What do you think?
Rate this book
Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year
An Indian Muslim #ownvoices debut about an underachiever who must start over in a new state with the help of three classic books.
Ahmed Aziz is having an epic year—epically bad. His family moved from Hawaii to Minnesota because his dad got sick, and even though Minnesota is where his dad grew up, Ahmed can’t imagine a worse place to live—not that anyone asked him.
Being the new kid is tough, especially because Ahmed is the only brown-skinned student in a sea of white. But over the course of the school year, Ahmed—who never lives up to his potential—surprises himself by actually reading the three assigned books for his English class: Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Even more surprising, he doesn’t hate the books. At the same time, Ahmed is learning about the uncle he never knew—his dad’s brother, who died young, and who Ahmed takes after. Investigating his family history offers Ahmed comfort as his dad’s health hangs in the balance. Could Ahmed be warming to Minnesota?
Ahmed Aziz is having an epic year—epically bad. His family moved from Hawaii to Minnesota because his dad got sick, and even though Minnesota is where his dad grew up, Ahmed can’t imagine a worse place to live—not that anyone asked him.
Being the new kid is tough, especially because Ahmed is the only brown-skinned student in a sea of white. But over the course of the school year, Ahmed—who never lives up to his potential—surprises himself by actually reading the three assigned books for his English class: Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. Even more surprising, he doesn’t hate the books. At the same time, Ahmed is learning about the uncle he never knew—his dad’s brother, who died young, and who Ahmed takes after. Investigating his family history offers Ahmed comfort as his dad’s health hangs in the balance. Could Ahmed be warming to Minnesota?
320 pages, Hardcover
First published June 22, 2021
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews
June 11, 2021
The fantastic cover of this debut middle grade book deserves one of my five stars. The second star goes to the in depth discussion of three Newbery-winners: Holes, From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, and Bridge to Terabithia. Thank you, Mrs. Gaarder! The third star is for the Indian culture infusion and family togetherness through illness and a difficult move. Winning my fourth star is the exploration of bullying and reasons behind it. Last but not least, my fifth star is awarded to the star of the book -- Ahmed. His voice has such an authentic ring to it and I loved reading about his school year.
Thank you to Quill Tree Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to Quill Tree Books and Edelweiss+ for a DRC in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2021
➵ took me some time to finish listening to the audiobook (nothing about that has to do with the story) but i'm finally done with this book. i loved this middle-grade for the way it showed how literature assignments can be made fun alongside a young indian-american boy's apprehension, sensitivity & strength while his father is hospitalised + they've moved states.
➵ starting this on a hot summer day. hoping to be impressed by the family dynamics and love for reading this middle-grade is going to explore as 'a celebration of social-emotional learning'—suggested in this post on my blog.
14.12.2020 navigating life in a new town with the help of three books—which are classics assigned by the school? i think this story is going to be emotional and i'm all here for it.
↣ listened to the audiobook on scribd ↢
➵ starting this on a hot summer day. hoping to be impressed by the family dynamics and love for reading this middle-grade is going to explore as 'a celebration of social-emotional learning'—suggested in this post on my blog.
14.12.2020 navigating life in a new town with the help of three books—which are classics assigned by the school? i think this story is going to be emotional and i'm all here for it.
August 30, 2023
This is a two part review. I wrote it in 2022 and added to it after I reread the story.
6/1/22 What would it be like to move from Hawaii to Minnesota? Can an under the radar kid stay under the radar when he is placed in an accelerated language arts class with a larger than life English teacher ? In addition to these dilemmas, Ahmed faces an unexpected bully and his dad's health issues.
8/22/23 This is a wonderful fish out of water story. It is also a wonderful story about how Ahmed overcomes Jack, a bully
6/1/22 Give this one to fans of school stories (i.e. Fish in a Tree, Wonder) .
6/1/22 What would it be like to move from Hawaii to Minnesota? Can an under the radar kid stay under the radar when he is placed in an accelerated language arts class with a larger than life English teacher ? In addition to these dilemmas, Ahmed faces an unexpected bully and his dad's health issues.
8/22/23 This is a wonderful fish out of water story. It is also a wonderful story about how Ahmed overcomes Jack, a bully
6/1/22 Give this one to fans of school stories (i.e. Fish in a Tree, Wonder) .
April 4, 2023
I think this book should be in every teacher’s classroom, everywhere.
It’s a story about family; young Ahmed and his family move from Hawaii to Minnesota, so the dad can receive liver treatments. There are things they regret about having to move, but love for their father always takes priority. Ahmed also comes to realize just how lucky he is to have a loving family, in contrast to some kids he knows. The details of the family’s traditions with foods, names and celebrations were presented warmly and interestingly; I enjoyed reading about them.
