Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata

Nayra is near a breaking point. Constant harassment at school, pressure from her family, who think she should just tough it out like her siblings did, and increasing frustration with her friend Rami, the only other Muslim student, all come to a boiling point one Ramadan. While she's on a website that focuses on preserving Muslim oral history, she and the others get a strange message from someone claiming to be a djinn. Only Nayra is gullible - or desperate - enough to answer and is shocked when the djinn shows up. Marjan at first appears to be intent on helping Nayra deal with her complicated life - and they do have a lot of good advice to offer - but they're hiding secrets of their own. When everyone's secrets meet, will Nayra be able to salvage her friendships and find a way forward, or will everything collapse?

There's a quasi-manga style to the artwork, shown in the choppy hairstyles, big eyes, and exaggerated movements. Ata has a style all their own though, weaving myth and oral history throughout the contemporary story with Marjan's storytelling, illustrated in bright motifs of pink, purple, and turquoise.

This is a unique offering, delving into friendship and family challenges, like the memoir style popularized by Raina Telgemeier, but weaving in the challenges of Nayra's exploration of religion and her struggles with harassment from students and indifference from teachers as well. Her struggles and culture are expanded through the introduction of Marjan and the focus on memories, secrets, and the sharing of stories. The ending is left open; Nayra introduces the djinn to her family and they agree to set aside differences and discussions and have a peaceful Eid together, promising to listen to Nayra later. Nayra's complicated relationship with Rami and her desire for a more accepting atmosphere will resonate with readers trying to find their own identities and move forward into their own future.

Verdict: I don't think this is the first choice I'd give kids who are unfamiliar with Arabic culture and Muslim religion, but it's a good starting point for a discussion and, aside from the educational aspect, it's a strong story with beautiful art.

ISBN: 9780593117118; Published February 2023 by Viking; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library