You Must Be Layla

Layla #1

by Yassmin Abdel-Magied

“With her long skirt and headscarf Layla certainly stands out at her new high school. Everyone thinks they know her, just from a glance. But do they? And does Layla really know herself?”

Layla's mind goes a million miles a minute, so does her mouth – unfortunately her better judgement can take a while to catch up! Although she believes she was justified for doing what she did, a suspension certainly isn't the way she would have wished to begin her time at her fancy new high school. Despite the setback, Layla's determined to show everyone that she does deserve her scholarship and sets her sights on winning a big invention competition. But where to begin?

Looking outside and in, Layla will need to come to terms with who she is and who she wants to be if she has any chance of succeeding.

Jam-packed with heart and humour You Must Be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied reveals a powerful new voice in children’s writing. Touching on the migrant experience and exploring thought-provoking themes relevant to all teens, this book shows the strength required to be a Queen with a capital ‘Q’.

Genres: Young Adult, Contemporary, Middle Grade, Fiction, Audiobook, Muslims, Realistic Fiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 5, 2019

Reviews

[K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Trigger warnings: bullying, racism, Islamophobia.

2.5 stars.

Oh boy. I had such high hopes for this book because I have nothing but respect for Yassmin Abdel-Magied. Also, the protagonist is in year 8, which is almost unheard of in YA and I was super excited to have a book coming out for the younger end of the YA audience. And there was a reasonable amount about this that I enjoyed - a teenage girl who's interested in STEM, the struggles of being a Sudanese Muslim at a private school that's very white, and the difficulties of being a 14 year old girl full stop.

Unfortunately, there were two main problems with this for me. The first is that the writing is...it's awful. It's really awful. It feels like a draft rather than a finished book. It's unpolished, the conversations don't feel authentic, and there are so many pop culture references and slang words in it that it will feel out of date within two years. And honestly, that makes me incredibly sad because this had the potential to be a game changer.

My second problem is that this is a really short book and yet it's trying to do so many things. It's about Layla starting at a new school and struggling to fit in. It's about her becoming invested in a robotics competition. It's about first crushes. It's about bullying and Islamophobia. It's about changing friendships. It's about making assumptions. It's about so many different things and because it's barely 200 pages, it doesn't do any of them justice.

So basically? I wanted this to be amazing and it just.........wasn't. And now I'm sad.

[a.]

why yes, i am

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Forgiveness liberates the soul and removes fear..” -Nelson Mandela

Layla’s story is a very important story and it was told in a very fun and engaging way. Layla’s flaws were what made her human and humans can only take so much in different situations - especially at such a young age of 12-13 in year 8. This story was important as it showed no bounds in exploring the social injustices that exist in our time from racism to Islamaphobia - how it can go from derogatory comments to violence even in the school yard.

This story was so engaging - although there was a time I wanted to throw this book at the wall because of the injustice Layla was facing, a lot of the story was vibrant and fun and a story you would read to cheer you up when you’re not having the best day.

I loved following Layla and how she deals with her own cultural identity being of Sudanese heritage practising Islamic faith living in Australia to changing from a comfortable school environment to a prestigious school where she is different. The friendships she had previously and the new ones she makes were particularly fun to read - she is living proof that true friendship is unconditional.. and of course how could we forget her cute yet amazing invention!

As an adult reading this I enjoyed it so much so I recommend this to all readers even as young as 9-10 years. It brought back memories of junior high school for me though dialogue has changed a little from my generation - even the social media tech!

Really enjoyable! Special thanks to Penguin Random House for sending me a review copy of this book.

[Janelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book reads like a school assignment that the author frantically tried to finish the night before.

Firstly, I advise you read this as a middle grade. It feels like a misnomer marketing this as YA as the writing and characterisation feels more appropriate for the 8-12 age range - and that's fine. Bearing this in mind, the beginning is super strong and I really connected with Layla and her family unit. The author does a great job at building Layla's backstory in Brisbane leading up to the first day at her new school. Layla has a strong voice and is such a feisty young kid!

Unfortunately it falls apart after the first 100 pages.