It’s a story about learning to be “comfortable in your own skin”. Ahmad is uncomfortable, at first, being the only brown, Muslim kid at school. School isn’t his favorite place to be, anyway. But making friends who are all very different, in endearing ways, makes the experience better than he expected.
It’s a story about the impact that works of literature can have on people. The project that Ahmed’s Advanced English class participated in was nothing short of astonishing to read about. I would have loved being in Ms. Gaarder’s class, comparing and contrasting books!
It’s a story about “everyone having a story.” What Ahmed learns about his nemesis, Jack, makes him realize that everything is not always as it seems from the outside, without seeing within.
It’s a story about learning to be one’s best self, in spite of, and because of adversity.
Hard to believe this was a debut novel for the author; I can’t wait to see what she turns out next!
It’s a story about family; young Ahmed and his family move from Hawaii to Minnesota, so the dad can receive liver treatments. There are things they regret about having to move, but love for their father always takes priority. Ahmed also comes to realize just how lucky he is to have a loving family, in contrast to some kids he knows. The details of the family’s traditions with foods, names and celebrations were presented warmly and interestingly; I enjoyed reading about them.
It’s a story about learning to be “comfortable in your own skin”. Ahmad is uncomfortable, at first, being the only brown, Muslim kid at school. School isn’t his favorite place to be, anyway. But making friends who are all very different, in endearing ways, makes the experience better than he expected.
It’s a story about the impact that works of literature can have on people. The project that Ahmed’s Advanced English class participated in was nothing short of astonishing to read about. I would have loved being in Ms. Gaarder’s class, comparing and contrasting books!
It’s a story about “everyone having a story.” What Ahmed learns about his nemesis, Jack, makes him realize that everything is not always as it seems from the outside, without seeing within.
It’s a story about learning to be one’s best self, in spite of, and because of adversity.
Hard to believe this was a debut novel for the author; I can’t wait to see what she turns out next!
August 1, 2021
4.5 stars.
Ahmed Aziz is upset. His dad is seriously, very possibly terminally il, the whole family has moved to his dad’s hometown in Minnesota for one of the few places he can get proper treatment. Ahmed loves Hawaii, where he was born, he already misses his friends and school, and is resentful of all the changes in his family’s life. And he’s terrified about possibly losing his father. His mother is trying to keep everything together, getting the family moved into a new house, and getting her bearings in the town before starting work.
And before even his first day at school, a school bully, and his next door neighbour, humiliates Ahmed. The bullying continues all year, tainting what is turning out to be a pretty good year at a good school, and with good teachers.
The bullying escalates to a very serious point, when Ahmed finally confesses to his parents what’s been happening.
While this is going on, his father’s health deteriorates, while Ahmed slowly starts making new friends, and engages in his classes in a way he has not before.
This book was great. Ahmed’s fear, resentments, and loves, are totally believable. As is his reluctance to engage in his English class, until he begins connecting with project team in his class, and becomes friends with them. His handling of his bully is also believable, considering how no teachers see the bully’s actions, and oh so often, it’s been my experience that the bullied kid is blamed when taking the matter to teachers. Thank goodness for his English teacher, who does such a great job with her class, and is so supportive of Ahmed. (I love how she got the kids engaged and enthusiastic about their assigned books.)
The author deals with what it feels like to be hated simply for being Muslim, and brown, and shows how this racism runs through even some of the adults Ahmed deals with.
I really like this, and hope we see more of Ahmed and his new friends.
I also hope, if there’s a continuation to this story, that there’s no quick resolution to Ahmed’s and the bully’s relationship. Though the bully is chastened (this is a happy ending story), I think the bully’s actions show that this kid has a huge job, as in many years, dealing with their own issues and provingthat they are potentially worth some trust.
That said, this was a really good book, and dealt with multiple, heavy issues well, while injecting enough humour to help lighten the story when needed.
Ahmed Aziz is upset. His dad is seriously, very possibly terminally il, the whole family has moved to his dad’s hometown in Minnesota for one of the few places he can get proper treatment. Ahmed loves Hawaii, where he was born, he already misses his friends and school, and is resentful of all the changes in his family’s life. And he’s terrified about possibly losing his father. His mother is trying to keep everything together, getting the family moved into a new house, and getting her bearings in the town before starting work.
And before even his first day at school, a school bully, and his next door neighbour, humiliates Ahmed. The bullying continues all year, tainting what is turning out to be a pretty good year at a good school, and with good teachers.
