Hena Khan's new novel for kids is Amina's Voice. From the author's Q&A with Deborah Kalb:Q: How did you come up for the idea for Amina’s Voice, and for your main character, Amina?Visit Hena Khan's website.
A: I wanted to write a middle grade novel that featured a Pakistani-American Muslim girl but focused on universal themes like friendship, dealing with change, and finding confidence.
Amina is a shy girl trying to find her voice, both literally and figuratively, and in many ways she represents parts of my own personality when I was that age.
I think there are a lot of stories out there nowadays with female protagonists who are outspoken, confident, go-getters and while I think they are important role models, it’s important for the quieter girls...[read on]
--Marshal Zeringue