Hail Mariam

by Huda Al-Marashi

Hail Mariam is an interfaith Muslim take on Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret drawn from the author’s own experiences in Catholic school.

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.

Hail Mariam is a celebration of the beauty of finding common ground.

Genres: Middle Grade, Religion, Audiobook, Muslims, Contemporary, Realistic Fiction, Family

208 pages, Hardcover

First published February 24, 2026

About the author

Huda Al-Marashi writes for both children and adults. She is the author of the forthcoming middle grade novel, Hail Mariam, and the coauthor of Grounded, which won the Walter Dean Myers Honor award. She also wrote the memoir First Comes Marriage: My Not-So-Typical American Love Story and has had essays and op-eds featured in various anthologies and news outlets, such as the New York Times, Washington Post, LA Times, and al Jazeera. She is a fellow and mentor with the Highlights Foundation Muslim Storytellers Program, and she lives in San Diego, California with her husband and three children. Visit her at www.hudaalmarashi.com.

Reviews

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a fun, wholesome, low-key emotional read for me 🥹💛 ..

I didn’t expect to relate to Mariam as much as I did, but wow… it felt a little too familiar. Being one of the only Muslim girls in a Catholic school… same!!! The confusion. The overthinking. The “is this okay for me to do?” spiral. I’ve been there.

Reading about Mariam navigating first communion while feeling scared and unsure brought back so many memories. I remember feeling the exact same way… confused, nervous, trying to do the right thing without fully understanding what that even meant. I had an older cousin who helped when she could, but most of the time I was figuring it out alone too. That part hit home.

What I loved most was how the book shows that religion isn’t just black and white. Mariam is open to learning, curious, respectful, and still deeply wants to honor her family. That balance felt so real. I even laughed because I grew up with one Shia parent and one Sunni parent and didn’t realize there was even a difference until I was a teenager 😭

And the family dynamic??? So beautifully done. The “oldest daughter” experience vs. the younger siblings getting a slightly softer version of your parents …..yeah. That part stung a little but in a comforting way. Once you grow up, you understand more.

The sister bond was so sweet, and the whole story just felt warm and honest. I think this is such a good read for anyone who’s trying to figure out who they are while balancing faith, family, and school life. Especially if you grew up navigating multiple identities at once.

Cute. Thoughtful. Relatable. Made me smile and reflect at the same time 🫶✨

[aforestofbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I had this book when I was Mariam’s age/a little older. Muslim kids these days are so lucky to have access to books like this one.

Overall, I did enjoy this book. I related a lot to Mariam as a character, and her experience in Catholic school reminded me a lot of my own experience going to my Catholic high school. I also appreciated the Shia representation we got, with the sand from Karbala and the cloth that was rubbed on the shrines in Iraq. Pretty much identical experiences to my childhood.

My main issue with this book however was the way Mariam was treated by her parents. Even before her sister’s health issues, you can tell Mariam was neglected often and was forced to be an adult, dealing with problems on her own, having no one to confide in because her parents (especially her mother) were too busy for her. Yet they did seem to make the time for Salma. I did not like her Aunt Sawsan’s explanation: how her parents had not been able to care for her the way they wished they could have and they were trying to do better with Salma, but that they loved her a lot. Mariam is still a child. There’s no reason for her parents to pretend she doesn’t need to be cared for anymore, or that it’s too late and it’s better to focus on Salma. Mariam needed them and still needs them. I felt so sad for her as she was trying to navigate her complex feelings about attending a Catholic school, and how she had to come up with explanations and conclusions herself because she didn’t think she could ask her parents. Watching her trying to be the best she could be with the hopes her parents would finally notice her and then failing and trying to find other ways just broke my heart. When she got her period and she had to deal with it herself or when her mom was too into praying for Salma and made her (a literal 12-year old) and her 8-year old younger sister make a whole turkey dinner for Thanksgiving??? I’m so glad Mariam called her out on this when her mom got mad at the mess they made. Like what did she expect??

I think this book was just a bit more triggering for me than I expected. I really related a lot to Mariam’s inner dialogue. The constant doubt and debating between what is right and what is wrong, and trying to come up with ways to solve problems on your own because you don’t have anyone to help you. It was heartbreaking and sad and made me a little angry. I did think maybe this would be addressed later in the book, but it wasn’t addressed in the way I would have liked to see, especially considering this book is written for a younger audience and this isn’t the messaging I would want them to come across.

Mariam mostly comes to learn that she doesn’t need to be perfect or constantly try to be the best, that she can be herself and stand up for what she believes in. And she also realizes how religion isn’t so black and white, and that there is so much love and community when you join hands with people of other faiths and belief systems.

This book did make me emotional, especially the end. I truly believe in the power of prayer and watching Mariam’s school pray for her sister and her aunt’s church get together to pray for her during her biopsy, and seeing her grandmother give her mom all these prayer recipes reminded me so much of my own life and what I see my mom doing.

This book was really a mix of good memories and bittersweet ones, which makes it harder to rate. I did speed through this and enjoy it, but there were parts I wish were done differently, purely to bring a better message across for the younger audience.

3.75/5 stars

[Hannah]

This is fantastic. I love middle grade that really understands the 12-year-old psyche, and the overanalysis, anxiety, passion, and drive were really well rendered. I did think Salma’s illness was too vaguely and obliquely mentioned to be as meaningful as it was supposed to be, but otherwise this is really worth putting on the shelf next to Judy Blume

[FindingFiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

What a pleasantly delightful read! I fully acknowledge that this read is middle grade, but us adults can also enjoy these reads, especially when on the hunt for representation in kid’s literature.

This was intentionally thoughtful, funny and a read that will be enlightening for many.