The bullying escalates to a very serious point, when Ahmed finally confesses to his parents what’s been happening.
While this is going on, his father’s health deteriorates, while Ahmed slowly starts making new friends, and engages in his classes in a way he has not before.
This book was great. Ahmed’s fear, resentments, and loves, are totally believable. As is his reluctance to engage in his English class, until he begins connecting with project team in his class, and becomes friends with them. His handling of his bully is also believable, considering how no teachers see the bully’s actions, and oh so often, it’s been my experience that the bullied kid is blamed when taking the matter to teachers. Thank goodness for his English teacher, who does such a great job with her class, and is so supportive of Ahmed. (I love how she got the kids engaged and enthusiastic about their assigned books.)
The author deals with what it feels like to be hated simply for being Muslim, and brown, and shows how this racism runs through even some of the adults Ahmed deals with.
I really like this, and hope we see more of Ahmed and his new friends.
I also hope, if there’s a continuation to this story, that there’s no quick resolution to Ahmed’s and the bully’s relationship. Though the bully is chastened (this is a happy ending story), I think the bully’s actions show that this kid has a huge job, as in many years, dealing with their own issues and provingthat they are potentially worth some trust.
That said, this was a really good book, and dealt with multiple, heavy issues well, while injecting enough humour to help lighten the story when needed.
January 16, 2021
There is such a shortage of male Muslim protagonist middle grades books that I have been waiting quite impatiently to get my hands on this one, and alhumdulillah, it didn't disappoint. I'm not sure if it qualifies as OWN voice, being it has a female author, but the authenticity in the little details would suggest that it should. The 320 page book is meant for ages 8-12, but the weight of Aziz's father's illness, the plot pivoting around three classic books, and the clever reflections of Ahmed along with his quick wit and thoughtful choices might make the book's sweet spot be 5th to 7th grade readers; as well as us moms who are suckers for elementary must reads, teachers who are heroes, and kids realizing their potential. The book has a bully, but is clean and wonderful, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
SYNOPSIS:
Twelve-year-old Ahmed is leaving the only home he has known in Hawaii to move to Minnesota. His dad has Cirrhosis, a result from a rare genotype of hepatitis C, and Minnesota is one of the top options for treatment. The family is nervous to move in general, but more so to move to Minnesota. It is where Ahmed's dad Bilal grew up, and where his dad's younger brother passed away at age 12. Ahmed's younger sister, Sara, is perhaps the only one excited for the new adventure.
The family arrives and is greeted by Bilal's old friends, and when school starts he realizes one of his dad's best friends, is his English teacher, and somewhat of a legend at the school in getting kids to try and beat her at an end of the year quiz show like competition. The school is also where Bilal and his brother Muhammed went to school and a picture of Muhammed hangs right above Ahmed's locker. The biggest stress at school is Jack. Jack who lives a few houses over, Jack who rides the same bus, Jack who is in Ahmed's English group, and Jack who has a lot of followers at school. Jack is a bully. One who makes Ahmed's life miserable at every turn, not just socially, but even the police.
Ahmed is a laid back kid that doesn't like to read, but loves words, who wants to blend in yet is the only brown kid in a sea of white, who enjoys attending Jummah salat, but ultimately hates going because of the shoe chaos afterwards. Ahmed has no intention to read the books assigned in class, but some how the three classic books assigned do get read, and Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler tie together and weave in and out of Ahmed's epic year.
I don't want to spoil much, but Ahmed's dad is in the hospital a lot, there is a lot of plotting to survive being bullied, as well as getting revenge on the bully in Ahmed's own way without involving parents. Ahmed slowly grows to love Minnesota, his small circle of friends, and his school while learning about his uncle and the kind of person he wants to be as he grows up.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Ahmed is Muslim and while his mom prays five times a day and his dad is an occasional prayer it doesn't specify how often Ahmed prays or how he feels about religion, other than going for Jummah. At first Ahmed thinks he is being bullied by Jack because he is brown, his mom is an immigrant from India, his father the son of immigrants from India, but learns that Jack picks on anyone new. I like that for as much as Ahmed hates stereotypes and assumptions, he acknowledges that he makes them too. I like that Ahmed doesn't like to read, but is smart, and eventually comes around to reading. He is tech smart and very mature in how he views the world and himself in it, cares for his sister and parents, handles things on his own, and builds others up. Ahmed is a good kid, not in that he doesn't make errors or is a teacher's pet, but in that he has a really good heart and a good head, and I think would make anyone better for knowing him. I love that the book is smart too. If you have read the three books mentioned you will love the discussions and questions about the books, if you haven't read them, you will be tempted to after you finish this book. I wish there was a tad more religion, there is a sprinkling of culture, primarily the mom's tragic cooking, but a bit more religion in a book that has illness and death would seem natural to me. The storytelling is superb, I was so curious where the father's parents were, but alas it did answer that, I would have liked it sooner, but I was glad it made it in none-the-less. I would have liked a bit more from the parents about why they wanted Ahmed at his dad's old school, or how they were comfortable constantly leaving the two kids home alone at night, but Ahmed like I said is pretty mature. I particularly love the brother sister relationship. Ahmed is a good older brother and it reminded me in some ways of my older brother, which made my heart warm, good siblings are a blessing.
