Book InfoSynopsis(via Goodreads) In this compelling and thought-provoking debut novel, after a terrorist attack rocks the country and anti-Islamic sentiment stirs, three Black Muslim girls create a space where they can shatter assumptions and share truths. Sabriya has her whole summer planned out in color-coded glory, but those plans go out the window after a terrorist attack near her home. When the terrorist is assumed to be Muslim and Islamophobia grows, Sabriya turns to her online journal for comfort. You Truly Assumed was never meant to be anything more than an outlet, but the blog goes viral as fellow Muslim teens around the country flock to it and find solace and a sense of community. Soon two more teens, Zakat and Farah, join Bri to run You Truly Assumed and the three quickly form a strong friendship. But as the blog’s popularity grows, so do the pushback and hateful comments. When one of them is threatened, the search to find out who is behind it all begins, and their friendship is put to the test when all three must decide whether to shut down the blog and lose what they’ve worked for…or take a stand and risk everything to make their voices heard. ReviewFirst off, thank you to the publisher and NetGallery for the eARC! I’m always looking for Muslim representation in YA literature, and honestly, I haven’t enjoyed many of those books so far. YTA, however, was different. It reflects on Islamophobia and how three young Black Muslim Women navigate the aftermath of a terror attack, after which the girls meet online to work on a blog together. The main characters have different interests, personalities and families, which reflects the unique Muslim experience. The characters are believable and complex; they’re not perfect and learn and develop through the story. It’s one of those few contemporary YA books where the author nails writing real teens. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to keep track of three simultaneous stories, but it was coherent and tied together. Also, the book was only 247 pages, and a short book is always a win in my book. The initial reason I wanted to read this book was the gorgeous cover (other publishers, take notes), and the story does live up to that! I’m sure that this novel will relate to many people since it covers anti-Blackness and Islamophobia, and the feelings and emotions that come with that. You don’t even need to be Muslim to see yourself in the characters; the book illustrates a realistic image of microaggressions. YTA provokes thought about issues like race and religion. It’s not all negative, though. The friendship that blossoms between the three girls are heartwarming. This book is genuinely one of the best books with Muslim representation. The only thing I can nitpick is that I wish the book focused more on being a Muslim itself, rather than on what is it to be a Muslim after a terror attack, but again, the book is short, so it’s understandable. I loved the portrayal of a supportive, tight-knit Muslim community. I found myself genuinely invested in each of the character’s stories and I would love a sequel! Honestly, I love the idea of a blog where people who share experiences write about them together. YTA is truly worth the read, particularly if you're interested in social justice, OwnVoices and YA literature. Overall, a highly relevant, relatable and thought-provoking short read that will interest ages 12+! Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐(4 stars) Book Links
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