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Layla #2
Listen, Layla
What's a queen to do when her summer plans go horribly wrong?
Layla has ended the school year on a high and can’t wait to spend the holidays hanging out with her friends and designing a prize-winning Grand Designs Tourismo invention. But Layla’s plans are interrupted when her grandmother in Sudan falls ill and the family rush to be with her.
The last time Layla went to Sudan she was only a young child. Now she feels torn between her Sudanese and Australian identities. As political tensions in Sudan erupt, so too do tensions between Layla and her family. Layla is determined not to lose her place in the invention team, but will she go against her parents’ wishes? What would a Kandaka do?
A powerful, funny and timely novel for young readers by writer, broadcaster and award-winning social advocate, Yassmin Abdel-Magied. Exploring the diaspora experience, race, politics and identity, Listen, Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied is an own voices novel for young readers, which bursts with passion, humour and truth.
Layla has ended the school year on a high and can’t wait to spend the holidays hanging out with her friends and designing a prize-winning Grand Designs Tourismo invention. But Layla’s plans are interrupted when her grandmother in Sudan falls ill and the family rush to be with her.
The last time Layla went to Sudan she was only a young child. Now she feels torn between her Sudanese and Australian identities. As political tensions in Sudan erupt, so too do tensions between Layla and her family. Layla is determined not to lose her place in the invention team, but will she go against her parents’ wishes? What would a Kandaka do?
A powerful, funny and timely novel for young readers by writer, broadcaster and award-winning social advocate, Yassmin Abdel-Magied. Exploring the diaspora experience, race, politics and identity, Listen, Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied is an own voices novel for young readers, which bursts with passion, humour and truth.
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 1, 2021
3 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
May 27, 2021
This was a great little middle grade with a witty and intelligent female protagonist.
It's great to see diverse and educative books becoming the norm for the 12-14 year old reading age group, and I love seeing fiction books that cover religion in a way that makes sense for younger kids. When I was young, we didn't have a diverse range of literature to choose from, so I'm glad the future generations have such good books to read, and will hopefully grow up to be more educated and accepting than our generation.
Layla is smart, driven and funny--a wonderful role model for young girls around the world.
It's great to see diverse and educative books becoming the norm for the 12-14 year old reading age group, and I love seeing fiction books that cover religion in a way that makes sense for younger kids. When I was young, we didn't have a diverse range of literature to choose from, so I'm glad the future generations have such good books to read, and will hopefully grow up to be more educated and accepting than our generation.
Layla is smart, driven and funny--a wonderful role model for young girls around the world.
June 27, 2022
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Layla (mc) is Muslim & Sudanese-Australian; Sudanese & Muslim scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
▷ Representation: Layla (mc) is Muslim & Sudanese-Australian; Sudanese & Muslim scs.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
February 7, 2021
This is a nice follow up to, You Must Be Layla, and I must say I was not expecting to be in my feels with this one. Layla has finished school for the year, and the unexpected hospitalisation of her grandmother she’s her and her family fly to Sudan. She hasn’t been there is a while. Now she feels torn between her Sudanese and Australian identities. As political tensions in Sudan erupt, so too do tensions between Layla and her family.
‘In those cases, she just had to be strong for herself, fight things that she believes were wrong and ignore the barking dogs that were trying to distract her from continuing on her path. This? This was hard, because there was nothing she could do to change the situation.’
‘In those cases, she just had to be strong for herself, fight things that she believes were wrong and ignore the barking dogs that were trying to distract her from continuing on her path. This? This was hard, because there was nothing she could do to change the situation.’
September 27, 2021
Oh I most certainly recommend!
Layla’s coming of age journey grows even more outward in this sequel. Abel-Maggied also explores that the intricacies of dual identity for Africans in diaspora. It’s really interesting to watch Layla grow in thoughts and worldview.
I especially love those cheeky moments when she converses with God and can’t even hide her jokes 😆.
I do wish Abdel-Maggied explored Layla’s thoughts and her balancing wordly injustice with her belief in Allah.
Definitely recommend this one and I hope we get a third sequel 👏🏾
Layla’s coming of age journey grows even more outward in this sequel. Abel-Maggied also explores that the intricacies of dual identity for Africans in diaspora. It’s really interesting to watch Layla grow in thoughts and worldview.