There are multiple climaxes, but while I expected the dad's health to be a big one and Jack getting what was due to be a close second along with the outcome of the literary contest, I was not prepared for the level of Jack's torture to climb to, and was pleasantly surprised by the unresolved thread of Jack and Ahmed's future relationship. Things in life don't magically resolve and I love when middle grade novels keep that in mind.
FLAGS:
None
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I would absolutely do this in a heartbeat for a middle school book club selection. Even if the book is more middle grades, I think the students will enjoy it and be surprised by the emotional investment the dad character extracts. I think they will also benefit from the literary references, relatable characters, and the overall great storytelling.
SYNOPSIS:
Twelve-year-old Ahmed is leaving the only home he has known in Hawaii to move to Minnesota. His dad has Cirrhosis, a result from a rare genotype of hepatitis C, and Minnesota is one of the top options for treatment. The family is nervous to move in general, but more so to move to Minnesota. It is where Ahmed's dad Bilal grew up, and where his dad's younger brother passed away at age 12. Ahmed's younger sister, Sara, is perhaps the only one excited for the new adventure.
The family arrives and is greeted by Bilal's old friends, and when school starts he realizes one of his dad's best friends, is his English teacher, and somewhat of a legend at the school in getting kids to try and beat her at an end of the year quiz show like competition. The school is also where Bilal and his brother Muhammed went to school and a picture of Muhammed hangs right above Ahmed's locker. The biggest stress at school is Jack. Jack who lives a few houses over, Jack who rides the same bus, Jack who is in Ahmed's English group, and Jack who has a lot of followers at school. Jack is a bully. One who makes Ahmed's life miserable at every turn, not just socially, but even the police.
Ahmed is a laid back kid that doesn't like to read, but loves words, who wants to blend in yet is the only brown kid in a sea of white, who enjoys attending Jummah salat, but ultimately hates going because of the shoe chaos afterwards. Ahmed has no intention to read the books assigned in class, but some how the three classic books assigned do get read, and Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler tie together and weave in and out of Ahmed's epic year.
I don't want to spoil much, but Ahmed's dad is in the hospital a lot, there is a lot of plotting to survive being bullied, as well as getting revenge on the bully in Ahmed's own way without involving parents. Ahmed slowly grows to love Minnesota, his small circle of friends, and his school while learning about his uncle and the kind of person he wants to be as he grows up.
WHY I LIKE IT:
Ahmed is Muslim and while his mom prays five times a day and his dad is an occasional prayer it doesn't specify how often Ahmed prays or how he feels about religion, other than going for Jummah. At first Ahmed thinks he is being bullied by Jack because he is brown, his mom is an immigrant from India, his father the son of immigrants from India, but learns that Jack picks on anyone new. I like that for as much as Ahmed hates stereotypes and assumptions, he acknowledges that he makes them too. I like that Ahmed doesn't like to read, but is smart, and eventually comes around to reading. He is tech smart and very mature in how he views the world and himself in it, cares for his sister and parents, handles things on his own, and builds others up. Ahmed is a good kid, not in that he doesn't make errors or is a teacher's pet, but in that he has a really good heart and a good head, and I think would make anyone better for knowing him. I love that the book is smart too. If you have read the three books mentioned you will love the discussions and questions about the books, if you haven't read them, you will be tempted to after you finish this book. I wish there was a tad more religion, there is a sprinkling of culture, primarily the mom's tragic cooking, but a bit more religion in a book that has illness and death would seem natural to me. The storytelling is superb, I was so curious where the father's parents were, but alas it did answer that, I would have liked it sooner, but I was glad it made it in none-the-less. I would have liked a bit more from the parents about why they wanted Ahmed at his dad's old school, or how they were comfortable constantly leaving the two kids home alone at night, but Ahmed like I said is pretty mature. I particularly love the brother sister relationship. Ahmed is a good older brother and it reminded me in some ways of my older brother, which made my heart warm, good siblings are a blessing.