Hail Mariam explores the Islamic faith through the lens of a 6th grade student Mariam who is attending a Catholic School as the only Muslim Arab.

Through the exploration of religious differences, the ups and downs of early adolescence and the difficulties of immigrant families, Huda Al-Marashi has written a story that we all can learn from.

Note: this book had a lot of religious discussion and I understand that this may be a topic not suited for all.

Thank you PenguinTeen for this e-arc. All thoughts are my own.

[Jeneane Vanderhoof · Rating 4 out of 5]

In the evolving landscape of middle-grade literature, stories that bridge the gap between cultural heritage and the American experience often provide the most profound lessons in empathy and self-discovery. Huda Al-Marashi’s upcoming novel, Hail Mariam—scheduled for release in February 2026 by Kokila—stands as a vibrant and deeply necessary example of what scholars call a Bildungsroman. This German term, which translates literally to a "novel of formation," describes a literary genre focusing on the psychological, moral, and emotional growth of a protagonist from youth to adulthood. While Mariam Hassan is only a sixth grader, her 208-page journey is a classic coming-of-age narrative that traces her transition from a naive desire for perfection to a sophisticated understanding of her own multifaceted identity within a complex society.

The story introduces us to Mariam, a young girl raised in a first-generation Muslim home in America who suddenly finds herself transferring to a local Catholic school. This transition serves as the primary catalyst for her internal development. For young readers who know little about the Muslim religion, or for those who are Muslim but find themselves surrounded by peers with different beliefs, the book offers a beautiful lesson in finding points of intersection. Mariam feels a heavy "burden of representation" at her new school. Because her parents emphasize that she might be the first Muslim her classmates ever meet, she feels she must work exceptionally hard to be the "perfect" student. She strives to be the "sunshine" for her teacher, hoping to prove that being Muslim in America is just as normal and positive as being Catholic or Protestant. This performative perfectionism is a central theme, highlighting the pressure felt by many minority children to act as ambassadors for their entire culture.

This pressure is exacerbated by the family dynamic at home. Mariam’s parents were respected doctors in Iraq, but because they were not educated in America, they have had to spend a significant amount of time "playing the student" themselves, completing additional schooling and tests to regain their medical credentials in their new country. This role reversal often leaves Mariam "playing the parent" to both herself and her younger sister, Salma. She takes on domestic responsibilities and emotional labor to ensure her parents can focus on their studies. It is a poignant look at the immigrant experience, where children often become the anchors for their families, navigating the nuances of a new society while their parents strive to reclaim their professional identities. This responsibility at home creates a quiet maturity in Mariam, but it also adds to the stress she feels to never fail.

The social hurdles of middle school are explored through Mariam’s ambitious attempt to run for class president as a new student who doesn’t know anyone. During the campaign, Mariam discovers a natural talent for public speaking; the other students genuinely enjoy her speech and find her humor engaging. However, the election results provide a harsh lesson in social inertia. The class ultimately re-elects Lauren, a girl they have known for years who has held the position of president for several terms. While the sting of losing the election leaves Mariam feeling sad and alienated, the experience opens a new door. On her way out of class, she is invited over by a classmate named Isabella. This invitation marks the beginning of a genuine friendship that isn't based on political popularity or cultural performance, but on simple, human connection. Through Isabella, Mariam begins to see that being "known" is far more valuable than being "voted for."

However, Mariam’s journey toward maturity is not without its moral complications. The "sunshine" mask she wears at school begins to slip when she receives a progress report from her teacher. The report highlights her struggles with math and notes that her handwriting is poor. The embarrassment is doubled because the teacher delivers this report in front of her classmates, shattering the image of the "perfect student" Mariam has worked so hard to cultivate. The thought of telling her stressed parents about these academic struggles is overwhelming, and she is tempted by a seemingly easy out: she could simply forge her parents' names on the report and tell them nothing. This moment of moral crisis is a hallmark of the Bildungsroman, as the protagonist must decide whether to choose the easy path of deception or the difficult path of honesty. It asks the reader: when is it helpful to handle things on your own, and when is it a sign of maturity to ask for help?

The narrative takes a much darker and more urgent turn when a health crisis strikes the family. Mariam’s younger sister, Salma, develops a persistent cough that eventually produces blood. A visit to the doctor reveals a mass in Salma’s lungs, and the looming possibility of cancer casts a long shadow over the household as Christmas approaches. This plot point is where the book truly shines as a tool for teaching empathy and resilience. It shows children of this age how to deal with "possible loss" and the terrifying uncertainty that comes with a family health crisis. Through Salma’s illness, readers learn about the resilience of siblings and the specific way children often try to "protect" their parents by being as low-maintenance as possible during a tragedy. Mariam’s struggle becomes twofold: she must navigate her own fear for her sister while continuing to manage her secret school anxieties.
As the school’s Christmas play approaches, the intersection of faith and family crisis comes to a head.

Mariam is cast in the role of Mary (a figure known as Mariam in the Qur'an), but she finds herself wanting to turn the role down. Her hesitation is rooted in her Muslim faith; she worries that by participating in a Catholic Nativity play and reciting lines that reflect a different theological perspective, she might somehow jeopardize the "answers to her prayers" regarding Salma’s health. She fears that her devotion might be questioned if she portrays a figure viewed through a different lens. This struggle highlights the deep personal nature of faith for a child—it is not just a set of rules, but a lifeline to hope. It is a moment where her internal belief system meets the external world's expectations.

