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Flower Child
After losing her father, Aleena’s faith in Islam is tested by depression, bullying, and a boy she never expected to fall for.
Aleena is depressed. Her father is gone, her family has moved on from his death without her, and her freshman year of high school is about to start. Trapped in a spiral of deteriorating mental health and bad habits, Aleena begins to lose the joys she has left—baking and gardening.
When she meets Zayn, a kind-hearted boy who believes she can overcome her pain, Aleena realizes it’s okay to ask for help. But relentless bullying at school threatens to unwind her progress and deepens her despair.
Can Aleena embrace her imperfections to learn that being unapologetically Muslim is a source of strength to heal herself?
Flower Child is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that challenges young Muslim girls to accept their flaws, be strong, and understand their religion.
Aleena is depressed. Her father is gone, her family has moved on from his death without her, and her freshman year of high school is about to start. Trapped in a spiral of deteriorating mental health and bad habits, Aleena begins to lose the joys she has left—baking and gardening.
When she meets Zayn, a kind-hearted boy who believes she can overcome her pain, Aleena realizes it’s okay to ask for help. But relentless bullying at school threatens to unwind her progress and deepens her despair.
Can Aleena embrace her imperfections to learn that being unapologetically Muslim is a source of strength to heal herself?
Flower Child is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that challenges young Muslim girls to accept their flaws, be strong, and understand their religion.
228 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 4, 2025
2 people are currently reading
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 28, 2025
I know ... I know maybe I shouldn't be writing this review because I'm the author hehe but what I will say is this. I wrote this story to inspire teenage Muslim girls to be unapologetically Muslim while living in the West, more specifically in a Non-Muslim country. It's not easy being a Muslim teenager and I want them to know that I understand, and I see them. But I also, want them to know that it's okay to love your hijab, to love being Muslim, to love yourself, to love Allah, and to ask for help when you need help. There's nothing wrong with allowing others to help you when you are struggling especially when it has something to do with your mental health.
If you have a teenager at home and you want to get them a book that they can relate to and benefit from Islalmically, I highly recommend giving my debut novel a shot. Give Aleena's story a chance, you won't regret it!
If you have a teenager at home and you want to get them a book that they can relate to and benefit from Islalmically, I highly recommend giving my debut novel a shot. Give Aleena's story a chance, you won't regret it!
October 30, 2024
Flower Child is a heartwarming and inspiring story of family and love that also blends in the importance of seeking help when needed.
Aleena is a freshman who is still unable to come to terms with her father's demise. What hurts her the most is how she was the only one who didn't know about her father's illness. The author has portrayed her as a strong-headed yet vulnerable girl. I like how she stands up for herself against her bullies. Also, Islam and its practices have been woven beautifully in the story without it seeming like a lesson. The supporting characters like Aleena's siblings, her mother, and friends have been portrayed well. Zayn, her love interest, is cute, and I liked how he helped Aleena with her music and encouraged her to seek help for her mental health issues.
I would have loved if Aleena's insecurities were dealt more deeply. At times, she seemed too good to be true. Also, I felt her bullies gave in too easily. I'd have also liked to know more about how Aleena and Zayn developed romantic feelings for each other.
Overall, I think this book is much needed in today's scenario where young teenage Muslim girls are portrayed so authentically such that they can relate to it. Plus, the cover is absolutely beautiful.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Aleena is a freshman who is still unable to come to terms with her father's demise. What hurts her the most is how she was the only one who didn't know about her father's illness. The author has portrayed her as a strong-headed yet vulnerable girl. I like how she stands up for herself against her bullies. Also, Islam and its practices have been woven beautifully in the story without it seeming like a lesson. The supporting characters like Aleena's siblings, her mother, and friends have been portrayed well. Zayn, her love interest, is cute, and I liked how he helped Aleena with her music and encouraged her to seek help for her mental health issues.