There are multiple climaxes, but while I expected the dad's health to be a big one and Jack getting what was due to be a close second along with the outcome of the literary contest, I was not prepared for the level of Jack's torture to climb to, and was pleasantly surprised by the unresolved thread of Jack and Ahmed's future relationship. Things in life don't magically resolve and I love when middle grade novels keep that in mind.
FLAGS:
None
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I would absolutely do this in a heartbeat for a middle school book club selection. Even if the book is more middle grades, I think the students will enjoy it and be surprised by the emotional investment the dad character extracts. I think they will also benefit from the literary references, relatable characters, and the overall great storytelling.
August 30, 2021
Another cynical tween; who is smart but won't make an effort; who thinks everyone is an idiot (especially adults); who let's a bully make fun of them and never fights back.
This book, with very few interesting passages, was a huge cliché.
I was really hoping for more.
This book, with very few interesting passages, was a huge cliché.
I was really hoping for more.
June 18, 2021
Having grown up in Minnesota and served on the Newbery committee that chose Holes, this book was an instant winner for me!
Ahmed and his family move from Hawaii to his father's home town in Minnesota so that his father can get specialized treatment for a rare liver disease. This same disease killed his younger brother at the age of 13. It is a hard transition for Ahmed. Not just the weather, but the dealing with being a new 7th grader while his father is in the hospital plus of course he is picked on by the neighborhood bully. Readers who are familiar with the three books Ahmed and friends are studying for the contest will appreciate their analysis. Others may choose to read them as well. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by Edelweiss
Ahmed and his family move from Hawaii to his father's home town in Minnesota so that his father can get specialized treatment for a rare liver disease. This same disease killed his younger brother at the age of 13. It is a hard transition for Ahmed. Not just the weather, but the dealing with being a new 7th grader while his father is in the hospital plus of course he is picked on by the neighborhood bully. Readers who are familiar with the three books Ahmed and friends are studying for the contest will appreciate their analysis. Others may choose to read them as well. Recommended for grades 4 & up.
eARC provided by Edelweiss
June 30, 2021
Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year is a realistic, moving middle grade coming-of-age story about moving to a new city, rediscovering your roots, and coping with parental illness. This book is perfect for fans of funny books with inventive teachers and stories about being the new kid. If you like books with Muslim protagonists, sweet sibling relationships, and stories centered around books and libraries, you’ll enjoy this one.
Read my full review on my blog.
Read my full review on my blog.
July 6, 2021
Don’t miss this debut novel by @ninahamzawrites — it’s perfect for grades 3-6 and I love how it incorporates classic #mglit like Bridge to Terabithia.
.
.
.
Ahmed Aziz’s dad has a rare liver disease and needs special treatment so the family moves from Hawaii to his dad’s hometown in Minnesota where Ahmed is bullied and struggles to fit in. Ahmed’s Indian American Muslim community, as well as family friend Janet Gaardner rallies to help the family through the hospitalization. Ahmed must process his grief about his father’s protracted illness while also learning more about his uncle who died from the same rare illness as a teen. Meanwhile, he’s being bullied by a peer, Jack, and struggling with his ELA class because he’s never enjoyed reading.
.
.
.
Though it is primarily about grief, the mood of this story is NOT just sad, but manages to be funny and upbeat for most of the book. The school scenes ring really true and the discussions about classic middle grade books help move the learning and growing for Ahmed and the reader. (I will never get sick of Bridge to Terabithia!!)
.
.
.
I highly recommend this one on audio; thanks to @librofm for the free listen!
.
.
.
Book 7 for #30booksummer
.
.
.
#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
.
.
.
Ahmed Aziz’s dad has a rare liver disease and needs special treatment so the family moves from Hawaii to his dad’s hometown in Minnesota where Ahmed is bullied and struggles to fit in. Ahmed’s Indian American Muslim community, as well as family friend Janet Gaardner rallies to help the family through the hospitalization. Ahmed must process his grief about his father’s protracted illness while also learning more about his uncle who died from the same rare illness as a teen. Meanwhile, he’s being bullied by a peer, Jack, and struggling with his ELA class because he’s never enjoyed reading.
.
.
.
Though it is primarily about grief, the mood of this story is NOT just sad, but manages to be funny and upbeat for most of the book. The school scenes ring really true and the discussions about classic middle grade books help move the learning and growing for Ahmed and the reader. (I will never get sick of Bridge to Terabithia!!)