The resolution of this conflict is one of the most beautiful sequences in the book. Mariam, Lauren (who is also playing Mary), and Isabella come together to find a solution that respects both traditions. They decide that Mariam can read a part of the Qur’an that intersects with the birth of Jesus. This moment teaches a vital lesson: Jesus is a revered prophet in Islam, and Mary is a holy figure in both faiths. By finding this common ground, the girls demonstrate that interfaith dialogue isn't about compromising one's beliefs, but about finding the shared respect and history that bring us together. It reinforces the idea that while religions may have different points of departure, they share many points of intersection. This creative compromise allows Mariam to honor her faith while still being a part of her school community.

As a reviewer who grew up Catholic, I found this particular theme deeply resonant. In my own childhood, I discovered that religious differences could be a source of profound pain. When my mother married into Protestantism, my grandparents, who were devout Catholics and had sent my mother to Catholic schools, stopped speaking to her for years. The weight of that religious divide was a heavy burden to carry as a child; it meant missing Christmases with my entire family and witnessing a silence that felt impossible to break. I was the one who eventually brought the family back together, acting as the bridge between two worlds that refused to acknowledge one another. This personal experience makes the interfaith bond in Hail Mariam even more touching to me. It shows that children often have the wisdom to fix what adults have broken.

In the novel, Mariam’s family is very close to another family from Iraq who were neighbors with her parents before they moved to America together. Mariam refers to them as her "aunt" and "uncle," but we discover that unlike Mariam’s family, they are Catholic and members of the church where Mariam attends school. This relationship is a stark and beautiful contrast to my own family history. In Mariam’s world, religion is not a reason to shut the door on those you love. These families share a cultural bond that transcends their theological differences, showing that empathy and shared history are stronger than the labels we use to define our faith. It is a powerful reminder that religion should be a bridge that connects us rather than a wall that separates us. They celebrate their shared Iraqi heritage while respecting their different houses of worship.

For the adult readers of this column—many of whom are parents, teachers, and librarians—Hail Mariam offers a rich landscape for pedagogical discussion. The book asks critical questions about the "weight of being first" and whether it is fair to expect a single child to represent an entire culture. It explores the "secret burden" of children who try to handle adult-sized problems on their own to protect their parents. These are essential themes for middle-grade readers who are beginning to realize that their parents are human and that the world is more complex than it appears in childhood. Through the lens of Salma’s illness, the book provides a gentle but honest framework for discussing health scares and the resilience required to face them. It shows what people can and will do for you in times of crisis, and what we, in turn, should be prepared to do for others.

The novel also tackles the theme of authenticity over popularity. Mariam’s journey through the school election and the Christmas play teaches her that trying to be the "perfect" version of what others expect is an exhausting and ultimately unfulfilling endeavor. Real friendship, like her bond with Isabella, only becomes possible when Mariam is honest about her struggles, her bad grades, and her fears for her sister- because some are struggles her friends have to deal with in their own lives too. It is only by shedding the "sunshine" mask that she can find genuine connection. This is a vital lesson for middle-schoolers who are often pressured to curate a perfect image for their peers. The story teaches that being a "good" member of one's faith is not about being a perfect representative for everyone else; it is about one’s own connection to God and family. Authenticity is the only thing that builds a real bridge between people.

Huda Al-Marashi shares that she has crafted a story that she shares is heavily inspired by her own childhood experiences (as the only Muslim girl in a Catholic school), and that authenticity shines through every page. By drawing comparisons to Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret, the book positions itself as a modern classic for a new generation of readers who are navigating a world where interfaith dialogue is more important than ever. It teaches that while we may have different religions, those religions should ultimately bring us together. The narrative doesn't shy away from the messy parts of growth—the temptation to lie, the sting of losing, and the terror of a loved one's illness—but it handles them with a lightness and humor that makes the lessons stick. Mariam’s story is a reflection of the challenges of the 21st century, where children often find themselves caught between different worlds.

In conclusion, Hail Mariam is an adorable and profound story that deserves a place in every school library. It highlights the differences in our beliefs while celebrating the similarities that make us human. It shows that maturity is not found in achieving perfection, but in finding the courage to be honest and the grace to seek connection with others. Mariam Hassan’s journey from a naive sixth grader to a young woman who understands the value of her own voice is a journey that will resonate with readers of all faiths. It reminds us that whether we are reading from the Bible or the Qur’an, the message of love and family resilience is a universal language. As someone who saw the pain of religious division firsthand, I can say with certainty that this is the kind of book that heals families and builds bridges.

The big takeaway from this review is how the book shows kids how to deal with "possible loss" and situations of that kind. When Salma gets sick, the story doesn't just focus on the fear; it focuses on the community. It shows what people can and will do for you when you are suffering, and it models what we should do for others in return. Whether it is a friend offering a place to study or a classmate helping to rewrite a script to make it more inclusive, these small acts of kindness are what build a life. Mariam discovers that she doesn't have to be the "sunshine" for everyone else; she just needs to let other people be the light for her when her own world goes dark. This is a powerful message for a child who feels they have to carry the world on their shoulders.

With its 2026 release date, Hail Mariam is poised to become a foundational text for middle-grade empathy. It balances the "lightheartedness" of a school story with the gravity of a family crisis, maintaining a steady hand on the tiller of religious exploration. It teaches us that anyone can have their own beliefs, and that finding the points of intersection—those places where we can stand together in a time of need—is the true mark of growing up. Mariam’s story is a testament to the fact that faith, at its best, is a source of strength that allows us to face the "possible loss" of the world with a community by our side. It is a must-read for anyone who believes that we are better together than we are apart. By focusing on the shared reverence for Mary, Al-Marashi provides a roadmap for how we can all live together in a diverse world.

