She Wore Red Trainers
A Muslim Love Story
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4.6 • 11 Ratings
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- $6.99
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- $6.99
Publisher Description
Praise for Na'ima B. Robert's previous publications:
"Interesting, and certainly timely."—Kirkus Reviews, on Boy Vs Girl
"Highly recommended."—TheBookBag.co.uk, on Black Sheep
"Robert's poetic style is captivating."—School Library Journal, on Ramadan Moon
When Ali first meets Amirah, he notices everything about her—her hijab, her long eyelashes and her red trainers—in the time it takes to have one look, before lowering his gaze. And, although Ali is still coming to terms with the loss of his mother and exploring his identity as a Muslim, and although Amirah has sworn never to get married, they can't stop thinking about each other. Can Ali and Amirah ever have a halal "happily ever after"?
Na'ima B. Robert is descended from Scottish Highlanders on her father's side and the Zulu people on her mother's side. She was born in Leeds, England, grew up in Zimbabwe, and went to university in London, England. At high school, her loves included performing arts, public speaking, and writing stories that shocked her teachers! She has written several multicultural books for children which have won, and been shortlisted, for numerous awards.
Na'ima divides her time between London and Cairo, Egypt, and dreams of living on a farm with her own horses. Until then, she is happy to be a mum to her four children and keep reading and writing books that take her to a different world each time.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Eighteen-year-old Muslim neighbors Ali and Amirah surprise themselves and each other by falling in love at first sight. After Ali's mother dies unexpectedly and his father's business falters, the family moves from Hertfordshire in the British countryside to a council flat in South London. Still grieving, Ali turns to Islam for comfort and guidance; he feels lost and concerned about taking a "gap year" instead of studying law. Amirah faces similar problems: her mother's depression has taken hold after her husband abandons the family, leaving Amirah to care for her younger siblings. While Amirah is expected to study business or get married, her passion is drawing. These teens try to navigate what in their daily lives is halal (permissible) and what is haram (forbidden) in this thoughtful look at contemporary, urban Muslim life. Alternating between Amirah and Ali's perspectives, Robert (Black Sheep) teases out the subtleties of young romance and the confounding pull of mutual attraction. While the story takes some melodramatic turns, it speaks vividly to conflicts of freedom, temptation, and faith. Ages 14 up.
Customer Reviews
Finally!
The first Muslim love story which is (mostly) halal and doesn’t involve libtard dating!
B
Brilliant, maa sha Allah.
Ali and Amirah's thoughts are wonderfully captured throughout the book with the beautiful style of both-sides-narrative. Hope in sha Allah it will be a beneficial read for young adults, as they get to experience glimpses of the thought processes of all those who are striving to "keep it halal." :):)
Great story
I enjoyed every bit of the story. Interesting and educative all at the same time.