.
.
.
I highly recommend this one on audio; thanks to @librofm for the free listen!
.
.
.
Book 7 for #30booksummer
.
.
.
#middleschoollibrarian #middleschoollibrary #library #librarian #futurereadylibs #iteachlibrary #bookstagrammer #bookstagram #librariesofinstagram #librariansofinstagram #librariesfollowlibraries #librarylife #librarianlife #schoollibrarian #middlegrade #middlegradebooks #iteach #librarylove #booksbooksbooks #amreading #bibliophile #schoollibrariansrock #bookreview #bookrecommendation #igreads #malibrary #msla #mediaspecialist
April 19, 2023
Not a review but a jumble of thoughts....
I was frustrated at the beginning of this book, because it has a sick parent and a bully, and I feel like I keep reading books with these themes. But it got better, especially as Ahmed settled in to his new school and made friends.
And that police interview Ahmed had to suffer through is illustration enough of why you should always ask for a lawyer when you're being interrogated.
Somehow I never read any of the books they discussed in Mrs. Gaarder's class. Well, Holes didn't exist until well after my high school graduation, but I should have been the prime target for From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Bridge to Terabithia.
I was frustrated at the beginning of this book, because it has a sick parent and a bully, and I feel like I keep reading books with these themes. But it got better, especially as Ahmed settled in to his new school and made friends.
And that police interview Ahmed had to suffer through is illustration enough of why you should always ask for a lawyer when you're being interrogated.
Somehow I never read any of the books they discussed in Mrs. Gaarder's class. Well, Holes didn't exist until well after my high school graduation, but I should have been the prime target for From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler and Bridge to Terabithia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 22, 2021
I loved Ahmed's family from the beginning. The emotions and whirlwind of his year were shown in exquisite writing by Nina Hamza. I enjoyed the book comparisons and growth of the characters. I loved the 'bayula day', the little sister, the parent dynamic, and the inspirational teacher. I can't wait for more Ahmed Aziz books and hope they're more !
July 12, 2021
Gotta love a book that includes discussions of other strong books! Enjoyed Ahmed’s character and how he grows through the book. Very cute story! More of a 4.5 for sure!
June 17, 2021
The cover of this book was great. It had wonderful reviews so I couldn't wait to read about Ahmed's epic year. However, his year was abysmal. His father was sick and could possibly die, his family moved to get him better care so now Ahmed has to start MS with no friends, and there is a boy who is bullying him at his new school. It wasn't what I was expecting, and not what the target audience will be expecting either. Although this book was well written, it is way too long, too depressing, and too slow paced for boys in grades 4-7 to read. I'm sure a lot of adults are giving wonderful reviews and adore the fact that there is a teacher inspiring kids to read books, but My rating is based on whether this book actual inspire readers to finish it.
May 26, 2021
Overall, I really liked the way that this story's protagonist represented so many middle graders -- someone who struggled with completing assignments, who had no interest in books, who had a lot of weight at home. It also included his family's traditions and religious practice in a really thoughtful way. This is not a story of trauma and prejudice, but a story of growth, friendship, and learning to live in new situations. The pacing in the beginning was a little bit difficult, but quickened by the middle. I think that middle graders will like hearing other kids' perspective about many of the classics that they may have read or had as required reading in class.
August 27, 2021
This was really well done. I got so mad and sad in real ways (and this is good! The author does a good job! It’s just the bullying/prejudice and illness stuff is hard to read:/) and felt sincere joy when our cute MC finds his people and settles in a bit. Jessica and Carl were both solidly wonderful characters that helped balance out the tough stuff. I also enjoyed getting revisits with some great classic books through our MCs English class.
Glad this one exists and impressed this is a debut! Excited to see what Nina writes next.
Glad this one exists and impressed this is a debut! Excited to see what Nina writes next.
July 6, 2021
I didn't enjoy this one as much as I'd hoped I would. I guess I was hoping to experience the three books through Ahmed's reading, but instead it felt like an afterthought that they were part of the story. Also, the challenge at the end was so disappointing! I didn't even realize who had won for several minutes after it ended. Kids may enjoy this story of learning how to deal with a bully, but it didn't live up to my expectations.
December 21, 2023
It was good I feel bad for him but it eventually gets better,and the end is a miracle.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2021
Ahmed Aziz’s epic year was a wonderful read that I thoroughly enjoyed! I haven’t read middleschooler books for a while, but a Muslim boy as the main character? I had to read it…and it didn’t disappoint!