I would have loved if Aleena's insecurities were dealt more deeply. At times, she seemed too good to be true. Also, I felt her bullies gave in too easily. I'd have also liked to know more about how Aleena and Zayn developed romantic feelings for each other.
Overall, I think this book is much needed in today's scenario where young teenage Muslim girls are portrayed so authentically such that they can relate to it. Plus, the cover is absolutely beautiful.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 6, 2024
Flower child is a heartfelt YA coming of age halal romance novel that teaches the importance of being yourself while also inspiring that it’s okay to ask for help.
Aleena grapples with grief, bullying, and staying true to her faith; all while navigating her first year of public high school. Not to mention the cute British boy who happens to be her brother’s best friend.
I like how the author tells it like it is in High School; so I could really relate to a lot of aspects of the story. The author does an amazing job of highlighting the teachings of Islam in a way that’s not overbearing. I liked the character Aleena because of her confidence but also vulnerability. I loved how the author portrayed the main character’s bond with her family and friends. Her love interest Zayn will make you swoon!
At times, I got confused with parts of the story due to pov changes etc. I would’ve liked more consistency with that aspect.
Overall, I loved this book! I laughed, cried, and cheesed reading this. I think this book will help a lot of people especially girls in high school battling staying true to themselves/faith vs peer pressure and wanting to fit in. No matter your age, there’s something to love and learn from this book!
I was received this as an ARC reader in exchange for my review
Aleena grapples with grief, bullying, and staying true to her faith; all while navigating her first year of public high school. Not to mention the cute British boy who happens to be her brother’s best friend.
I like how the author tells it like it is in High School; so I could really relate to a lot of aspects of the story. The author does an amazing job of highlighting the teachings of Islam in a way that’s not overbearing. I liked the character Aleena because of her confidence but also vulnerability. I loved how the author portrayed the main character’s bond with her family and friends. Her love interest Zayn will make you swoon!
At times, I got confused with parts of the story due to pov changes etc. I would’ve liked more consistency with that aspect.
Overall, I loved this book! I laughed, cried, and cheesed reading this. I think this book will help a lot of people especially girls in high school battling staying true to themselves/faith vs peer pressure and wanting to fit in. No matter your age, there’s something to love and learn from this book!
I was received this as an ARC reader in exchange for my review
December 2, 2024
Flower child is the heart touching story of a daughter (15 year old Aleena) mourning the loss of her father while being bullied at school and even outcasted by other Muslims for being “too religious”. At the same time she finds love the Halal way in a new handsome classmate, and finds strength and comfort in Islam through her tight knit and loving family.
I absolutely LOVED this book from start to finish, it was heartwarming, ACTUALLY relatable Islamic fiction that doesn’t water down Islam or lack in good storytelling for the sake of being preachy. Not only is it rare to find a Muslim protagonist who actually has pride in her religion and follows the Quran and Sunnah, but finding a functional, loving, stable, and religious African American family depicted in fiction is even rarer, and a breath of fresh air!
Aleena was such a well crafted character whose struggle with anxiety and depression rooted in grief and feeling alone in a world that neither respects her beliefs, nor makes it easy for her to stay firm in them was a genuine look into the lives of most Muslim teens. Throughout the story, Aleena must learn to put her pride aside and accept professional help for her grief, and at the same time accept the tools Allaah has given us to get through hard times. Her close relationship with her mother and sister Salwa was so heartwarming, and the way her brother Amir stepped up to support and protect his family after their fathers passing was so sweet! The romance between her and Zayn was so adorable! And while the author kept it Halal, she didn’t shy away from illustrating the inner conflict between desire and choosing to do things the right way.
Overall I recommend this book to every Muslim girl growing up in the West. It’s a relatable and genuine story full of heart, and I loved every page of it!
I absolutely LOVED this book from start to finish, it was heartwarming, ACTUALLY relatable Islamic fiction that doesn’t water down Islam or lack in good storytelling for the sake of being preachy. Not only is it rare to find a Muslim protagonist who actually has pride in her religion and follows the Quran and Sunnah, but finding a functional, loving, stable, and religious African American family depicted in fiction is even rarer, and a breath of fresh air!
