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Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero Paperback – September 13, 2022

by Saadia Faruqi (Author)
4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 72 ratings
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At a time when we are all asking questions about identity, grief, and how to stand up for what is right, this book by the author of A Thousand Questions will hit home with young readers who love Hena Khan and Varian Johnson—or anyone struggling to understand recent U.S. history and how it still affects us today.  

Yusuf Azeem has spent all his life in the small town of Frey, Texas—and nearly that long waiting for the chance to participate in the regional robotics competition, which he just knows he can win.

Only, this year is going to be more difficult than he thought. Because this year is the twentieth anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, an anniversary that has everyone in his Muslim community on edge.

With “Never Forget” banners everywhere and a hostile group of townspeople protesting the new mosque, Yusuf realizes that the country’s anger from two decades ago hasn’t gone away. Can he hold onto his joy—and his friendships—in the face of heartache and prejudice?

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Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    384 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    5.25 x 1 x 7.5 inches
  6. Publisher
    Quill Tree Books
  7. Publication date
    September 13, 2022
  8. ISBN-10
    0062943235
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0062943231
  10. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"Faruqi finds engaging ways to explore how myriad tragedies of 9/11 have lodged in our memories, from uncomfortable questions in Yusuf’s classroom to a conflict over the construction of a mosque... Among the novel’s strengths is the hope it offers young readers, because despite the real menace from those who consider Muslim Americans “the enemy … among us,” Yusuf does have allies. They cannot solve all his problems, but they can see him as we all hope our children will be seen, for their decency, potential and hearts." — New York Times Book Review

"Gripping, well-paced, and poignant, this is an essential purchase for all libraries and a must-read book of our times that raises important questions about who controls historical narratives, what it means to stand up for justice, and the legacy of an event that cannot be forgotten." — School Library Journal (starred review)

"A timely, emotional story full of hope and love even in the face of discrimination and prejudice." — Kirkus Reviews

"Yusuf Azeem Is Not A Hero will surely help spark many conversations about Islamophobia and xenophobia, as well as how much things have changed in the past 20 years. Faruqi's emotional story will resonate with older readers who lived through the events many years ago, and younger readers will gain insight on the lasting effects that the 9/11 attacks had on Americans and why they are an important part of history." — Booklist

"Faruqi effectively probes complexities of radical activism vs. peaceful accommodation as Muslim response to prejudice, as well as the non-Muslim community’s deep discomfort in stepping beyond a bystander role in defense of their neighbors." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

"[A] timely, hopeful middle grade novel." — Publishers Weekly

About the Author

Saadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American writer, interfaith activist, and cultural-sensitivity trainer. She is the author of the children’s early-reader series Yasmin and the middle grade novels A Thousand Questions, Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero, and The Partition Project and the coauthor of the middle grade novel A Place at the Table as well as The Wonders We Seek: Thirty Incredible Muslims Who Helped Shape the World. She was profiled in O magazine as a woman making a difference in her community and serves as editor in chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry, and prose. She resides in Houston, Texas, with her family.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Quill Tree Books (September 13, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0062943235
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0062943231
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 8.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.25 x 1 x 7.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 72 ratings

About the author

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Saadia Faruqi

Saadia Faruqi

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Saadia Faruqi is a Pakistani American writer of fiction and nonfiction. She writes for a number of print and online publications about the global contemporary Muslim experience and about interfaith dialogue. She has trained law enforcement on cultural sensitivity issues and offers community college classes on a variety of topics related to Islam and Muslims. She is editor of the Interfaith Houston blog, organizer of the annual Women's Interfaith Conference, and editor-in-chief of Blue Minaret, a magazine for Muslim art, poetry and prose. Professionally she is a grant writer, with almost 15 years of experience working with nonprofit organizations in the United States and abroad. She lives in Houston, TX with her husband and two children.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
4.5 out of 5
72 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

2012momof1
5.0 out of 5 stars Story of 9/11 through a child
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2022
Verified Purchase
Good book for an grade school reader.
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Rommel Momen
5.0 out of 5 stars Informative
Reviewed in the United States on December 26, 2021
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My 5th grader found it interesting, relatable and informative.
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Jennifer C.
5.0 out of 5 stars Yusuf Azeem is not a hero....except when he is.
Reviewed in the United States on March 20, 2022
Yusuf Azeem is not a hero, except when he is. This book opens with Yusuf starting middle school as a sixth grader. He enjoyed elementary school and he's looking forward to middle school, especially because he can now participate in the TRC (Texas Robotics Competition) that he's been practicing for since third grade. On his first day of school, Yusuf and his friend Danial pass under a banner that has been hung in the hallway which says "Never Forget - Twenty Years" - but they aren't really concerned about it. Yusuf knows that middle school is going to be awesome - right up until he opens his locker for the first time and sees a note that says "You suck." At first, Yusuf shrugs it off, thinking the note couldn't possibly be for him because it's the first day and how could anybody even know which locker is his?