At first it seems like a cute story about a hijabi girl finding a friendship group at her new school and rising above an Islamophobic bully to succeed at the school robotics competition, but it ends up being a hot mess. The author tries to do too much and doesn't 100% succeed at any of it, touching only briefly and haphazardly on the Australian Muslim experience, Islamophobia, bullying, privilege, women in STEM, bigotry against Africans in Australia, and queer kids. Then the climax and resolution are messily shoe-horned into the final 20 pages like she was writing it at 3 minutes to midnight.

(And don't get me started on how badly the queer kid's coming out scene was handled)

I want to love Yassmin Abdel-Magied's writing because she's a bomb ass public speaker, but so far her memoir and fiction debut have been super disorganised and lacking. If Layla gets a sequel I might read it, but this was mega disappointing.

[CW ✨ · Rating 2 out of 5]

You Must Be Layla features a protagonist and story that are pivotal in today's Australian lit, but a few things fell short for me. Nonetheless, I think this is a good story for kids who want an accessible and approachable story about confidence, ambition, and prejudice.

- The story follows Layla, a Muslim Sudanese-Australian kid (in Year 8!) who gets a scholarship to a prestigious school that is predominantly white - which is quite different to her old school where most of the kids were Muslim.
- The book explores a variety of topics - bullying, racism, anti-Islam rhetoric and how kids have to grapple with it, ambition, and forgiveness.
- I think Layla is a great protagonist - a girl who is confident in her own ability, feels vulnerable when faced with conflict and self-doubt, and also explores feelings of anger when faced with injustice. A lot of her emotions were very real.
- However, the story overall fell a little flat for me. The story itself (beyond Layla's journey and growth) wasn't quite compelling, the resolution felt off to me (I felt weird that [1] the resolution of the conflict fell on the onus of the white bully's forgiveness and [2] the best friend's gay character arc felt shoe-horned).
- This reads a bit more of older middle-grade than young adult, and I think the themes and issues explored in this book are more fitting of older MG.

Trigger/content warning: anti-Islam rhetoric, racism, bullying

[Sunili · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meeting Layla will be one of the loveliest things you get to do this year. Our pal @Yassmin_a has created an absolutely delightful character who is a joy to read about. Layla is the girl we all want to be besties with, and has so much love, laughter and spark within her that she can actually be all of our bestie.

But trying to fit in when one shines so bright will always be impossible. A hilariously opinionated and optimistic young woman, Layla steps up to face some tough challenges at her new school with only one goal: to do and be her best, no matter what. And by sticking up for herself and her friends even though it might seem like the world is stacked against her, Layla proves there’s more than one way to end up #winning at life.

[Ghostly Writer · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are a lot of issues that I have with this book... (This review is to be updated at a later time).

[Jennifer (JC-S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

‘But just remember – failure makes the story more interesting.’

Layla wins a scholarship to an impressive high school. On her first day, wearing a long skirt and a headscarf, Layla certainly stands out. Some of her fellow students (and teachers) make assumptions. And Layla doesn’t always help herself: speaking before thinking through the consequences can get you into trouble, even if you don’t look different.

Layla gets suspended. Whether the suspension is justified or not, Layla knows that she needs to work hard to change the school’s perceptions. Her scholarship is at stake. Layla learns about a big invention competition, and she figures if she wins the competition, people will take notice. Can she do it?

This novel is aimed at people at least 50 years younger than me (say 10 to 13), but the messages are just as clear to me as they would (or should) be to others. Layla is an engaging character: she and her family are immigrants from Sudan and have experienced both racism and Islamophobia. The real value of this story is in introducing these issues to younger readers in a way which should stimulate discussion. Layla’s determination to succeed is commendable, even if her application sometimes needs a little focus.

This is a story told with humour and I enjoyed the way in which some serious issues were dealt with. I also loved Layla’s invention. I loved the ending, which draws together several of the themes: it seemed so appropriate, so hopeful (on most levels). And Layla learned that being the only hijabi is only one way of being different: others also have difficulty fitting in.

This is Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s first work of fiction. I’d certainly be interested in reading more.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

[Aisha (thatothernigeriangirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

So “You Must be Layla” is a brilliant book. There, that had to go first.

It’s a story about Layla Hussein, an adolescent Sudanese-Australian hijabi who transfers to a majority white private school somewhere in Australia. Naturally, she experiences a string of anti-Blackness and Islamophobia while trying to find her place in this new school. Layla is funny, smart, comfortable in her skin, religion and identity. But she quickly discovers that the world outside her close-knit warm family of 6 is not so welcoming.