Aleena was such a well crafted character whose struggle with anxiety and depression rooted in grief and feeling alone in a world that neither respects her beliefs, nor makes it easy for her to stay firm in them was a genuine look into the lives of most Muslim teens. Throughout the story, Aleena must learn to put her pride aside and accept professional help for her grief, and at the same time accept the tools Allaah has given us to get through hard times. Her close relationship with her mother and sister Salwa was so heartwarming, and the way her brother Amir stepped up to support and protect his family after their fathers passing was so sweet! The romance between her and Zayn was so adorable! And while the author kept it Halal, she didn’t shy away from illustrating the inner conflict between desire and choosing to do things the right way.
Overall I recommend this book to every Muslim girl growing up in the West. It’s a relatable and genuine story full of heart, and I loved every page of it!
March 9, 2025
Book Review: Flower Child by Atiyah K. Brinkley
Atiyah K. Brinkley’s Flower Child is a sweet coming-of-age novel about the long, hard road to becoming oneself - about identity, faith, and self-discovery. Through Aleena's eyes - the young Muslim girl at the center of the story - readers get to grapple with the intense pain of grief, the sometimes-cushioned weight of friendship and betrayal, and the pressure societal expectations put on one another. Aleena still mourns her father, whose death is the anguish within her heart - the inspiration that pushes her into baking with love and a warm heart: within arms of a close-knit family. However, facing high school means she has to deal with a world of sidewalk bullies; others misunderstand her culture, and the once-close friend seems to drift farther away with every passing day. While grappling with these struggles, she struggles to find the balance between her faith and her want to fit into the society surrounding her. One of the standouts for this novel is how that experience is captured strawberry neatly for a young Muslim girl with a hijab - and still trying to fight through the internal strife, as well as what society throws at her. The writing style of Brinkley's prose is enjoyable and captivating, filled with emotions. Other relationships in this novel, particularly that with the father, have brought forth a great layer of warmth and nostalgia. Therapy, as one mean of healing, is a particular note within the story, and there is some stern argument of stigmas around mental health coming from the Muslim world. Flower Child is the novel for that reader who craves the combination of cultural authenticity and universal themes of resilience and growth. It will serenely be an inspiring and deeply moving experience for any reader left with a quietly lasting impression.
Atiyah K. Brinkley’s Flower Child is a sweet coming-of-age novel about the long, hard road to becoming oneself - about identity, faith, and self-discovery. Through Aleena's eyes - the young Muslim girl at the center of the story - readers get to grapple with the intense pain of grief, the sometimes-cushioned weight of friendship and betrayal, and the pressure societal expectations put on one another. Aleena still mourns her father, whose death is the anguish within her heart - the inspiration that pushes her into baking with love and a warm heart: within arms of a close-knit family. However, facing high school means she has to deal with a world of sidewalk bullies; others misunderstand her culture, and the once-close friend seems to drift farther away with every passing day. While grappling with these struggles, she struggles to find the balance between her faith and her want to fit into the society surrounding her. One of the standouts for this novel is how that experience is captured strawberry neatly for a young Muslim girl with a hijab - and still trying to fight through the internal strife, as well as what society throws at her. The writing style of Brinkley's prose is enjoyable and captivating, filled with emotions. Other relationships in this novel, particularly that with the father, have brought forth a great layer of warmth and nostalgia. Therapy, as one mean of healing, is a particular note within the story, and there is some stern argument of stigmas around mental health coming from the Muslim world. Flower Child is the novel for that reader who craves the combination of cultural authenticity and universal themes of resilience and growth. It will serenely be an inspiring and deeply moving experience for any reader left with a quietly lasting impression.
December 20, 2025
This is a sweet Islamic teen novel. It tells the story of a 14 year old African American Muslimah dealing with grief, social pressures at school and managing a crush in the right way. It talks first periods, gritty family backgrounds, bullying, mental health and much more.