Unfortunately, that begins a series of events that make clear that there are individuals in the small town of Frey who think that all Muslims should just "go home" because "their kind don't belong here." At first, Yusuf tries to just keep his head down and ignore the bullying, but he quickly finds that his faith - which teaches to help those who need it and stop those who are doing wrong - won't let him ignore it, and he begins to stand up to the bullying - though he doesn't always win.

Yusuf's story is interspersed with entries from his uncle's journal entries during the same time frame in 2001. The similarities of the struggles both boys faced show us that, even though it may be 20 years later, there are many Americans who still view all Muslims as the enemy, with suspicion, and as dangerous. This is illustrated extremely well when Yusuf takes his new Micro:bit to school with him.
One person found this helpful
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rhonda roumani
5.0 out of 5 stars Must-Read for all Middle Schoolers
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2021
I can't believe it took 20 years for this book to exist. And I'm so happy that Saadia Faruqi was the writer to tackle it. Yusuf Azeem is the first book to show us how September 11 affected Muslim families and kids in this country. As I read it, I couldn't help but feel like I knew these kids-- they're sweet, smart, curious Muslim-American kids just trying to get through Middle School. My daughter's teacher invited the author to talk about the book in her seventh grade classroom and I know the kids heard a narrative they'd never encountered before. This book isn't only about the attacks of September 11, 2001. It's a book that can be read any time of the year. It's a book about what it feels like growing up Muslim in America today, in a post-Trump era. It should be required reading in schools across the country. And I'm so grateful that my Muslim-American children now have a book that offers another narrative on the effects of September 11 that speaks to different aspects of their childhood experience.
One person found this helpful
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cbee
5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read!
Reviewed in the United States on August 30, 2022
This is such an important and beautiful story that tackles hard issues like prejudice and racism in a way that is both realistic and hopeful. Through the lens of Yusuf Azeem, Saadia Faruqi shows readers why the events of 9/11 are still relevant today…and how communities can come together to overcome hatred.

(As an added bonus, I loved the STEM connections made through Yusuf’s involvement in the robotics team!)
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Angela K.
5.0 out of 5 stars Please read and share with the young people in your life - Must read!
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2022
This is a must read for middle-grade readers and beyond. It is a vital addition to the 9/11 canon. It is especially important for these kids who were all born post-9/11. Yusuf is a memorable protagonist that many will identify with. Please read and share with the kids in your life.
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Anonymous
5.0 out of 5 stars Never Forget
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021
Another MG gem by Saadia Faruqi. My initial hunch was right and some parts of this novel were difficult to read because, as an American Muslim who lived through 9/11 and its repercussions, some of the scenes were far too relatable and made my blood boil. However painful though, the topics discussed are important to understanding the way Islamaphobia has rooted itself in our society. Yusuf is a wonderful protagonist and I think many middle-grade readers will identify with his struggles, including those surrounding his school, friends, hobbies, and community.
3 people found this helpful
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R. Faruqi
5.0 out of 5 stars Finally a Much Needed Story that Highlights a Muslim middle schoolers experience in light of 9/11
Reviewed in the United States on September 8, 2021
Loved this powerful and unapologetic Muslim book!

It highlights real emotion, an authentic and genuine Muslim family, kind neighbors, and an unforgettable middle school experience!

This story is much needed and highlights a Muslim middle schoolers experience in a modern time in light of 9/11. It deals with themes of discrimination and racism, and standing up for who you are no matter what.

The first line of the book gets your attention and hooks you in!
2 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Sal
1.0 out of 5 stars Screaming inferiority complex from start to finish!
Reviewed in Australia on August 9, 2023
Verified Purchase
So I purchased this book for a proposed Muslim Children's Library. I was excited to increase our range for chapter books as Muslim lit for this age range is limited. I was so extremely disappointed. The whole book screams of inferiority complex from beginning to end. For starters, the only fully religiously practicing aunty (Sameena Aunty) is the most condescending, arrogant, inconsiderate character. I'd argue she is worse than the obvious antagonist in the story. Other practicing characters are portrayed as rigid and perhaps backward.
So much emphasis is put on all the religious and paganistic rituals of other religions and cultures; which normally doesn't bother me except that the Muslim children are continuously engaged in them throughout the story. Muslim children unabashedly eating non-halal food etc. This is definitely not a book for a young, impressionable Muslim audience.
The only value in the book is perhaps for those that lived through 9/11 as a non-Muslim and was not aware of how the discourses of the time really affected Muslim families and children. Nothing more than that. The book will not be making it into our library catalogue.
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