me to her works as a reader. There is an ease to the way in which she writes that makes the text accessible and easy to read. This doesn't take away from the story, but it broadens the amount of readers that would be able to enjoy her work. This is another book that has a plot, but it is more about the character development and the relationships that are created amongst characters. Their dynamics affect the way events happen and how they end up reacting to them. And for the length of this book, Khan is able to do a lot.
Overall, this was a great middle grade novel. It was both a refreshing and fun take on Little Women. You don't have to read Little Women in order to enjoy this story. I've never read it and it didn't detract from my reading experience.
mkw's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Very sweet.
jenmangler's review against another edition
4.0
I started my reading year last year with a multicultural retelling of Pride and Prejudice, so I decided to start off this year in a similar vein, with a multicultural retelling of my favorite childhood book, Little Women. I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed it. I loved Jameela, her relationships with each member of her family, her friendship with Ali, and her passion for journalism.
allicatca's review against another edition
4.0
This is a lovely middle -grade book and tribute to Little Women.
I especially enjoyed the journey of the main character. She always cared for her parents and sisters but I thought it was realistic how she preferred some over others and how different family members help in different emotional situations.
This book reminded me of [b:Amal Unbound|36086513|Amal Unbound|Aisha Saeed|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1509102472l/36086513._SY75_.jpg|45632570] which I found memorable and which I think can also help children feel empathy for children who are suffering.
I would guess this is best for 5th grade and up.
I especially enjoyed the journey of the main character. She always cared for her parents and sisters but I thought it was realistic how she preferred some over others and how different family members help in different emotional situations.
This book reminded me of [b:Amal Unbound|36086513|Amal Unbound|Aisha Saeed|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1509102472l/36086513._SY75_.jpg|45632570] which I found memorable and which I think can also help children feel empathy for children who are suffering.
I would guess this is best for 5th grade and up.
miry97's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
eclecticreads's review against another edition
5.0
my eyes were already welling up when bisma got sick thinking she'd die like beth did in the original story but i'm so happy she didn't. this book was beautifully written,,i love all the sisters with my whole heart
carolinerosereads's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
nicolemhewitt's review against another edition
5.0
This modern Muslim retelling of Little Women is a perfect MG read! I’ll confess that I’ve never read the original, so I can’t make any comparisons, but I can attest to the fact that this was a wonderful read, even without knowing the details of the story it retells. Jameela is a bright young girl whose greatest desire is to be a writer one day and make her father proud. But when her father has to go out of the country on business and her beloved little sister gets sick, Jameela’s life is turned upside down. In the meantime, she also faces a dilemma with her journalism that lands her in trouble with her new family friend (and kind-of crush?). The themes of this book seem truly timeless, so I’m not surprised that it’s a retelling of a classic. When Jameela’s sister gets sick, the thing that gets them through it all is the strong bonds they have with friends and family. This support system is the highlight of the book and shows how we can rally together in times of crisis. Kids who like to write will relate to Jameela’s journalistic ambitions, but even those who aren’t interested in journalism will find themselves pulled into Jameela’s dilemmas with how to write a worthy story (without ruining her friendships in the process). Overall, this was a wonderful read!
NARRATION: I ended up listening to the audiobook version, and the narration by Priya Ayyar was wonderful!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes (but then ended up listening to the audiobook from my local library). No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
NARRATION: I ended up listening to the audiobook version, and the narration by Priya Ayyar was wonderful!
***Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher for review purposes (but then ended up listening to the audiobook from my local library). No other compensation was given and all opinions are my own.***
missbookiverse's review against another edition
3.0
[3.5 stars]
Super sweet family story about a first generation American girl and her dream of becoming a journalist. This book follows Jameela who has to deal with her gorgeous older sister and her two annoying younger sisters on a daily basis. Nevertheless, she loves her family and the relationships between parents, children, and relatives felt sincere and precious. Even though quite a lot is happening in the family's life at the point of narration I sometimes felt a little bored. The audiobook is only 5 hours long though, so I didn't have any trouble finishing it.
I liked how the book deals with racism only on the periphery (in the form of micro aggressions) because I'm sure that's something every Muslim girl living in a Western country has to deal with, but by not making it the centre of the story it becomes clear that Jameela doesn't let these issues rule her life and that not every story about immigrant children has to be about racism.
One topic I wish would've been presented more critically is the use of social media in times of need.
Overall, this is a wonderful addition to diverse, #ownvoices middle grade literature.
Super sweet family story about a first generation American girl and her dream of becoming a journalist. This book follows Jameela who has to deal with her gorgeous older sister and her two annoying younger sisters on a daily basis. Nevertheless, she loves her family and the relationships between parents, children, and relatives felt sincere and precious. Even though quite a lot is happening in the family's life at the point of narration I sometimes felt a little bored. The audiobook is only 5 hours long though, so I didn't have any trouble finishing it.
I liked how the book deals with racism only on the periphery (in the form of micro aggressions) because I'm sure that's something every Muslim girl living in a Western country has to deal with, but by not making it the centre of the story it becomes clear that Jameela doesn't let these issues rule her life and that not every story about immigrant children has to be about racism.
One topic I wish would've been presented more critically is the use of social media in times of need.
Spoiler
One of Jameela's sisters is diagnoed with cancer and in order to keep friends and relatives updated they create an online profile with pictures and everything. I understand the intent behind this but I was surprised that not even the parents question putting up photos and sensitive information about their child on the internet (despite them not allowing their younger daughters to have Instagram and Snapchat yet).Overall, this is a wonderful addition to diverse, #ownvoices middle grade literature.