I especially love those cheeky moments when she converses with God and can’t even hide her jokes 😆.
I do wish Abdel-Maggied explored Layla’s thoughts and her balancing wordly injustice with her belief in Allah.
Definitely recommend this one and I hope we get a third sequel 👏🏾
August 22, 2024
2.25⭐️.
Personally I wouldn't read a book like this and I only read it for my school. It's not that I hate it, but it's just that the way Layla thinks just puts me off. It's not about her religious thinking. I'm a Muslim myself and I can relate, but idk what it is, she annoys me. A LOT!!!!!
If you like politics, family dynamics and a girl who feels guilty for not listening to her parents, (If I was her I wouldn't either), you should read it.
Personally I wouldn't read a book like this and I only read it for my school. It's not that I hate it, but it's just that the way Layla thinks just puts me off. It's not about her religious thinking. I'm a Muslim myself and I can relate, but idk what it is, she annoys me. A LOT!!!!!
If you like politics, family dynamics and a girl who feels guilty for not listening to her parents, (If I was her I wouldn't either), you should read it.
February 14, 2021
A great follow up to “You Must Be Layla”. It follows a tumultuous summer for Layla where she has to return to Sudan to see her ill grandmother, keep her spot on the GDT team and come to understand the political situation in Sudan.
For teachers, it will be easy to teach on ideas regarding home and identity, and also personal wants vs collective needs. Good for a year 7/ 8 audience.
For teachers, it will be easy to teach on ideas regarding home and identity, and also personal wants vs collective needs. Good for a year 7/ 8 audience.
June 14, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Listen Layla in exchange for an honest review.
So after reading other reviews, I realize that this is a sequel (or maybe companion) novel, but it recaps everything plot important near the beginning so you can definitely read it out of order like I accidentally did and still enjoy it.
This book was really good! It examines family and identity really well and I love that it allows Layla to be a strong role model while also being a flawed character so readers can learn from her shortcomings. It is very, very middle grade though which is perfectly fine! Some middle grade can extend very well into other audiences but not all MG books need to be nor should be best enjoyed by people out of the character's age bracket. When I got this it was shelved as YA though so I was expecting to be the target audience so I enjoyed it slightly less due to a shelving error, not any actual issue with the book itself.
So after reading other reviews, I realize that this is a sequel (or maybe companion) novel, but it recaps everything plot important near the beginning so you can definitely read it out of order like I accidentally did and still enjoy it.
This book was really good! It examines family and identity really well and I love that it allows Layla to be a strong role model while also being a flawed character so readers can learn from her shortcomings. It is very, very middle grade though which is perfectly fine! Some middle grade can extend very well into other audiences but not all MG books need to be nor should be best enjoyed by people out of the character's age bracket. When I got this it was shelved as YA though so I was expecting to be the target audience so I enjoyed it slightly less due to a shelving error, not any actual issue with the book itself.
October 23, 2022
Helped provide some context to the conflict in Sudan right now, from a teen perspective!
August 31, 2021
Sudanese-Australian teenager Layla’s innate fondness for invention, demonstrated through her position within her school’s Grand Design Tourismo team, extends an opportunity to travel to Germany for a competition. Suddenly Layla’s Grandmother, who resides in Sudan, falls ill. As her family returns to Sudan for the first time in five years, at a time of intensified political unrest, does Layla’s plans of a perfect summer fall to a halt?
Abdel-Magied’s novel captures the relatable experiences concerning children of migrants within the diaspora. Naturally, as experienced by myself and engaged in conversations frequently, questions of home, belonging and identity arise. Nevertheless, Abdel-Magied displays the bilingual capabilities of child of migrants through utilising Arabic, supplemented with a glossary. Incorporating Arabic words and phrases exhibits children to a language currently not offered within the National Curriculum.
Layla’s experiences and subsequent long term desire to become an established Inventor, later enhanced as she is offered to be Australia’s representative for the Special International Invention Tour, conflicts with her family’s desire to stay in Sudan to take care of her Grandmother. Therefore, another theme of personal needs versus collective needs arises. Does Layla’s time in Sudan expose her to a reality which slightly alters her endeavour into achieving her desire?
