Does My Head Look Big In This?

Does My Head Look Big In This?
by Randa Abdel-Fattah
Published by Orchard Books (2007)
360 pages; ages 13+

Synopsis: Amal is a Muslim in Australia who decides that in order to show her devotion to her religion, she decides to wear a hijab, or scarf that wraps around her head. Although her parents and the principle of her school discourage wearing the hijab, Amal decides—after much thought—that she is going to wear the hijab all the time. While some of her classmates are interested in the hijab, others want nothing to do with her. Amal develops a crush on Adam, and has to decide if her religion or a relationship is more important to her.

Genre: New Realism/Problem; Romance

Warning: mild language and mild sexual themes

Recommendations: American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang; Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli; The Only Alien on the Planet by Kristen D. Randle; Slumming by Kristen D. Randle; The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton