Common Sense Media Review
By Michael Berry
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Muslim American teen meets helpful djinn in fresh fantasy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 10+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As NAYRA AND THE DJINN opens, Nayra is under tremendous pressure at home and school. Her parents are very strict, but her junior varsity volleyball teammates want her to break her fast during the holy month of Ramadan. Her human friend Rami tries to help her, but Nayra manages to summon a mysterious djinn named Marjan, just as Nayra is about to transfer to another school. On the run from other djinn, Marjan wants to be of use to humans, but she has secrets that threaten to leave everyone with hurt feelings.
Is It Any Good?
Writer-artist Iasmin Omar Ata weaves an enchanted tale of friendship and identity in this appealing graphic novel. Comics based on Islamic folklore are rare, but this manga-influenced fantasy treats its subject with respect. Sometimes the action in Nayra and the Djinn seems a little confusing and the rules of magic a little vague, but the overall reading experience is insightful and enjoyable. Nayra and the Djinn rewards those readers who like a mix of contemporary school drama and ancient cosmic religion.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how Nayra and the Djinn presents a Muslim main character. As she stands up for her right to celebrate Ramadan, Nayra displays compassion, courage, and curiosity.
How is a graphic novel different in the way it presents its story? What effects are available that can't be done with prose alone?
Why do Muslims fast for the month of Ramadan? What other religions practice rituals like it? How does fasting affect family life?
Book Details
- Author: Iasmin Omar Ata
- Illustrator: Iasmin Omar Ata
- Genre: Graphic Novel
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy , Princesses, Fairies, Mermaids, and More , Friendship , Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Compassion , Curiosity , Gratitude
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Viking Books for Young Readers
- Publication date: February 28, 2023
- Publisher's recommended age(s): 10 - 14
- Number of pages: 256
- Available on: Paperback, iBooks, Kindle
- Last updated: April 10, 2023
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