For the young reader, this is an adventure in identity. For the adult reader, it is a reminder of the quiet burdens children carry. For both, it is a story about the power of honesty. Mariam's bad handwriting and math grades were just a small part of the story, but her decision to eventually face them with her parents was a huge part of her growth. It showed that she was moving from a child who performs for others to a young adult who lives for herself and her family. That is the essence of the Bildungsroman—the formation of a soul. And in Hail Mariam, that soul is one that is bright, resilient, and ready for whatever the future holds.

Ultimately, this novel proves that the things that make us different are rarely as important as the things that make us the same. Whether we are Iraqi-American, Catholic, Muslim, or Protestant, we all want our sisters to be healthy, we all want to do well in school, and we all want to be understood. Huda Al-Marashi has given us a gift in Mariam Hassan, a character who teaches us that you don't have to be perfect to be a hero. You just have to be yourself. This is a lesson that every child needs to hear, and every adult needs to remember. It is a story of hope, a story of intersection, and above all, a story of love.

Happy Reading!

[Kirin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In 188 pages, this middle grade book packs a lot in: immigrant children expectations, the similarities and differences between Catholics and Muslims, Sunnis and Shias, culture and religion, all while sixth grader Mariam is starting a new school, a Catholic one- as a Muslim, having her first period start during church, and handling her sister's health crisis.  Throw in Ramadan, Bibi coming to visit, family dynamics, friendships new and old, and a school Christmas play, and phew, just writing all that out seems exhaustive, yet somehow the book doesn't get bogged down in the heaviness of it all.  It stays relatable, funny even, interesting.  The book's short chapters, Mariam's voice, and the author's ability to make this Mariam's story, not an expectation or explanation of how all Muslims, or Iraqis, or immigrants, etc., should be, really is well done. Written first person through Mariam's perspective, allows even her lens of comparing what she is seeing at her Catholic school with her Muslim upbringing, to not come across as critical or overly agenda filled, it is just a girl leading with her heart and making sense of life.  A lot, according to the backmatter, is based on the author's own life, and readers should know they may or may not agree with her conclusions, and her families practices, but I think this book has a lot of potential to be enjoyed on the surface, and start dialogue and understanding if one chooses to look deeper.  I additionally think with Ramadan and Christmas aligning again in a few years, that this book will continue to have wide appeal and be a great resource to remind us that we often have more alike than we think. Just one scene really bothered me, but, I'll delve into that more below.

SYNOPSIS: 
Mariam is the eldest daughter of two Iraqi immigrant physicians, and she has been informed that she is starting a new school, a Catholic one. She would love to discuss this with her mother, but her mom doesn't seem to have time for her, only her younger sister, Salma, nor understand why a more rigorous school isn't a good thing. Mariam is expected to be able to handle everything, and for the most part does, to be the best example of Arabs and of Muslims, and to be a great big sister.  But idols of Nabi Isa around every turn and being chosen for the part of Mary in the school play, has Mariam confused about what is ok and what is not, and how to handle it all.  When Salma's health starts deteriorating, the weight of Mariam's decisions escalate in her head and she doesn't want to mess up.  When she learns her Aunty Sawsan is Catholic, her Mom is Shia, and Dad is Sunni, she is even more determined to find common ground, to keep those closest to her happy, her sister healthy, and Allah swt pleased with her.

WHY I LIKE IT:
There is a lot of Islam in the book, and while Mariam sorts through what she thinks is right and wrong, I didn't feel there was internalized Islamophobia or that she was ashamed of her faith. She doesn't necessarily have all the answers about how to navigate the situations at hand, but she doesn't hide her religion, or question the core of it. It is  something she values and believes in.  She does get a little hard on her mom's accent and culture gets a little confusing, but even when she questions her grandmother's prayer recipes, I didn't feel that it was insulting or disrespectful.  

The only scene I felt was off was when at the end the family put up a Christmas tree, I get craft wise that it was perhaps to highlight the religion vs culture thread, but I took it as undermining so much of Mariam's battles at school.  By the family partaking in a clearly Pagan based Christian adopted practices when not prompted by any environment or outside expectation, I felt it was a bit forced in perhaps trying to justify that it is something a lot of Muslims do.  Mariam through much of the book was trying to be respectful to her school and their practices while staying true to herself, the family got gifts for the Christian "family," and they brough Eid gifts to them, so blurring the line when it wasn't needed, seemed like so much of Mariam's stress was for not.  I feel the conversations about culture and religion were sufficient.

FLAGS:
Mariam has a crush on a hospital volunteer, religious discussions, period starting, lying, impersonating her mom in school emails, jealousy, medical worry, illness.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

No tools are needed, just read, and the discussions will happen

[Doreen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I think parts of my Malaysian Muslim upbringing were strict, I run up against really weird shit from other Muslim cultural denominations and I'm all "wow." Which isn't to run them down at all! And perhaps nowhere is this sort of reflection more appropriate than in a book about a twelve year-old Muslim girl enrolled in a Catholic school, who has no idea how to navigate what feels like the religious minefield in front of her.

Mariam is an overachiever whose physician parents don't think that the local California public schools are challenging enough for her. They enroll her instead in a nearby Catholic school, and tell her that it's important for her to be a good ambassador for both Muslims and Iraqis (no pressure, kiddo!) while she's there.

Mariam takes these words to heart, but is constantly and understandably anxious about whether she's committing sins by even looking at icons (considered idolatrous by the Muslim faith) and, later, by accepting the role of Mary in the school nativity play. It doesn't help that the curriculum is, indeed, challenging and that she's behind the other students in certain key areas.