Much more familiar with Abdel-Magied's non-fiction contributions and articles as a Journalist, I appreciate her producing an accessible account of a teenager's experiences within the diaspora, sans omitting any experienced emotions. Listen, Layla is recommended to all children at the lower-end of Key Stage Two and above.
Abdel-Magied’s novel captures the relatable experiences concerning children of migrants within the diaspora. Naturally, as experienced by myself and engaged in conversations frequently, questions of home, belonging and identity arise. Nevertheless, Abdel-Magied displays the bilingual capabilities of child of migrants through utilising Arabic, supplemented with a glossary. Incorporating Arabic words and phrases exhibits children to a language currently not offered within the National Curriculum.
Layla’s experiences and subsequent long term desire to become an established Inventor, later enhanced as she is offered to be Australia’s representative for the Special International Invention Tour, conflicts with her family’s desire to stay in Sudan to take care of her Grandmother. Therefore, another theme of personal needs versus collective needs arises. Does Layla’s time in Sudan expose her to a reality which slightly alters her endeavour into achieving her desire?
Much more familiar with Abdel-Magied's non-fiction contributions and articles as a Journalist, I appreciate her producing an accessible account of a teenager's experiences within the diaspora, sans omitting any experienced emotions. Listen, Layla is recommended to all children at the lower-end of Key Stage Two and above.
July 14, 2021
It's the end of eighth grade and Layla is looking forward to the holidays but what will she do if her summer plans go horribly wrong? she must find out how to juggle her australien and sudanese identities. Will Family or the GDT team be more important .What will the Layla do now?
February 13, 2021
Excuse me, but why is a book aimed at kids/teenagers making me CRY?!?
I read "You Must Be Layla" a few years ago and loved the tale of a young, Sudanese-Australian girl who desperately loves inventing trying to figure out where she fits at her new school. This sequel follows Layla over her Summer break when her plans to work on her school's invention team are unceremoniously torn away from her as she has to return to Sudan with her family.
Firstly, Abdel-Magied captures the arrogance and self absorption of youth incredibly well. That's not to say she's harsh with it, she's not, she's profoundly empathetic. It's just that I often read young adult / teen books where the protagonists seem wise beyond their years and it was refreshing to see a 14 year old acting like a 14 year old. No firm grasp on consequences, a desire to be older than they are (and treated as such), unsure of their place in the world.
Secondly, this book will mean a lot to many first gens in Australia and beyond. Where do you belong? How do you define your identity? What does it mean when you don't seem "enough" in any of your cultures? These are topics many cross-culture / third culture kids deal with and it's amazing to see a young girl grapple with this with the love and support of her family.
Thirdly, what a beautiful look at what can ignite a passion for social justice in young people and what a strong commentary on the different battles that need fighting in different countries. Layla's struggle to figure out what felt different about protests in Sudan vs protests in Australia was so authentic, and seeing her connect the dots and understand the stakes was as satisfying as it was heart wrenching.
Finally, I'm a sucker for books that explore family dynamics, particularly ones we don't normally see in mainstream media. The description of the loud and animated extended family, the sleeping arrangements, her cool cousin with the boyfriends were all brilliant, but I especially loved seeing Layla learn that her parents are PEOPLE with their own histories and loves and fears and feelings. A rite of passage for all of us.
I read "You Must Be Layla" a few years ago and loved the tale of a young, Sudanese-Australian girl who desperately loves inventing trying to figure out where she fits at her new school. This sequel follows Layla over her Summer break when her plans to work on her school's invention team are unceremoniously torn away from her as she has to return to Sudan with her family.
Firstly, Abdel-Magied captures the arrogance and self absorption of youth incredibly well. That's not to say she's harsh with it, she's not, she's profoundly empathetic. It's just that I often read young adult / teen books where the protagonists seem wise beyond their years and it was refreshing to see a 14 year old acting like a 14 year old. No firm grasp on consequences, a desire to be older than they are (and treated as such), unsure of their place in the world.
Secondly, this book will mean a lot to many first gens in Australia and beyond. Where do you belong? How do you define your identity? What does it mean when you don't seem "enough" in any of your cultures? These are topics many cross-culture / third culture kids deal with and it's amazing to see a young girl grapple with this with the love and support of her family.