There are so many things I loved about it but one thing I could really relate with was moving countries and the conflicting emotions behind it. Ahmed is a Muslim boy so I loved how the book merged cultures and religions together.
It is a book with humour but also life lessons in it and is an enjoyable read for people who like “diary of a wimpy kid” and books like that!
It shows the problems of a teenage middle schooler going through bullying but also him being worried about his fathers sickness and it was all conveyed beautifully!
In the book, Ahmed reads “holes” and it was so cool to see him reading it because that was a book read to me and primary and it was cool to revisit it (and also realise how much I forgot about it).
I loved the English teacher (Mrs Gaarder) and though I pave a,ways had lovely English teachers I wish I could have her and compete against her!
In short, if you like middle school stories or feel like revisiting these kind of books..this is what you’ve got to read!
There are so many things I loved about it but one thing I could really relate with was moving countries and the conflicting emotions behind it. Ahmed is a Muslim boy so I loved how the book merged cultures and religions together.
It is a book with humour but also life lessons in it and is an enjoyable read for people who like “diary of a wimpy kid” and books like that!
It shows the problems of a teenage middle schooler going through bullying but also him being worried about his fathers sickness and it was all conveyed beautifully!
In the book, Ahmed reads “holes” and it was so cool to see him reading it because that was a book read to me and primary and it was cool to revisit it (and also realise how much I forgot about it).
I loved the English teacher (Mrs Gaarder) and though I pave a,ways had lovely English teachers I wish I could have her and compete against her!
In short, if you like middle school stories or feel like revisiting these kind of books..this is what you’ve got to read!
Read
February 16, 2021In Hawaii, brown-skinned Ahmed fit in well and enjoyed his life of getting by with as little work possible. But then his father got sick and one of the best treatment options was available near the town in Minnesota where Ahmed's dad grew up. Ahmed, very reluctantly, makes the move with his family. Under pressure (he stands out, faces a bully, worries about his hospitalized father), Ahmed learns to fake it till he makes it. His helpers include a longtime family friend/teacher, some decent classmates, new knowledge of his dead uncle and three books that he eventually decides to read: Holes, Bridge to Terrabithia and From the Mixed Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. This is a fun and satisfying read that reminded me of John David Anderson's Posted. Will be published in June 2021
August 10, 2021
This was a sweet book about a boy being the new kid in a new school that would be good for students who liked the Because of Mr. Terrupt books. It had a diverse cast of characters and I liked all of the information about the main character Ahmed. The descriptions of his Muslim holidays, food and other customs were great. Some bullying played a part in the plot, and while making it technology related was definitely modern and realistic, the way the situations played out and the resolution did not feel like how things would happen in a real school. At any rate, I quite enjoyed this one and think it would be good for students in grades 4-7.
October 29, 2021
Ahmed Aziz and his family have moved from Hawaii to Minnesota to gain access to top-notch medical treatment for his father and to be closer to family. Ahmed is not excited about the move, and reluctantly attends his new middle school. There, Ahmed deals with bullies, being in an all-white school, making new friends, and higher teacher expectations. But he grows closer to his family, learns about his deceased uncle, and learns that it is best to be true to oneself.
A great middle-grade story with a focus on multiple facets of middle-grade life: fitting in at school, teacher expectation, issues at home, bullying, etc. There was some authentic growth for Ahmed's character throughout the story.
A great middle-grade story with a focus on multiple facets of middle-grade life: fitting in at school, teacher expectation, issues at home, bullying, etc. There was some authentic growth for Ahmed's character throughout the story.
January 13, 2023
5 stars
Ahmed is a fantastic m.c. for this contemporary realistic middle grade novel (especially at a time when there are relatively few male characters in these roles). There are great discussions to be had here about friendship, family, representation, bullying, and the role of literature in a young person’s life. Also, the idea that one isn’t a certain kind of student permanently - but instead can grow, change, improve, etc. their skills - is a critical lesson for the target audience and another win for Hamza (and Ahmed!) overall. I’m looking forward to recommending (if not just teaching) this to students and to reading much more from this author.
Ahmed is a fantastic m.c. for this contemporary realistic middle grade novel (especially at a time when there are relatively few male characters in these roles). There are great discussions to be had here about friendship, family, representation, bullying, and the role of literature in a young person’s life. Also, the idea that one isn’t a certain kind of student permanently - but instead can grow, change, improve, etc. their skills - is a critical lesson for the target audience and another win for Hamza (and Ahmed!) overall. I’m looking forward to recommending (if not just teaching) this to students and to reading much more from this author.
April 2, 2023
It took me a while to read because I read this book with my Mom!
