I have just spent two days at a model United Nations, debating, among other things, women’s rights. And, while technically the topic was on violence against women, what came up a lot was women being forced to wear hijabs or burkas. What no one really thought about though, was the women who choose to wear the hijab purely of their own volition. This reminded me of one of my favourite books - Does My Head Look Big In This? - about a girl who chooses to wear the hijab full time, without pressure from anyone.
Amal, a sixteen year old Australian-Palestinian-Muslim, faces considerable opposition when she decides to wear the hijab full time; her school’s administration, her classmates, people on the streets, even her parents are dubious, but Amal is confident in her decision. This book is about Amal’s journey, navigating between open discrimination from random people, to her principal “suggesting” she not wear her hijab in school. She also has to deal with other people’s issues with her having friends of different religions. Does My Head Look Big In This? is narrated by Amal with sarcasm, humour, and wit.
Does My Head Look Big In This? is extremely well written and funny, Amal, along with every other character, is well rounded and believable. Amal, especially, is someone who you wish you had as a friend, she has an endless supply of witty retorts, and isn’t afraid to use them at any given time. One thing I especially like is that Amal never regrets her decision, and she never feels like her faith is confining her. She is perfectly comfortable with who she is, and isn’t afraid to speak out.
Does My Head Look Big In This? is a great story about self-confidence, discovering yourself, and above all friendship. If more people read books like this perhaps we'd have a more balanced debate. If only I could have quoted this book last week!
Feisty chick-o-meter: 10/10
Age Rating: 13+
Rating: 10/10
Stand alone or series: Stand alone
Book or audiobook: Book
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