Thirdly, what a beautiful look at what can ignite a passion for social justice in young people and what a strong commentary on the different battles that need fighting in different countries. Layla's struggle to figure out what felt different about protests in Sudan vs protests in Australia was so authentic, and seeing her connect the dots and understand the stakes was as satisfying as it was heart wrenching.
Finally, I'm a sucker for books that explore family dynamics, particularly ones we don't normally see in mainstream media. The description of the loud and animated extended family, the sleeping arrangements, her cool cousin with the boyfriends were all brilliant, but I especially loved seeing Layla learn that her parents are PEOPLE with their own histories and loves and fears and feelings. A rite of passage for all of us.
July 22, 2021
If you are looking for a book with a strong female character, a hefty, but accessible dose of S.T.E.M and a drop into a world beyond our shores, then this may be the book for you.
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Aimed at middle-graders, Listen, Layla is a sequel to You Must Be Layla. I hadn't read the previous book but this book works as a stand alone as well as a sequel.
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Layla is an impressive character, finding her feet in the Gran Designs Tourism group at school. Layla is an inventor;
she has dreams of travelling the world and building incredible inventions.
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Layla is from a vibrant Sudanese family located in Australia. Without giving too much away, Yassmin tackles the sense of belonging and identity through the character of Layla whilst also reflecting on the univerisal problem of selfishness.
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I really enjoyed this and will recommend this to my pupils at school and hope to stock this in the libaray too!
.
Aimed at middle-graders, Listen, Layla is a sequel to You Must Be Layla. I hadn't read the previous book but this book works as a stand alone as well as a sequel.
.
Layla is an impressive character, finding her feet in the Gran Designs Tourism group at school. Layla is an inventor;
she has dreams of travelling the world and building incredible inventions.
.
Layla is from a vibrant Sudanese family located in Australia. Without giving too much away, Yassmin tackles the sense of belonging and identity through the character of Layla whilst also reflecting on the univerisal problem of selfishness.
.
I really enjoyed this and will recommend this to my pupils at school and hope to stock this in the libaray too!
Read
December 4, 2021
Trigger & Content Warnings
Islamomisia
Racism
Sexism discussed
Grandmother hospitalised due to a stroke
Cousin hospitalised for gunshot wounds to the shoulder & leg
Death of a friend mentioned
Bullying
Gun violence
Riots, on-page
Islamomisia
Racism
Sexism discussed
Grandmother hospitalised due to a stroke
Cousin hospitalised for gunshot wounds to the shoulder & leg
Death of a friend mentioned
Bullying
Gun violence
Riots, on-page
March 17, 2021
A vibrant protagonist who you immediately fall in love with, she’s intelligent, funny, loud and super motivated.
March 21, 2023
3 stars- good.
It was better than the last, and mostly because of the topic it delves into. It was a confronting, challenging exploration of the Sudanese people's fight for freedom, and it was both sad and educational. Layla, however, continued to annoy me, and I'm still not a fan of the writing and dialogue.
Longer, more specific review below. All main points are in bold if you'd rather skim :)
what I liked:
-the diversity!
-the Sudanese culture was really interesting and insightful.
-this book took a darker turn than its predecessor, exploring the riots and protests in Sudan, which was really impactful. Sad, but educational, and also inspiring.
-Layla getting put in her place by her parents was extremely satisfying after how I found her to be self-absorbed in both the last book and this one.
what could've been better:
-Layla, once again, presented herself as a self-absorbed character in this book. The only difference between book 1 and 2 here is that in this one, she is called out for it, but she still doesn't change. I don't hate her, but she can act really spoilt and selfish. The title of this book works really well, because she genuinely needs to listen to other people instead of always trying to get her way and throwing a fit when it doesn't.
-the dialogue, once again, made me cringe a lot with the sounds. The dialogue was incredibly... young too, like in book 1. It places this book in the middle grade zone, but the themes explored in this really would not be understood by such a young audience. Once again, the negatives from book 1 repeat in book 2.