I liked the conclusion and how the book concluded with Ahmed's class (SPOILER) winning the trophy. I also liked the ending with Jack and Ahmed because I think it allows readers to use their imagination for what happens next in their possible friendship.
It frustrated me how the author lacked how to show when the time was passing. The whole book felt like the start of school, and it was hard to imagine summer happening right after the author was talking about Winter Break ends. That frustrated me and my Mom a bit.
I liked the conclusion and how the book concluded with Ahmed's class (SPOILER) winning the trophy. I also liked the ending with Jack and Ahmed because I think it allows readers to use their imagination for what happens next in their possible friendship.
It frustrated me how the author lacked how to show when the time was passing. The whole book felt like the start of school, and it was hard to imagine summer happening right after the author was talking about Winter Break ends. That frustrated me and my Mom a bit.
June 15, 2023
Another SC Book Award nomination…the writing of this book was odd, there were several passages I had to go back and reread because they were confusing and just seemed to me to be leaving something out. The premise of the story was intense following a boy who has to move from Hawaii to Minnesota to help his father get treatment for a terminal illness. His next door neighbor is a bully that takes his torture to the extreme…almost getting Ahmed arrested. I felt like the adults in this book really failed Ahmed and was really let down by them.
September 1, 2021
It starts with a family move from Hawaii to Minnesota in pursuit of hopefully life-saving medical treatment for his father. How will it end?
August 4, 2024
A true school librarian’s or language arts teacher’s dream book! Nina Hamza manages to weave middle school angst with three award winning children’s literature books to give us a much needed author’s message.
I feel there are many messages to gather from this book, depending on the reader. As a school librarian, I applaud this book. An Indian Muslim teenager and the woes of being a new middle schooler in a town where you stand out is very much needed in our school libraries. However, the book has so much depth, and a little lengthy at times, I wonder if your average middle schooler will see the depth of the knowledge this book can bestow upon a reader. I surely hope many readers will pick up this book and learn all it has to offer.
Thank you Nina Hamza for writing this book. Thank you for so wonderfully tying in three classic novels. And thank you for making it have a happy ending. I was worried there for a minute when I started connecting all the dots. 😉
I feel there are many messages to gather from this book, depending on the reader. As a school librarian, I applaud this book. An Indian Muslim teenager and the woes of being a new middle schooler in a town where you stand out is very much needed in our school libraries. However, the book has so much depth, and a little lengthy at times, I wonder if your average middle schooler will see the depth of the knowledge this book can bestow upon a reader. I surely hope many readers will pick up this book and learn all it has to offer.
Thank you Nina Hamza for writing this book. Thank you for so wonderfully tying in three classic novels. And thank you for making it have a happy ending. I was worried there for a minute when I started connecting all the dots. 😉
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2021
This book was received as an ARC from HarperCollins Children's Books - Quill Tree Books in exchange for an honest review. Opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
I could not help but love this book. We have a very strong Muslim community in our library and they will appreciate a book like this for their children. Ahmed goes through a lot of struggles from dealing with his dad's illness and being the only brown kid in his school but handles them like a champ. I admire the direction Nina Hamza took with this book in turning a horrible situation into a triumphant success. This book warmed my heart and I can't wait to see the expressions on our young readers. I can definitely see this as a potential candidate for a future Battle of the Books competition.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
I could not help but love this book. We have a very strong Muslim community in our library and they will appreciate a book like this for their children. Ahmed goes through a lot of struggles from dealing with his dad's illness and being the only brown kid in his school but handles them like a champ. I admire the direction Nina Hamza took with this book in turning a horrible situation into a triumphant success. This book warmed my heart and I can't wait to see the expressions on our young readers. I can definitely see this as a potential candidate for a future Battle of the Books competition.
We will consider adding this title to our JFiction collection at our library. That is why we give this book 5 stars.
December 31, 2021
This book inspired to me to stop reading it and go read Holes and Bridge to Terabithia quick since I never had read either of them. That is its best quality. This book was fine, but nothing great. It was predictable, yet far-fetched, and too long.
October 22, 2021
“Sometimes if you pretend to have courage, you become courageous.”
Absolutely love a middle grade book that makes us laugh, appeals to kids, but has great depth to it, too. Ahmed Axis’s Epic Year by @NinaHamzaWrites hits all three marks in this wonderful #mglit story.
Absolutely love a middle grade book that makes us laugh, appeals to kids, but has great depth to it, too. Ahmed Axis’s Epic Year by @NinaHamzaWrites hits all three marks in this wonderful #mglit story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 169 reviews