When her beloved younger sister Salma falls ill, Mariam begins to think that maybe if she's more religious, Allah will cure her sister. But playing Mary is the only way she knows how to get the recognition she craves from her schoolmates. What will Mariam do to satisfy these warring desires in her soul, of wanting to please God (and heal her sister) and wanting to please the voice inside her that cries out for attention?

I'm going to be so for real with you when I say that I felt so bad for Mariam mostly because her mom kinda sucks. I know that Mama is a busy doctor who, if she'd stayed in Iraq, would have had a whole neighborhood to help her raise her kids. That's still no excuse for treating your kid like an afterthought, especially in comparison to your younger child! And this isn't to let her dad off the hook either: the number of things that Mariam's parents just assume she should know is shocking and deeply unfair to a smart, sensitive young girl who is, again, only twelve years-old. Worse, she's constantly shoved into the position of being her younger sister's third and probably most involved parent.

That said, Mama and Baba do have several excellent things to say about religion, like how illness isn't a punishment, how you can't bargain with God, and how there's definitely a difference between religion and culture. I also admired the commitment throughout this book to interfaith understanding, even as I was deeply irritated at how little time Mariam's parents seemed to have for her even before Salma fell ill. If you're not going to make a trusted teacher available to your kids about the religion you expect them to follow, then the least you can do is be available to answer their questions any time they have them.

I'm pleased that everyone comes out of this book knowing more than they did going in, even if I thought that Mariam realizing that Mama acted towards her the way Bibi (Mama's own mother) treated Mama was still not the excuse Mariam might have thought it was for Mama's behavior. It is always possible to make better parenting choices! I did also appreciate how Huda Al-Marashi points out in her Author's Note that people of faith often have more in common than we do differences, and that how you approach both your own and others' depends so much on the kind of person you are. This book really is the 21st century Muslim version of Judy Blume's seminal Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret. and is a worthy read for anyone of any faith this Ramadan and beyond.

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi was published February 24 2026 by Kokila and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!

This review originally appeared at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus

Mariam Hassan is concerned about starting 6th grade at Our Lady of Mercy Catholic School, especially since her family is Muslim. Her mother, an Iraqi immigrant, has been told by one of her friends that the school is more academically rigorous, but Mariam is concerned about the fact that there are so many depictions of Jesus around the school, since she thought the Muslim faith (which considers Jesus a prophet) didn't approve. Her younger sister, Salma, doesn't have to attend. Sister Geraldine seems nice, and Mariam decides to run for class president, devising a clever speech complete with props. She makes friends with Isabella, whose family is Latine, and even gets along fairly well with the popular Lauren despite her political run and the fact that she is cast as Mary in the Nativity play, a role that Lauren was hoping to get. Mariam encounters some academic trouble with her penmanship and math, and worries about what her parents will think of her role in the play. When Salma is diagnosed with a lung problem that might be cancerous, Mariam doesn't want to bother them about issues at school. She even manages to message her teacher, writing as her mother, about several different problems. One of these arises when she whispers to another student during a service at school. A nearby adult thinks that she is being disrespectful because she is Muslim, but Mariam is actually trying to get help because she has just gotten her period. Not wanting other students to think poorly of Muslims, she asks Lauren for help in spreading the information that she was talking because she got her period to all of the students! When her grandmother (Bibi) visits, Mariam wonders if she is right, and that if Mariam were a better Muslim and wore a hijab, her sister wouldn't have gotten sick. Mariam also asks to read a passage about Jesus from the Quran before the Christmas play, since she has dropped out of playing Mary after Salma's diagnosis. She isn't granted permission, but reads it anyway, with the help of her schoolmates. It is a huge relief to find out the truth about her sister's condition, and Mariam makes a tentative peace with being a Muslim student in a Catholic school.
Strengths: This story is based on the author's own life. She is Muslim and attended Catholic school, which is a rather singular experience! I grew up in a largely Catholic community, so many of my classmates transitioned back to public school after elementary; I can't imagine hitting middle school and starting at a religious school! There was a lot of fairly positive, open religious discussion, and I learned some things, like the fact that there isn't music in masjid. Mariam's desire to fit in but also remain true to her background is realistic, and she has a fairly positive attitude, running for class office and putting herself forward for the play. It was interesting to see Ramadan occur right around Thanksgiving and Christmas time. The impact of Salma's health on the entire family was also informational. This author also had a story in Ali's and Saeed's Once Upon an Eid: Stories of Hope and Joy by 15 Muslim Voices, and I'll be interested to see what else she writes.
Weaknesses: Other than the mention of Mariam's period, this didn't seem to have much in common with Are You There God, It's Me Margaret. I reread the Blume title not long ago (and watched the movie; have to love the vintage set design!), and just didn't see many similarities. While the religious details are interesting, they do slow the story down a bit.
What I really think: This is a good choice for readers who would like to see more representation of children coming to terms with religion in books like Butler's Rabbit, Rabbit, Ma's Rainbow Fair, Algarmi's Almost Sunset, Siddiqui's Barakah Beats or Braden's Opinions and Opossums.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mariam had no interest in going to a new school, and even worse, her new school is Catholic! And she's the first Muslim ever to attend! Her parents expect her to represent her religion well, but she's thrown into confusion from day one because of all the Jesus images--in her religion, images of holy people are not allowed. Is she not supposed to look at them? And then, she's supposed to write everything in cursive--which she's never done before! But still, Mariam, who wishes her mother would pay more attention to her (and not ALWAYS be late picking her up, as if she doesn't matter), is determined to be "teacher sunshine" (aka teacher's pet) and do everything well. That includes running for class president, and she does surprisingly well though she doesn't win. Her performing chops do earn her the role of Mary in the Christmas pageant, and that throws her into another tizzy. Is she going against her religion to say Mary's lines about Jesus being the son of God? But she really wants to perform! And then, there's her little sister. Her beloved little sister, who is suddenly even more the center of attention, for all the wrong, scary reasons. Mariam finds herself bargaining with Allah--but is that even how it works?

