Drawing Deena
on Goodreads (333)
What’s inside...
From the award-winning author of Amina's Voice and Amina's Song comes a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path. Deena, a young artist, struggles with anxiety manifesting as a knot in her stomach that intensifies during her parents’ financial arguments, school anxieties, and social interactions. Despite these challenges, she finds solace in art and her friendships. As her parents face increasing financial difficulties, Deena decides to use her artistic talents to help by promoting her mom’s home-based clothing business through a newly created logo and social media presence. The business gains traction with the help of her cousin and friends, but success brings unexpected strains on Deena’s relationships, particularly with her cousin and best friend, Parisa. The tensions escalate until Deena reaches a breaking point. Ultimately, both Deena and her mother learn the vital lesson of seeking help when overwhelmed. Through the support of her community, Deena discovers that she can create something truly beautiful when she embraces her vulnerabilities and shares her creative vision with the world.
Age
8-12
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made Deena love drawing so much?
How do you think Deena felt when her drawings didn't turn out the way she wanted?
What did Deena learn from her mistakes and how did it help her improve?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new and it was challenging?
If you could draw anything right now, what would it be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their feelings about the story, relating to Deena’s experiences with art.
Discuss the importance of perseverance and how overcoming challenges can be rewarding, drawing parallels to Deena's journey in the book.
Ask your child to think about how they can apply Deena’s lessons to their own hobbies or challenges.
Share personal stories of times you’ve faced similar challenges and how you handled them, to deepen the connection and learning.
End the conversation by engaging in a drawing activity together, inspired by the book, to foster creativity and bonding.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: In 'Drawing Deena,' the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of her new classmate who is shy and from a different cultural background.
Real-World Application: Children can use this lesson to better relate to their peers, especially those who might seem different from them, fostering a more inclusive environment at school or in playgroups.
Example Lesson: Creativity
Explanation: Deena uses drawing as a form of expression and communication throughout the book, showcasing how creative outlets can help convey emotions and stories.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to explore their own creative interests, whether it's drawing, writing, or another form of art as a way of expressing themselves and connecting with others.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: Deena overcomes her initial fear of reaching out to someone new and different. Her courage in making the first step to friendship is a pivotal moment in the book.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to face their own fears in social situations, encouraging them to make new friends or try new activities despite any initial apprehension.
Example Lesson: Problem-solving
Explanation: The story highlights how Deena and her friend solve misunderstandings through communication, illustrating the importance of talking about one’s feelings and viewpoints.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of discussing their issues to find solutions, an essential skill that aids in navigating conflicts and misunderstandings in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation for Diversity
Explanation: Deena learns about and comes to appreciate the diverse cultural background of her classmate, which enriches her own experience and understanding.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value diverse cultures and perspectives, which is crucial in a globalized world and can be applied in their interactions at school and within the community.