Misfit in Love: Saints and Misfits
#2 of 2 in Saints and Misfits Series
on Goodreads (1,678)
What’s inside...
In this fun and fresh sequel to Saints and Misfits, Janna Yusuf is excited for her brother Muhammad's wedding and a reunion with her mom. She's also anticipating the arrival of Nuah, a boy she wasn't ready for last time they met but now feels differently about. As Janna plans for a summer of love to begin at the wedding, unexpected complications arise. Muhammad's party choices clash with his fiancée’s taste, her dad is acting odd, and her mom seems interested in an old friend. Moreover, Nuah is treating her differently and two new guys, Haytham and Layth, add to her confusion about what she wants. Janna’s envisioned summer of love becomes crowded and unpredictably challenging.
Discussion points
How do the characters in 'Misfit in Love' face their challenges, and what can we learn from them?
In what ways do the relationships in the book evolve? Discuss the significance of friendship and family in the story.
What role does culture and religion play in the characters' lives? How does it influence their decisions?
How do the characters express their feelings of being 'misfits'? Can you relate to their experiences?
How does the author, S.K. Ali, use humor and emotion to convey deeper messages in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing your own impressions of the story and ask your child about their favorite parts. This opens up a natural conversation about the book’s themes.
Encourage your child to describe the characters and ask why they think each character acts the way they do. This promotes empathy and deeper understanding of personal motivations.
Discuss the cultural aspects in the book. It's a great opportunity to explore and educate on diverse traditions and beliefs, building open-mindedness.
Invite your child to compare their own feelings of fitting in with those portrayed in the book. It can be reassuring for children to see their personal experiences reflected in literature.
End your discussion with a creative twist: ask your child how they would end the story differently, or what kind of character they would add to the book. This kind of imaginative thinking enhances engagement and critical thinking.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding and respecting diversity
Explanation: The story explores diverse cultural and religious backgrounds, showing how the protagonist navigates her Muslim identity in a multi-cultural community.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and respect people from different backgrounds, promoting inclusivity in their daily interactions at school or in their community.
Example Lesson: Importance of self-expression
Explanation: The main character, Janna, expresses herself through her passions and struggles, illustrating the importance of being true to oneself.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to embrace their unique qualities and express themselves confidently in various aspects of life such as in class, during extracurricular activities, or with friends.
Example Lesson: Dealing with romantic feelings
Explanation: Janna experiences complex emotions and misunderstandings in her romantic relationships, providing insights into managing such feelings responsibly.
Real-World Application: Children can learn strategies to handle their emotions and communicate effectively, helping them develop healthy relationships with their peers.
Example Lesson: The value of community support
Explanation: Throughout the story, Janna receives support from her community which helps her navigate her challenges.
Real-World Application: This lesson can inspire children to seek help and support from their own community, be it family, friends, or school, reinforcing the importance of a support system.
Example Lesson: Resilience in adversity
Explanation: Janna faces various challenges but shows resilience and determination to overcome them, demonstrating personal growth.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to persevere through their own challenges, whether academic or personal, fostering a resilient and growth-oriented mindset.