Barakah Beats
on Goodreads (1,115)
What’s inside...
Barakah Beats tells the story of Nimra Sharif, a twelve-year-old Muslim girl who transitions from Islamic school to public middle school. Facing challenges of fitting in and maintaining her friendship with her best friend Jenna, Nimra joins the school's popular boy band, Barakah Beats, despite her belief that music isn't allowed in Islam. As she navigates her new experiences, she finds acceptance and respect within the band, but must confront her lies and decide between betraying her bandmates or herself as a talent show looms.
Discussion points
How does Nimra's journey with creating music in 'Barakah Beats' help her connect with her Islamic culture and community?
Why is it important for Nimra to find friends who share her beliefs and values, and how does this change her feelings about school?
What challenges does Nimra face when she starts at a new school and how does she overcome them?
How do Nimra’s feelings towards Barakah Beats change throughout the story, and what events lead to these changes?
In what ways does Nimra grow as a character from the beginning to the end of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Highlight Nimra’s emotions and reactions in different situations throughout the book to help your child understand her character development.
Discuss the significance of friendship and community as portrayed in the book, encouraging your child to share their own experiences related to these themes.
Ask your child to compare their initial thoughts on the book with their feelings after finishing the story, focusing on what might have changed and why.
Encourage your child to think about the role of music in their own life and how it helps them connect with their identity or community, similar to Nimra’s experience in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing cultural and religious diversity
Explanation: In 'Barakah Beats', the main character, Nimra, navigates her identity as a Muslim girl in a new school where she is one of the few Muslims. Through interactions and friendships, Nimra and her peers learn to understand and appreciate diverse cultural and religious backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of inclusivity and respect for different cultures and religions, fostering empathy and social harmony in their schools and communities.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-acceptance
Explanation: Nimra struggles with fitting in at her new school while staying true to her values. Her journey teaches young readers about the importance of self-acceptance and staying true to oneself despite external pressures.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and stand firm in their beliefs, which is essential for building self-esteem and integrity.
Example Lesson: Value of friendship
Explanation: Throughout the story, Nimra forms bonds with a diverse group of students, showing how friendships can thrive despite differences. These friendships play a key role in her personal growth and acceptance in the new environment.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value and nurture friendships, understanding that true friends support and enrich our lives, regardless of our backgrounds or beliefs.
Example Lesson: Courage to face challenges
Explanation: Nimra faces several challenges, from adjusting to a new school to deciding whether to join the school’s band. Her courage in these situations provides a role model for young readers.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children understand that it's okay to face fears and challenges head-on, and that doing so can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Nimra shows resilience when dealing with moments of cultural misunderstanding and personal setbacks, learning to find her voice and space in her new school.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the power of resilience and the ability to recover from setbacks, highlighting that perseverance is key in overcoming difficulties.