Description:
In this searing contemporary YA novel from new voice Aamna Qureshi, a Muslim teen runs away from home only to find herself on a breathtaking journey of healing, self-love, and hope.
Brief description:
Aamna Qureshi is a Muslim Pakistani American who adores words. She is the award-winning author of the YA fantasy novel The Lady or the Lion. She grew up on Long Island, New York, in a very loud household, surrounded by English (for school), Urdu (for conversation), and Punjabi (for emotion). Much of her childhood was spent being grounded for reading past her bedtime and writing stories in the backs of her notebooks. When she's not writing, she loves to travel to new places where she can explore different cultures, or to Pakistan where she can revitalize her roots. She also loves baking complicated desserts, drinking fancy teas and coffees, watching sappy rom-coms, and going for walks about the estate (her backyard). She currently lives in New York. Look for her at aamnaqureshi.com.
Review Quotes:
"Beautifully, bravely and empathetically rendered, When a Brown Girl Flees is a vital addition to the growing Muslim young adult canon. Qureshi brilliantly includes and celebrates recognizable communal touchstones, while emphasizing this narrative's individuality as a particular (and necessary) experience among many, and encouraging both--a new facet of cultural and emotional depiction that offers warm familiarity while emphasizing its presence as one particular (and necessary) experience in what is a diverse collective, rather than a unified monolith. This title should be warmly welcomed, and widely shelved." -- Karuna Riazi, author of A Bit of Earth and The Gauntlet
""Both heartwarming and heartbreaking, When A Brown Girl Flees is a poignant story about how finding your community can help you heal and learn to love yourself."" -- Adiba Jaigirdar, author of author of Hani and Ishu's Guide to Fake Dating and The Henna Wars
"Aamna Qureshi's prose sings with emotion, every immaculate word carrying this stunning story forward. Zahra's journey across the country and into the depths of her heart demonstrates the incomparable power of finding--or rediscovering--love that'll be with you wherever you go." -- Racquel Marie, author of Ophelia After All
""Qureshi effortlessly weaves a story as universal as it is specific: about the wretched tragedy and fury of growing up a girl, alongside the unique wonders and joys. Readers will root for protagonist Zahra as she learns to embrace her roots for nobody other than herself. When a Brown Girl Flees is a story that is at times heartbreaking, warm, relatable, and above all, incredibly healing."" -- Jesmeen Kaur Deo, author of TJ Powar Has Something to Prove
"Amidst a backdrop of complicated familial love and found friendship through a faith-based community, Zahra's story paints a powerful and poignant tale of coming into one's own and finding hope in new beginnings." -- Christina Li, author of Ruby Lost and Found
Best Children's Books of the Year Winner 2024 - Bank Street College of Education