The book discusses migrant experience, discrimination and inequality in perfect way for readers who are just starting to read young adult fiction. Inspiring themes and messages are communicated throughout, and these are some of the elements I loved which made me so excited to talk about in this review. The family’s culture and beliefs are portrayed and the language, being Arabic, is also incorporated. I discovered and learnt a lot whilst reading, which I really enjoyed and found to be yet another impressive element in this story. And whilst I anticipated the twists, I don't think Emily did. The book is pitched at kids, after all, though suspect there's something in there for everyone, particularly those who think about identity and conflict. We need to reflect seriously on who we support and love because we will be with them on the Day of Ressurection. "You will be with those whom you love." (Bukhari and Muslim). I am sure you are aware that feminists love and support LGBTQIA+. They believe no one can tell a woman who she should love. Muslim feminists encourage teenage Muslims to accept LGBTQIA+ as normal. Other examples are Malala Yousefzai, and Riz Ahmed, who endorsed the pro-trans movie Joyland and said it should not be banned in Pakistan. Unfortunately, Magied has also joined the queer bandwagon. One specific feature I really loved in the telling of Layla’s story was her passion for what she loves. As we continue to read, we discover her interest in creating, whether it be jewellery or other inventions and robots. I was super excited to see more unique hobbies and interests demonstrated in young adult fiction rather than the typical tropes seen in other fiction works. During the book, we see how some students and teachers treat Layla, this was definitely an eye-opener to me, and I felt it conveyed serious ideas of power and influence in certain cases. With her long skirt and headscarf Layla certainly stands out at her new high school. Everyone thinks they know her, just from a glance. But do they? And does Layla really know herself?”

The pace of the story was just right — although the last chapter felt like an unnecessary sprint race, which I ended up forgiving. It is a perfect “get-me-out-of-my-slump” read. Layla wins a scholarship to an impressive high school. On her first day, wearing a long skirt and a headscarf, Layla certainly stands out. Some of her fellow students (and teachers) make assumptions. And Layla doesn’t always help herself: speaking before thinking through the consequences can get you into trouble, even if you don’t look different. After talking to her parents, it isn’t long before Layla is sitting the scholarship exam for MMG and then as the book opens, getting ready for her first day there. You Must Be Layla introduces Sudanese-born author, broadcaster, social advocate and mechanical engineer Yassmin Abdel-Magied as an exciting new voice in children's writing. About This Edition ISBN: This story was so engaging - although there was a time I wanted to throw this book at the wall because of the injustice Layla was facing, a lot of the story was vibrant and fun and a story you would read to cheer you up when you’re not having the best day.Initially, Layla attends the Islamic School of Brisbane (ISB) where there are students from all over the world, includingIndia, Fiji, Nigeria, Pakistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Algeria, Malaysia and South Africa. Most of the students are recent migrants so their families also start to spend time together and become friends, creatinga wonderfully diverse and welcoming community. Layla loves the school and her friends there, especially best friend Dina, but starts to want something more. Yassmin had introduced the book at the book launch as Layla just being herself, although of course themes of diversity and racism and acceptance come through - because this is the reality of Australia today. With her long skirt and headscarf Layla certainly stands out at her new high school. Everyone thinks they know her, just from a glance. But do they? And does Layla really know herself? Is this censorship or cancelling individuals? No, it is called enjoining the good and forbidding the evil, and it's obligatory to do this with wisdom, not hatred. Yassmin Abdel-Magied's You Must Be Layla is a tonic, and a terrific debut for 11+. Its narrator is (like its author) a Sudanese girl who has won a scholarship to a posh Australian school. Bossy, smart and brave, she has to face the students who have it in for her as the only Muslim. Underneath its buoyant humour is a timely wisdom about finding friends in an alien culture.

You Must Be Layla is a heart-warming story that will give young readers insight into the lives of migrants to Australia and the struggles with racism and identity that they grapple with. It also explores the pressure that students can be under from their parents to perform at school and how this can play out in very detrimental ways. Layla is a wonderfully warm and vibrant character who will stay with you long after you have finished reading her story. A perfect book to get young readers thinking more about issues in the playground and to the bigger world beyond it. I think Layla is a great protagonist - a girl who is confident in her own ability, feels vulnerable when faced with conflict and self-doubt, and also explores feelings of anger when faced with injustice. A lot of her emotions were very real. What’s new here, the latest literary news, plus fresh giveaways every month. Sent out just once a month, for free.

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Yassmin worked on oil and gas rigs around Australia for almost half a decade before becoming a full-time writer and broadcaster. She published her debut memoir, Yassmin’s Story, at age 24, then became the presenter of Australia Wide, a national weekly current-affairs show on the ABC and Motor Mouth, a podcast on becoming an F1 driver. After hosting the documentary, The Truth About Racism, she created Hijabistas for the ABC, a series looking at the modest fashion scene in Australia. Her writing has appeared in publications like T een Vogue, London’s Evening Standard, the Guardian and numerous anthologies. Abdel-Magied also explored the concept of being “the forgiving minority who has to look the other way”, and she introduces prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X along with the Islamic concept of forgiveness. I enjoyed reading this book and Layla made me laugh A LOT.