This was great--there aren't a ton of books about kids wrestling with religious beliefs and how to follow them, and whether there's more than one right answer to any question, and I thought Mariam's struggle felt so real. All her struggles felt real, from feeling her mother is too hard on her, to getting her first period while in church (no bathroom), to not knowing cursive, to coping with things her parents really should be coping with--but Mariam doesn't want to bother them. The author's note explains that much of what occurs in the book did happen to her, which is probably why it feels so authentic. A great addition to any collection. Thanks to Libro.FM for a free educator copy of the audiobook.

[Emily Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley, Huda Al-Marashi, and the publisher of the book for the eARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Sixth grade was never supposed to feel this overwhelming.

Mariam Hassan, an Iraqi American Muslim girl, transfers to a Catholic school where she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever met. Suddenly she’s juggling a lot—making new friends, keeping up with schoolwork, and figuring out who she wants to be—all while feeling like she has to represent her entire religion.

At home, things get even harder. Mariam’s little sister, Salma, is diagnosed with a serious lung condition, and the family is constantly at the doctor or up late worrying. Mariam tries to help however she can, even if it means hiding her own stress, like the fact that she’s just been chosen to play Mary in the school’s Christmas nativity play.

Mariam wants to respect her Muslim faith and also be part of her new school community, but she’s scared of doing something wrong. Can she be a Muslim girl playing a major role in a Christian story? What will her family think? Why does she feel like every choice she makes reflects on all Muslims everywhere?

As Mariam leans on the people who care about her—her family, her friends, and her school—she starts to understand that faith and friendship aren’t about being perfect. They’re about understanding one another, working together, and finding connection even when things feel complicated.

I loved this book so much! I hope it will teach kids that if they practice different religions, they can come together for the common good. No religion is better than the other. It's also okay to not to be religious.
I also loved Mariam's relationship with her sister Salma! It was so sweet.

[Luv2TrvlLuvBks · Rating 4 out of 5]

The selected cover artwork combined with the clever wordplay of the title captured this reader's eye.
These same elements will appeal to be the prospective reader, child or adult.

Moreover, the author does a marvelous job describing Mariam's anxiety and frustrations. Whether it's with her mother's seemingly indifferent attitude for a timely pick up from school or how those feelings physically manifest (excellent metaphor used by the author multiple times) in her tummy,

Mariam is unflinchingly honest in her feelings. Or, at least to herself. How she acts in the presence of her parents, her beloved sister, and teachers, just may be a little different. This book allows the reader to track the growth from Mariam's internal to an external projection of these feelings.

Christianity and Islam are also at the heart of the book. By creating multi-faceted secondary characters like Aunty Sawsan, Father Brian, and Sister Geraldine, the author in effect demonstrates how religion isn't just black or white.

Books like this are needed now more than ever. Consider the impact a book look this would have on the adult population of readers. Maybe there would be less hate, less fear of what is assumed to be different.

This ARC was provided by the publisher, Penguin Young Readers Group | Kokila, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

#HailMariam #NetGalley

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

The thing that Mariam is not told, when she ends up going to a Catholic school, is that religion, and life in general, is not just black and white. There is more subtlety than that. But, what do you expect to understand when you are 12-years-old? The world is big and she is small.

So, she tries to make sure, as a practicing Muslim, that she doesn’t do anything to offend. When she is given the part in the Christmas play of Mary, she baulks when she has to say that Jesus is the son of god, when that isn’t something she believes.

At some point her father tries to explain that some practices they have are from culture, and some are from the religion themselves, and not to get too wrapped up on which is which. Mariam is confused.

She also wants to be the teacher’s sunshine (her word for teacher’s pet), but she just can’t seem to be, no matter how hard she tries.

Very realistic story of what it is like to “represent” your religion so people understand that yes, they are different, but they are the same too.

Wonderful story. You can feel the frustration of Mariam through it all, trying to do her best, trying to be as perfect as she can, and yet, not always getting there.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review. This book will be available on the 24th of February 2026.

[TheNextGenLibrarian · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interfaith MG Muslim take on Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret by @huda.almarashi
✝️
When Iraqi American 6th grader Mariam Hassan transfers to a Catholic school, she quickly realizes fitting in won’t be simple, especially when she may be the first Muslim many of her classmates have ever known. As she navigates new friendships, family stress after her sister’s serious diagnosis, and the unexpected role of Mary in the school’s nativity play, Mariam feels the pressure of representing her entire faith. Caught between honoring her beliefs and embracing her new community, she learns that faith and friendship aren’t about getting everything exactly right; they’re about compassion, courage, and finding common ground.
🕌
I loved this one. We don’t get nearly enough interfaith stories, especially in middle grade, and this felt so needed. So many students grow up learning only about their own faith traditions, so walking alongside Mariam as she navigates hers will be eye-opening for a lot of readers. Knowing the story is inspired by the author’s real experiences makes it even more powerful; it’s a reminder that kids are quietly wrestling with these same questions about identity, belonging, and belief every single day. Thanks @librofm for the ALC. This title releases February 24!

CW: cancer, medical content, hospitalization, blood

[Stephanie Fitzgerald · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars
A thoroughly enjoyable novel about a young girl navigating between two religions in her life.

