Book review - Hail Mariam

 

Title: Hail Mariam

Author: Huda Al-Marashi

Genre: realistic fiction

age range: middle grade

Similar book: Measuring Up by Lily LaMotte

Summary (provided by publisher): Sixth grade wasn’t supposed to be this complicated.

Iraqi American Mariam Hassan transfers to a local Catholic school and before her first day her parents remind her that she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever met. No big deal, right? Just represent an entire religion while making new friends, keeping up with schoolwork, and figuring out who she is.

When Mariam’s younger sister, Salma, is diagnosed with a serious lung condition, her family faces endless doctor visits and sleepless nights. Mariam tries to lighten their burden and keep her own problems to herself—including the fact that she’s just been cast as Mary in the school’s Christmas nativity play.

Mariam wants to honor her faith and her new community, but she’s terrified of crossing a religious line. Can a Muslim girl be the lead in a Christian story? What will her family think? And why does she feel like every decision she makes represents all Muslims?

Mariam discovers that faith, much like friendships, isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. As she leans on her family, friends, and school community, she begins to see the power of interfaith cooperation and learns she doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

What I liked: Mariam is a strong character. She's responsible and does a lot to take care of herself and her sister, but she's also still a child and her characterization reflects that. Her understanding of the world is very one note and it takes the bulk of the novel for her to gain a more nuanced understanding and start seeing the world as more complex.

What I didn't like: Salma is a more one-note character. She falls victim to the role of a lot of younger siblings in books - she's cute and innocent and has no complexity of her own. She is only there to create conflict and complication for Mariam. While I like the conversation this book introduces about religion and culture, the depth is lacking.

Advanced Reader Copy provided by NetGalley