Anahita's Woven Riddle ~ Meghan Nuttal Sayers

Publisher: Amulet Books (2008)
ISBN: 978-0810995482
384 pgs

Classification: YA fiction
Genre: Historical fiction, romance
Age Level: 13+

Reader’s Annotation: A nomadic weaver in the deserts of Persia, Anahita agrees to marry the man who correctly solves the riddle she has woven into her wedding carpet.

Summary: In 19th century Persia, women marry according to their families’ wishes. Content with her weaving and hoping to apprentice herself to her tribe’s dyemaster, Anahita would rather not marry just yet. Striking an unusual compromise with her father, Farhad, Anahita agrees to weave a riddle into her wedding carpet and marry the man who solves the riddle. This arrangement causes tension within Anahita’s tribe, first among the conservative families who feel Anahita has over-stepped her place as a female, and then with the entire tribe when Anahita’s would-be husband (the Khan who represents the tribe to the shah’s government) angrily cuts off the tribe’s water supply, forcing a difficult migration for the nomadic shepherds. In the face of the tribe’s criticism, Anahita nearly quails, but impending battles for migratory rights force Anahita to look beyond her own future to that of the entire community. As the number of her suitors increases to include, among others, her childhood friend Dariyoush, her schoolteacher Reza, and the mysterious Arash, Anahita realizes not just her childhood but her entire way of life may be coming to an end.

Notes: Filled with details of desert landscape and nomadic life, this story transports the reader to a seemingly mythical place. Though there are no flying carpets in Anahita’s world, her story has a magical quality.
Flags: 4

Does My Head Look Big in This? ~ Randa Abdel-Fattah

Publisher: Orchard Books (2007)
ISBN: 978-0439919470
368 pgs

Classification: YA fiction
Genre: Realistic fiction
Age Level: 12+

Reader’s Annotation: Australian-Palestinian teenager Amal decides to wear the hijab, or Muslim head scarf, full-time, a formidable challenge at her private school in a Melbourne suburb.

Summary: Sixteen-year-old Amal is intelligent, sarcastic, focused and loyal, and she needs to be all that and more when she decides to wear the hijab as a symbol of her commitment to her faith. With the support of her truest friends, Amal copes with the narrow-mindedness of classmates, the stress of preparing for exams, and the complexity of her relationship with crush-worthy Adam. Then Amal’s own convictions are tested when her best friend runs away from home and Amal must confront her own prejudices and ignorance.

Notes: Amal’s wit, insight and self-awareness make her a role model for all time. This novel offers an engaging glimpse into a world seemingly different from—yet surprisingly similar to—that of most middle-class families.
Flags: 5

Whale Rider (Movie)

Based on The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera
Studio: South Pacific Films (2002)
Rating: PG-13

Genre: Drama
Director: Niki Caro
Main Cast: Keisha Castle-Hughes

Viewer’s Annotation: A young Maori girl, Pai Apirana is committed to helping her community preserve the ways of their ancestors even though her grandfather, the tribe’s chief, refuses to teach Pai because she is a girl.

Summary: Koro Apirana’s visible and devastating disappointment that his grandchild is a girl causes 12-year-old Pai to struggle to hold her head up around the stern man. Though Koro has two sons, he will be the last chief of his tribe unless a new leader emerges. Determined to find such a leader, Koro trains all of the tribe’s boys in the ways of their people, the descendants of Paikea the Whale Rider. Banished from Koro’s school, Pai still learns the chants and skills, surpassing the boys in every area and winning a regional speech contest with an essay about her Maori culture. Unmoved, Koro continues to ignore Pai. When a pod of whales beach themselves, the whole community despairs, for the hopelessness of the whales seems to mirror the tribe’s situation. Only Pai is able to pull everyone, even the whales, through the tragedy.

Notes: With incredible acting from the entire cast, this film is incredibly moving, depicting the tension between tradition and change for a community whose very identity is threatened by modern culture.
Flags: 5