Mariam has always been a “people pleaser”. At home, she makes sure she follows the tenets of Islam as her family expects her to. At school, she aspires to be the “sunshine student” for her teachers, by being respectful, attentive, and keeping high grades.
Now, as a sixth grader, things are changing quickly in Mariam’s life. Her parents have enrolled her in a Catholic school in order for her to receive a better education. With this comes added pressure to be the best example of a Muslim that she can be, since she will be the only one at the school!
Some confusion ensues, because some of the Catholic teachings seem to go against some Islamic beliefs. Mariam is not sure about praying some of the prayers during Mass, and the artistic depictions of holy figures like Jesus and Mary make her uncomfortable (Muslims consider this to be idolatry). When she is offered the part of Mary in the annual Christmas play, she is thrilled to have been chosen, but at the same time very unsure of whether she should take it.
Then, a family crisis arises that dwarfs all the school conflicts…

*I received a digital copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.*

[Meaghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to Penguin Books, Storygram Tours, and the author for the advanced release copy of Hail Mariam. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to PRHAudio for the complimentary audiobook.

Blurb:
Hail Mariam is an interfaith Muslim take on Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret drawn from the author’s own experiences in Catholic school. Sixth grader Mariam starts at a Catholic school and faces the typical middle school challenges, as well as pressure from her parents to be a good representative of the Muslim faith.

Representation
- Iraqi American
- Muslim faith
- discrimination
- menstruation

Thoughts:
Mariam is the quintessential perfectionist eldest daughter, and it all starts to fall apart when she can't control everything at her new school. And then her sister faces a health crisis, so her parents have even less energy for Mariam. I felt so badly for Mariam, as she dealt with getting her first period alone, losing the class election, and constantly worrying about whether she was being the perfect Muslim. There are great side characters who offer Mariam wisdom, and there's a satisfying climax and resolution where the kids have agency to solve their own problems.

It doesn't quite have the magic of Judy Blume, but it is absolutely a worthy modern take on the coming-of-age middle school girl tale.

[Eve · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming middle grade novel billed as an ‘Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret’ for the 21st century. And yes, the template is familiar—a new school, frenemies, first period, coming to terms with religious differences—but al-Marashi mostly sticks the landing.

Analogous to the Judy Blume classic, Mariam moves to a new school in a small community where she doesn’t readily fit in. She is Muslim in a Catholic school, her parents (Iraqi immigrant doctors in the 2020s, not transplanted New Yorkers in the 1970s) don’t realize the importance of her new school’s social obligations, and of course there is puberty talk and girl drama right off the bat. Secretly, Mariam is horrified by all the pictures of Jesus (recognized as a prophet in Islam, but never, ever depicted visually)—which makes things kind of troubling for her when she is drafted to play Mary in the school Christmas play and say the line, ‘Behold, the son of God.’

‘Hail Mariam’ a sweet story about the importance of maintaining one’s culture and understanding others’. What I did find unbelievable was how kind the school’s nun is—heck, I found it unbelievable that an American Catholic school in 2026 would have a nun at all. Nevertheless, it’s a huggable book with just the right amount of tension and no real villains in sight. How refreshing. Rounded up to four stars.

[Andrew Dittmar · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi


I liked a lot of this book, but this was one where I think my experience was dampened by the audiobook narrator. The narrator had a tone that seemed almost whiny, and that didn't allow me to really process things.

I imagine that this reflected authentic emotions towards the experiences presented, but I did find myself frustrated by a lack of understanding of our main character's intense perfectionist mindset.

I liked the ending more than the beginning. The audacity of Mariam and her friends is commendable, and the general response was rather lovely.


Reading history:
Normally I keep this in my private notes section, but I'm moving it. Yay!

Reading history was not added on Goodreads, but was instead kept on a small piece of paper with the book.


Started March 17th, 2026.
Finished March 19th, 2026.


March 17th, 2026: listened to chapters 1-5 (pp. 1-21) via Spotify with physical copy nearby.

March 18th, 2026: listened to chapters 6-19 (pp. 22-108) via Spotify with physical copy nearby.

March 19th, 2026: listened to chapters 20-35 (pp. 109-188) + acknowledgments + author's note via Spotify with physical copy nearby.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi is such a sweet and earnest look at life as a young Muslim girl attending Catholic school in America. This is a book geared for ages 8 to 12 years old but truly acceptable to read for all ages. If you are an adult consider picking it up and you will be surprised at the books maturity as it weaves in many complex topics in an easy to understand path.

Some of the promotional reviews for this book compares it to Judy Blume's "Are You There God, It's Me, Margaret" and it's a fair point for comparison but Margaret is doing a religious quest while Mariam is devoutly Muslim. This book covers topics like immigration, assimilation, filial piety and the main character, Mariam shows a lot of personal conviction and ambition. The last point about a young girl's inner sense of self and aspiration is really believable and inspirational too. Many readers probably have had some contact with young immigrants and wonder where the inner drive comes from and this book contains some answers to that point about family involvement and support in spite of life's difficulties.

[Beth Given · Rating 4 out of 5]

When twelve-year-old Mariam is enrolled in the neighborhood Catholic school, she feels the weight of representing her religion to her classmates and teachers. She feels she has to be perfect and popular to counteract the prejudices surrounding Muslims. But she also worries about God's approval; there are images of holy figures to avoid looking at, and she's not sure if she should portray Mary in the school nativity play (especially if one of her lines confirms the divinity of Jesus). It's all a lot of pressure for a twelve-year-old girl -- and when Mariam's sister gets sick, her responsibility to please God might be too much.

This middle grade novel deals with religious themes in a way that I haven't seen in many (any?) books. While treating both Islam and Christianity with respect, the author gently points out the dangers of being too uncompromising in worship. I appreciated how Mariam learns to be true to herself and her religion while unlearning problematic ideas about a transactional deity. I also appreciated the nuanced way her parents were portrayed: sometimes strict and distracted, but also loving and supportive.

