Huda F Cares

Huda and her sisters are excited about their parents' vacation to Disney World, but it's not as perfect as it seems. They have to survive a 24-hour road trip, and Huda notices people staring at her and her family when they pray in public. It's a vacation of sisterly bonding, a complicated new friendship, and mixed feelings about her family's public prayers. Huda is proud of her religion and who she is, but she still wishes she didn't care so much what other people thought.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 12 October 2023
Publisher: Penguin Putnam Inc

Huda and her sisters are in disbelief when their parents announce that they are actually taking a vacation this summer. To their surprise, the destination is none other than DISNEY WORLD! However, things don't quite go as planned. Firstly, Huda has to endure a 24-hour road trip from Michigan to Florida, with her sisters constantly bothering her along the way. Additionally, she can't help but notice the stares and curious glances directed at her and her family when they pray in public. Back home in Deerborn, Huda and her family blend in seamlessly due to the prevalence of other Muslim families. However, in Florida and along the way, they stand out as a minority.

This vacation becomes a journey of forced sisterly bonding, a complicated new friendship, a sense of increased independence, and mixed feelings about their family's public prayers. Huda is proud of her religion and her identity, but she often wishes she didn't care so much about what others thought.

The road trip itself is filled with challenges. Huda and her sisters argue and bicker, but eventually, they find ways to bond over their shared experiences. They stop at roadside attractions, try new foods, and even sing along to their favorite songs. Despite the initial tensions, they grow closer and learn to appreciate each other's differences.

When they arrive in Florida, Huda is excited to explore the theme park. However, she soon realizes that being a Muslim in a secular environment comes with its own set of challenges. She feels self-conscious about her hijab and struggles to find prayer spaces that are both convenient and respectful. She also notices that some people are uncomfortable around her and her family, and she wonders if they are judging them for their religious beliefs.

Despite these challenges, Huda and her sisters have a wonderful time at DISNEY WORLD. They ride thrilling roller coasters, meet Disney characters, and enjoy delicious food. They also make a new friend, a Christian girl named Emily, who is kind and welcoming. Emily is fascinated by Huda's hijab and eager to learn more about her religion.

Through their friendship, Huda learns that it's possible to have meaningful conversations and connections with people from different backgrounds. She realizes that her religion is not a barrier to forming friendships, but rather a source of pride and identity. She also learns that it's important to be respectful and understanding of others' beliefs, even if they differ from her own.

As their vacation comes to an end, Huda and her sisters return home with a newfound appreciation for their family and their religion. They realize that their vacation was not only about having fun but also about growing as individuals and learning to embrace their differences. They promise to continue to pray together in public and to be proud of who they are, regardless of what others may think.

In conclusion, Huda's vacation to DISNEY WORLD is a transformative experience that challenges her beliefs and perspectives. It forces her to confront her fears and insecurities and to learn to embrace her identity as a Muslim woman in a secular world. Through her friendship with Emily, she gains a newfound understanding of the importance of empathy and respect for others' beliefs. Huda returns home with a renewed sense of pride and a commitment to continue to live her life authentically, regardless of what others may think.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 203 x 154 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780593532805