What I ABSOLUTELY enjoyed in this story is how Abdel-Magied focused on Layla’s thought process throughout her exposure to these vile experiences, rather than the experiences themselves. In other words, she didn’t make Layla’s world revolve solely around external negativity— as people assume minorities should live. Instead, we see Layla struggle to make sense of the injustice and unfairness of prejudice (backed with power). Highlighting her parents’ and brother’s experiences with prejudice also gave the story that added flavour. It was intriguing to see this and I think other girls whose identities align with Layla’s would be thrilled.

Abdel-Magied also explored the concept of being “the forgiving minority who has to look the other way”, and she introduces prominent figures like Nelson Mandela and Malcolm X along with the Islamic concept of forgiveness. I enjoyed reading this book and Layla made me laugh A LOT.

The pace of the story was just right — although the last chapter felt like an unnecessary sprint race, which I ended up forgiving. It is a perfect “get-me-out-of-my-slump” read.
I’m halfway through Listen, Layla (the sequel) and it’s a pleasure to continue with Layla on her coming-of-age journey 👏🏾

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the storyline is good, I found it to be VERY repetitive. Some sentences have the same word three times (like ‘completely’, which is a word that has numerous alternative options). This book needed a lot more editing.
The use of LOL, OMG and Hehe I felt we’re overused and not needed. At one point ‘SAD FACE’ was used - really? Admittedly, I am in my mid 30’s and am not exactly in the target audience, which is likely why these annoyed me so much.
The Sudanese meanings would have been better described at the bottom of each page they’re mentioned on as it’s distracting from the story to keep flicking to the glossary at the back of the book.

Overall, I do feel the story was good, it was easy to follow and written in a way that makes you care and relate to the characters. A good young adult book that I feel would be beneficial as a compulsory read in English curriculum in Australia.

[Yusra ❥ · Rating 1 out of 5]

erm rtc idk tho this one made me go on a reading slump.

Do not recommend for anyone waste of time.


And that's something coming from a Muslim myself

[SanaBanana · Rating 3 out of 5]

So this was a fun book to read! I love the positive Muslim rep and how it's put there so casually. Layla loves being Muslim! She's proud of her religion, her heritage and herself and that was really refreshing to read.
It was undeniably evident that Layla was based on the Author herself. Layla was your typical perky enthusiatic teen from the 2010s which was a bit jarring as the book was set in 2019. Lot's of YAAASSS, and gurl, and ZOMGs etc. Dark dark times.

Another thing was I would have LOVED if the book explored more of Layla's home life, Oz's story and struggles getting a job, that other Muslim girl in Layla's class who was only mentioned twice. It was weird how her introduction seemed like it was set up that she would have more screen time. but alas ;( twas not to be. Lots of missed opportunities - interesting things keep getting brought up but then disappear from the book, never fully explored.

[Bec O'Neill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really charmed by this YA read. Yassmin has created a warm, smart, funny, clumsy and proudly Muslim protagonist who goes on adventures and stands up to bullies in a very satisfying way. This would be a great series - I hope there's a sequel!

[Nadine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ambitious in reach, this book tries to fill many gaps in middle school / YA literature. Australian voice, ADHD in girls, wearing a Hijab, family relationships, friendships, friend coming out, girls in STEM. As a result it lacks a certain depth but has the breadth and feels a bit rushed. Although it's a HS protagonist, the voice is much younger and more innocent and would therefore deserve a place in MS libraries.

[Mareem · Rating 1 out of 5]

Avoid this book, it is not suitable for Muslim children at all. The author clearly wants to be accepted by the Western community and is trying desperately to get attention by misleading our children with poison. Yasmin, please keep your dangerous narrative for your own children and leave our children alone. Just because you have your own issues, it doesn’t mean you need to corrupt others. Completely unacceptable

[T’Layne Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

This a great book. It’s a story of feeling out of place, of accepting yourself, and of perseverance. Layla is funny, determined, ambitious and a bit loud. She loves her family and is up for a challenge. If you want a book that any child will love, this is an easy choice. Recommended.
Probably best suited to 10 to 16 year olds.

[Kat Schrav · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. While I can appreciate the pertinency of the themes and discourses in this book, it was lacking depth in character development and issues discussed. An easy read, but the ‘teen speak’ was overdone and somewhat distracting in places. Would recommend for students in years 7/8.

