Sadia
What’s inside...
Fifteen-year-old Sadia Ahmadi is passionate about basketball, but navigating high school proves to be a challenge when her best friend Mariam starts de-jabbing to fit in with the popular crowd. Sadia's mom had warned her that high school could be tricky, and she was right. When tryouts for an elite basketball team are announced, Sadia is faced with a discriminatory rule that forces her to choose between removing her hijab and not playing. With differing opinions from Mariam, her parents, and her teammates, Sadia must find the courage to stand up for herself and fight for what is right, both on and off the court.
Age
12-15
Length
240 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Sadia
Amira
Ms. Letner
Discussion points
How do you think Sadia felt when she tried to balance her Canadian life with her Afghan heritage?
What are some ways Sadia showed courage throughout the story?
Why is it important to embrace and celebrate different cultures?
What did you learn about friendship from Sadia's interactions with her friends?
How did Sadia’s relationship with her family change over the course of the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to compare their own experiences with Sadia's, focusing on cultural identity and integration.
Discuss the concept of courage by asking your child to share a time they had to stand up for something they believed in, like Sadia does in the book.
Highlight the importance of diversity by exploring different cultures together, perhaps even trying a cultural activity from the book.
Emphasize the value of friendships in personal growth. Ask your child to share qualities they appreciate in their friends.
Use Sadia's evolving family relationships to talk about how family support and understanding can change positively over time.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: Sadia, a young Muslim girl, navigates the challenges of maintaining her cultural identity in a new school. Through her experiences, readers learn about the importance of empathy towards individuals from different backgrounds.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being considerate and understanding towards classmates who might dress, speak, or behave differently than them, fostering a more inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the face of adversity
Explanation: Sadia faces various challenges, from cultural misunderstandings to personal doubts. The story illustrates her journey of overcoming obstacles through perseverance.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children that despite difficulties, staying determined and working hard can lead to overcoming obstacles in school or in personal relationships.
Example Lesson: Importance of friendship and support
Explanation: Throughout the book, Sadia's friendships play a crucial role in her adaptation and confidence building in her new setting. The narrative underscores the value of having supportive friends.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to value their friendships and seek to be supportive friends themselves, which is crucial for emotional and social development.
Example Lesson: Self-expression and authenticity
Explanation: Sadia struggles but ultimately finds a way to express her cultural identity confidently. This aspect of the book highlights the importance of being true to oneself.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to embrace and express their unique identities and values, which is important for their self-esteem and mental health.
Example Lesson: Cultural awareness and appreciation
Explanation: The book delves into Sadia's Muslim culture, offering readers a glimpse into her world. It promotes cultural awareness and appreciation.
Real-World Application: Such awareness inspires children to learn about and respect diverse cultures, which can enhance social harmony and global understanding among the younger generation.