I loved that the story is told from a more conservative Muslim viewpoint. You don't usually get to hear from the kids being called 'extreme' by other Muslims. The idea of rebranding 'Haraam Police' was very cute.
The narrative is very explicitly Muslim and I don't think it could be enjoyed by a non-Muslim audience as it reads too preachy. Despite that, there is a lot of time spent explaining simple Islamic words and concepts. I'd have liked It commited to one audience or the other. It reads a little awkwardly and it took me a while to get into but it's worth it for getting a story and perspective you don't usually.
Some of the content felt a little too mature for the age of the audience. I'd rather my child first encounters these topics in a book like this though than elsewhere. None of it felt heavy and was very simply told. I've put some details I remember below for you to decide what's best for your child.
CONTENT:
Language: No swearing.
Romance: Feelings and some touch (hugging, hand holding) with Muslim MCs. 'Sit downs' with mahram present and marriage as the end goal. A Muslim girl tries to manipulate her Muslim boyfriend into sleeping with him. A non-Muslim married man has affairs, even in his own home. Nothing haram is normalised. The words 'virgin', 'sex' and 'porn' are used a few times in discussion of these topics.
Faith: MCs are practicing (conservative) and the story is told in a very explicit, more preachy way.
Other: First period. Alcoholism. Domestic abuse.
I loved that the story is told from a more conservative Muslim viewpoint. You don't usually get to hear from the kids being called 'extreme' by other Muslims. The idea of rebranding 'Haraam Police' was very cute.
The narrative is very explicitly Muslim and I don't think it could be enjoyed by a non-Muslim audience as it reads too preachy. Despite that, there is a lot of time spent explaining simple Islamic words and concepts. I'd have liked It commited to one audience or the other. It reads a little awkwardly and it took me a while to get into but it's worth it for getting a story and perspective you don't usually.
Some of the content felt a little too mature for the age of the audience. I'd rather my child first encounters these topics in a book like this though than elsewhere. None of it felt heavy and was very simply told. I've put some details I remember below for you to decide what's best for your child.
CONTENT:
Language: No swearing.
Romance: Feelings and some touch (hugging, hand holding) with Muslim MCs. 'Sit downs' with mahram present and marriage as the end goal. A Muslim girl tries to manipulate her Muslim boyfriend into sleeping with him. A non-Muslim married man has affairs, even in his own home. Nothing haram is normalised. The words 'virgin', 'sex' and 'porn' are used a few times in discussion of these topics.
Faith: MCs are practicing (conservative) and the story is told in a very explicit, more preachy way.
Other: First period. Alcoholism. Domestic abuse.
January 8, 2025
"Flower Child" is a poignant and timely novel that delves into the complexities of adolescent grief, self-discovery, and the evolving relationship with faith. Aleena, the protagonist, is a compelling character grappling with the aftermath of her father's death. Her journey through depression, bullying, and the unexpected bloom of young love is both heartbreaking and hopeful.
The author masterfully captures the nuances of Aleena's internal struggles. Her isolation, self-doubt, and the erosion of her faith are portrayed with a raw honesty that resonates deeply. The portrayal of bullying is particularly impactful, highlighting the devastating effects it can have on a young person's mental health.
However, "Flower Child" is more than just a story of pain. It's a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of faith. Zayn's unwavering kindness and support offer a beacon of hope for Aleena, reminding her that she is not alone. The novel also explores the complexities of religious identity, encouraging young Muslim girls to embrace their faith on their own terms, while acknowledging the challenges they may face in a sometimes-hostile world.
"Flower Child" is a valuable contribution to young adult literature. It offers a much-needed perspective on the mental health struggles of Muslim teenagers, while also celebrating the beauty of their faith and the strength they can find within themselves. This is a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page, offering a message of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, healing and growth are possible.