Thanks to Libro.fm for the ALC.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

HAIL MARIAM chronicles the experiences of twelve-year-old Mariam, a Muslim girl who transfers to a Catholic school at the start of middle school. For chronic people pleaser Mariam, being both the new girl and the only Muslim student at school leads to some challenging moments. She tries to find her place with her new classmates and stay true to her religious beliefs as she experiences aspects of another religion in her new environment, but preparations for the school’s annual Christmas play bring all her feelings to a head.

With her desire to fit in at her new school and her concerns about her academic performance, Mariam is a relatable character. Her frustrations and anxieties will resonate with many readers. The cast around Mariam is rich and well-developed. This gives Mariam the opportunity to interact with individuals who have a variety of perspectives about religion and helps readers to understand Mariam’s inner conflict as she ultimately realizes that religions may in fact be more alike than they are different.

[Susannah Aziz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi takes us into the world of a young, Iraqi- American middle grader named Mariam Hassan. Mariam is trying to navigate her new school while balancing home life with busy parents and a younger sister. She has a lot on her shoulders but her perseverance and her ability to challenge herself to think outside of the box is not only smart but familiar to so many children from immigrant families. There is also a subtle humor throughout this story to those who can relate to living in "multiple worlds"(IYKYK)! Al-Marashi brilliantly weaves a 'coming of age' story with a bit of personal experience, unique to the author, while deeply felt by the reader. This story will pull at your heart strings, and is an excellent rec for teens and tweens! Also worth noting is the interfaith experience throughout the story! A perfect story to bridge gaps between communities that will remain relevant and timeless.

[Sabrina K · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the eldest first-generation daughter of Lebanese immigrants to the US, this book hit so close to home for me.
It was written in such a beautiful way, and I highly suggest this book to anyone who is not just interested in reading about a "coming-of-age" story, but also about trying to fit in a world where you are straddling two different cultures. The people-pleaser quality of Miriam and feeling like the weight of your family on your shoulders is something that I know all too well, and it was written in such a relatable way, but also paid homage to the Arabic language and Arab culture in a respectful way.
10/10 recommend this - and Thank you to Libro.fm for providing me with an ARC copy of this audiobook!

[sparkypink · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sixth grader Mariam is starting at a new school. It's hard enough being the new girl, but she is a Muslim girl attending a Catholic school, so she feels the burden of representing her religion along with the typical burdens that middle school kids face. Over the course of the story, Mariam learns that there is a lot that Islam and Christianity have in common, and that there are many different ways to express faith. I enjoyed this story and feel it would be a great way for children (and adults) to learn a little bit about how the two faiths can coexist.

I received a digital ARC of this book thanks to the publisher and NetGalley.

[Elizabeth]

Hail Mariam tells the story of Mariam Hassan, a Muslim girl and second generation immigrant, as she starts a new school year at the local Catholic school. Based on the author’s own life experiences, this book did a really fantastic job of helping readers consider the importance of interfaith dialogues and understanding.

I know that I would have benefited greatly from reading this as a child, and I enjoyed reading it now! The writing was well done, the book had good pacing and storytelling, and the characters were vibrant and lovable. I will definitely be recommending this to readers of all ages.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC! :)

[Carli · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to @librofm for this advance listening copy - this book comes out Tuesday (2.24)! All opinions are my own.
•
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 for this coming of age story. Mariam’s parents send her to a Catholic school for middle school, where she is the only Muslim student. She feels immense pressure to represent her religion and her entire culture, while also feeling neglected at home and scared for her little sister’s health. This is an excellent pick for middle school readers. #mglit #librarian #librariansofinstagram #middleschoollibrarian #audiobook

[Nadine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to libro.fm for this ARC

This is one special book. Our heroine Mariam ends up in a Catholic middle school and has all her assumptions about her place in the world and how to "be" challenged. As if that's not enough, her younger sister has a spot on her lung which may be cancer. She wants to fit in, but she's also acutely aware that she is a "representative of all muslims" and that anything she says or does could lead to negative stereotypes about her people or her religion being summoned.

If you get one book for your middle grade library this should be it!

[Maura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful. It felt like a bit of a slow start, but Mariam grew on me. I especially loved the audiobook edition, featuring a wonderful narrator from whom I learned new Arabic pronunciations. It is Ramadan now and many of my upper elementary school students spend lunch with me in the library while fasting. I can’t wait to add this book to our collection and recommend it to all students, but especially Muslim students who will enjoy the opportunity to make connections and contrasts with Mariam’s experiences.

[Jan Raspen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really loved this story about a Muslim girl who is a new student at a Catholic school. Mariam is a typical middle schooler—worried about friendships and family —but her faith (and being a different faith from everyone else at her school) is always front and center for her. I loved Mariam’s parents’ openness in regard to people of different religions, even though they themselves were very devout.
I suggest that you read this one instead of listening to it—the narrator’s voice was very robotic, and I actually looked it up to make sure this was a real person.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful interfaith middle grade story with an Iraqi American main character, Mariam, who is sent to a Catholic school by her physician parents. Fitting in is hard as both a new student and the only Muslim student. It is releasing the end of February. I think it is a must add for middle school libraries as we have students from all faiths in our schools. Thanks to Libro.fm for the educator advance audiobook copy.

[Susan Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book with a topic, religion, that many readers are curious about. At this age, young readers may attend church and have faith, but are not necessarily exposed to other religions and perhaps not the idea of peacefully existing alongside each other.

Thank you Penguin Random House, for the ARC.

Wonder World Book Cafe podcast to follow.