[Dave Sargent · Rating 1 out of 5]

The style of writing hasn’t hit it’s targeted audience. Written for a certain age demographic while trying to appeal to another.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

The attempt at teen-speak was pretty cringey, but it makes up for it with a cute and wholesome storyline. Layla is a great character and I would love a sequel 🙏

[Stef Rozitis · Rating 3 out of 5]

There's a spate of "migrant girl tries to fit in a private school" books and good for them for normalising all the different cultures that make up Australia (in this case Sudanese). It's also perhaps wise that this book acknowledges but does not focus on racism, the focus is a bubbly, impetuous female character. I absolutely loved how her (Muslim) spirituality is woven into her personality but she is still very recognisably an Australian teenager too.

Apart from me feeling a but "meh" about the private school theme this book did make a good point about Sudanese needing to strive for wealth more because they have family in abject poverty they are trying to help. I've heard similar stuff from Afghani young people too. Nevertheless it erodes the public system more when authors keep portraying that the way to succeed is get a scholarship to a posh school. A minority of students get those scholarships anyway, the majority are like Dina.

I had to keep reminding myself not to be irritated by the silly science (gummy bear actuator) as this is actually a teenage book not aimed at adults and not mainly seeking to be scientifically accurate. I wasn't fond of Layla being the "queen" of all the boys with no female friends at her new school. I don't see the point of that. I sort of got that this brashness was her new self, that she'd had to code switch around her new place in life. I loved that her mum was the main career woman and her dad was the cook and also the affection between family members. The plot twist with Ethan was welcome but a bit hurried, I guess it had to be.

Much of the plot was a bit glib and convenient how things just coincidentally fell into place.

So it's a genre that is needed, some themes that are worth thinking about, an easy, accessible read. It didn't rock my world but not every book can. I suspect some of the features that irritated me will appeal to a much younger crowd and I guess that is what matters here!

[Natasha (jouljet) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cracking pace read following Layla as she starts at a new, fancy school to begin her path to be a world wide adventurer.

Layla is full of sass, and overwhelming adolescent impulsivity! She gave me anxiety with some of her antics, which just showed me how this character had developed and I'd become invested.

I loved the Arabic included within the text, seamlessly spoken as it would be within a family in Australia with English as a second language. Many phrases I knew because of my own growing Arabic, but mostly context covered it. Although I don't know what to do with the numbers in phonetic Arabic (I just found the glossary at the end, when I finished), even when I know the reasoning if it use. It was refreshing to have a book that added the bilingual way of many Aussie families.

Yassmin had introduced the book at the book launch as Layla just being herself, although of course themes of diversity and racism and acceptance come through - because this is the reality of Australia today.

Themes of chasing your dreams, being yourself, working through forgiveness, and also discovering that everyone has their difficulties to bare - it's funny, sassy and full of joy and hope.

[orla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was really something. It felt as if the author was trying to hard to use "teen slang" and it did not work. I physically cringed and put the book down. And the author tackled so many large issues all at once and it was not working. Some parts I enjoyed the book, thus my rating, but sometimes I really did not. The ending also felt very rushed. I felt the end deserved more time to sink in, as it all happened in the last ten pages.

[Ellen McMahon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A bright new voice in Aussie YA fiction brings us Layla, a sassy teen with big dreams. The novel's wider themes of diversity and inclusion are well handled, and couldn't come at a better time. I adored this and would recommend it to 10-13 year olds especially.

[Charlotte · Rating 3 out of 5]

Layla was a 5 Star character for me but unfortunately the rest of the story didn't quite live up to my expectations. For a full review watch the June Wrap Up over on my books and bargains YouTube channel

[Hannah Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book! A charming and acerbic voice on fitting in and the challenges that come with ‘being different’. Loved the use of Arabic and the glossary, I’m a hoarder of language. Will be going on my curriculum reading list

[Trisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review closer to release

[Penny Poppleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect book for those in between middle-grade and YA. Liked it a lot and sped through once I found it again!

[Tehcup · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent young fiction novel! Recommended for 12-14 year olds

[elbow ☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

i'm so happy i had books like this when i was in primary school. also i totally forgot most of the plot and some of the little side bits so this was so nice to read again.

[Pearl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice to see what children's/teen lit is like now!