The author masterfully captures the nuances of Aleena's internal struggles. Her isolation, self-doubt, and the erosion of her faith are portrayed with a raw honesty that resonates deeply. The portrayal of bullying is particularly impactful, highlighting the devastating effects it can have on a young person's mental health.
However, "Flower Child" is more than just a story of pain. It's a testament to the power of resilience, the importance of community, and the enduring strength of faith. Zayn's unwavering kindness and support offer a beacon of hope for Aleena, reminding her that she is not alone. The novel also explores the complexities of religious identity, encouraging young Muslim girls to embrace their faith on their own terms, while acknowledging the challenges they may face in a sometimes-hostile world.
"Flower Child" is a valuable contribution to young adult literature. It offers a much-needed perspective on the mental health struggles of Muslim teenagers, while also celebrating the beauty of their faith and the strength they can find within themselves. This is a book that will stay with readers long after they turn the final page, offering a message of hope and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, healing and growth are possible.
December 12, 2024
Beautifully crafted coming of age story with a multitude of layers. I loved it, and learned so much about perspective. As a Muslim woman with 10 children, this was a delightful change of pace for my normal reading. If anyone is looking for a refreshing and introspective read without all the foulness, this is a good choice!
December 23, 2024
WOW! A Muslim female character with a hijab plus halal love- count me in! The author did a wonderful job in creating relatable characters without the preachiness that can come with this territory. This book explores some really deep issues with connections to trauma, pain and spirituality. Highly recommend this!
January 15, 2025
Great YA read for Muslim teens!
I was an ARC reader for this debut and can strongly recommend it for teen Muslim girls. Grounded in both the real teenage experience and Islam. We need more books like this :)
I was an ARC reader for this debut and can strongly recommend it for teen Muslim girls. Grounded in both the real teenage experience and Islam. We need more books like this :)
January 14, 2025
PAGE TURNER!!! love YA.. and no longer YA myself..., really was a wonderful read! Not going to spoil anything. Great writer and can not wait for the sequel!!!
February 20, 2025
Okay, okay, I’m biased—I’m the editor of Flower Child. But you should read it and decide for yourself just how much you love it. I was blessed to help bring this story to life and couldn’t be prouder of Atiyah for all her hard work. We need more stories that celebrate halal friendships and love—books that stay true to Islam while empowering young girls to navigate bullying, loss, and romance with strength and faith. Flower Child does exactly that.
I love seeing Muslim sisters already connecting with Aleena, seeing themselves in her struggles. Atiyah wrote this book for them—for our younger selves and for every girl searching for her place in this world.
Working on this book was precious to me, especially the deep developmental edits—rewriting full scenes and chapters to bring the story to life. While some scenes I loved didn’t make it into the final version (and will, hopefully, be in the next book), what remains is still a powerful, heartfelt story that I believe in.
Atiyah added a brilliant touch to the “haraam police” concept, turning it into something positive. She teaches sisters how to speak the truth without watering down Islam for approval. I can’t wait to see how readers respond to these powerful messages.
I poured so much into this book, and like any editor, I always wish for just one more round of edits! But I’m still so proud of the final result and give it five stars. I hope you love it as much as we do.
I love seeing Muslim sisters already connecting with Aleena, seeing themselves in her struggles. Atiyah wrote this book for them—for our younger selves and for every girl searching for her place in this world.
Working on this book was precious to me, especially the deep developmental edits—rewriting full scenes and chapters to bring the story to life. While some scenes I loved didn’t make it into the final version (and will, hopefully, be in the next book), what remains is still a powerful, heartfelt story that I believe in.
Atiyah added a brilliant touch to the “haraam police” concept, turning it into something positive. She teaches sisters how to speak the truth without watering down Islam for approval. I can’t wait to see how readers respond to these powerful messages.
I poured so much into this book, and like any editor, I always wish for just one more round of edits! But I’m still so proud of the final result and give it five stars. I hope you love it as much as we do.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews