Does My Head Look Big in This?
on Goodreads (12,045)
What’s inside...
When sixteen-year-old Amal decides to wear the hijab full-time, her entire world changes, all because of a piece of cloth...
Sixteen-year-old Amal makes the decision to start wearing the hijab full-time and everyone has a reaction. Her parents, her teachers, her friends, people on the street. But she stands by her decision to embrace her faith and all that it is, even if it does make her a little different from everyone else.
Can she handle the taunts of "towel head," the prejudice of her classmates, and still attract the cutest boy in school? Brilliantly funny and poignant, Randa Abdel-Fattah's debut novel will strike a chord in all teenage readers, no matter what their beliefs.
Age
9-13
Length
360 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Discussion points
How did Amal's choice to wear the hijab challenge her relationships at school and home? What does this tell you about courage and personal beliefs?
In what ways did the characters in the book show support or lack of understanding towards Amal's decision? Can you relate this to a time you felt different or supported?
What role does friendship play in Amal's journey throughout the novel? How important is it to have supportive friends during challenging times?
How does the author use humor to address serious topics? Can you share an example from the book that made you think or laugh?
What did you learn about culture and identity from Amal's experience? How has this book helped you understand or respect other cultures better?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a safe space for open dialogue, allowing your child to express their thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Relate the book's themes to real-life situations your child might encounter, making the conversation relevant to their world.
Use quotes from the book to spark deeper discussion. Ask your child why they think a character acted in a certain way and how they might have acted differently.
Encourage your child to draw parallels between the book and their own life experiences or those of friends and family.
Highlight the growth of the characters throughout the story to help your child see how individuals can evolve and change positively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Respect for diversity
Explanation: The protagonist, Amal, chooses to wear the hijab full-time, navigating various reactions from her peers and community. The book portrays her journey, highlighting the importance of respecting diverse cultural practices.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect peers who may dress, look, or believe differently than themselves, fostering inclusivity and understanding in diverse settings such as schools or playgrounds.
Example Lesson: Self-confidence and personal identity
Explanation: Amal's decision to wear the hijab reflects her desire to express her identity confidently, despite facing challenges and misconceptions from others around her.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to embrace their unique qualities and stand firm in their beliefs, even when confronted with peer pressure or societal expectations.
Example Lesson: Empathy and compassion
Explanation: Throughout the book, Amal demonstrates empathy by trying to understand the perspectives of others who question or challenge her choices.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to practice empathy in their daily interactions, helping them to build stronger, more considerate relationships with others.
Example Lesson: Overcoming adversity
Explanation: Amal faces various forms of stereotyping and prejudice due to her decision to wear the hijab. She learns to navigate these difficulties with strength and grace.
Real-World Application: This demonstrates to children how resilience and a positive attitude can help overcome challenges and adversities they might face.
Example Lesson: Importance of supportive communities
Explanation: The book shows how Amal’s family and friends provide crucial support, helping her maintain her self-esteem and stay true to her beliefs.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the value of building and relying on a supportive community, be it family or friends, to thrive and grow especially in challenging times.