-Peter continues to be racist and there are times were Layla brushes it off. I know it's not always possible to admonish someone when they fall in bad habits/ do bad things, but with this targeted at a younger audience, I wouldn't want any readers to think that it's okay to sweep things under the rug every now and then. I think Layla should have stood up to Peter, again and again, and keep correcting him until he understands. It would've been a good model for the audience, too.
-I severely dislike Layla's "shut-down mode" and how it is promoted. Layla didn't go through that in this book, but her best friend mentions how she might have to put herself in this "mode" to get good grades. I will repeat what I've said in my last review: "shut-down mode" is incredibly unhealthy and should not be promoted. Cutting off all contact with people, doing nothing but study for days or weeks, to the point where you're "not smiling normally", SHOULD NOT be supported. I know this, personally, and I hate how these characters perceive "shut-down mode" as a good thing.
It was better than the last, and mostly because of the topic it delves into. It was a confronting, challenging exploration of the Sudanese people's fight for freedom, and it was both sad and educational. Layla, however, continued to annoy me, and I'm still not a fan of the writing and dialogue.
Longer, more specific review below. All main points are in bold if you'd rather skim :)
what I liked:
-the diversity!
-the Sudanese culture was really interesting and insightful.
-this book took a darker turn than its predecessor, exploring the riots and protests in Sudan, which was really impactful. Sad, but educational, and also inspiring.
-Layla getting put in her place by her parents was extremely satisfying after how I found her to be self-absorbed in both the last book and this one.
what could've been better:
-Layla, once again, presented herself as a self-absorbed character in this book. The only difference between book 1 and 2 here is that in this one, she is called out for it, but she still doesn't change. I don't hate her, but she can act really spoilt and selfish. The title of this book works really well, because she genuinely needs to listen to other people instead of always trying to get her way and throwing a fit when it doesn't.
-the dialogue, once again, made me cringe a lot with the sounds. The dialogue was incredibly... young too, like in book 1. It places this book in the middle grade zone, but the themes explored in this really would not be understood by such a young audience. Once again, the negatives from book 1 repeat in book 2.
-Peter continues to be racist and there are times were Layla brushes it off. I know it's not always possible to admonish someone when they fall in bad habits/ do bad things, but with this targeted at a younger audience, I wouldn't want any readers to think that it's okay to sweep things under the rug every now and then. I think Layla should have stood up to Peter, again and again, and keep correcting him until he understands. It would've been a good model for the audience, too.
-I severely dislike Layla's "shut-down mode" and how it is promoted. Layla didn't go through that in this book, but her best friend mentions how she might have to put herself in this "mode" to get good grades. I will repeat what I've said in my last review: "shut-down mode" is incredibly unhealthy and should not be promoted. Cutting off all contact with people, doing nothing but study for days or weeks, to the point where you're "not smiling normally", SHOULD NOT be supported. I know this, personally, and I hate how these characters perceive "shut-down mode" as a good thing.
February 18, 2021
Listen Layla begins where the first book, You Must be Layla finishes. Layla is an irrepressible young Muslim teen living in Brisbane, Australia. At the start of her summer holidays where her invention crazy mind is about to take her places, Layla is suddenly whisked off to her land of birth, Sudan during the 2018 - 2019 revolution. I was captured by the immediacy and pace of this book. The author puts us front and centre into Khartoum, a place I only knew from news headlines.
If you know a young avid reader aged 11yrs upwards or perhaps an older teen who likes a fast clear read, then "Listen Layla" is a good book for this age group. It would probably enrich the reader if they read the first book, "You Must Be Layla", particularly for the back stories on her friends and family. But it works as a stand alone book too.
I particularly enjoy the fact that there are lots of male characters, from friends to brothers to cousins. No romantic tropes. Layla is more interested in inventing than dating boys.
I imagine that "Listen Layla" would really resonate with migrant children as the story explores issues of identity & the idea of where is home?
It also invites Anglo Celtic readers like myself into a rich landscape and I particularly enjoyed learning about the Ancient Kingdom of Kush.
If you know a young avid reader aged 11yrs upwards or perhaps an older teen who likes a fast clear read, then "Listen Layla" is a good book for this age group. It would probably enrich the reader if they read the first book, "You Must Be Layla", particularly for the back stories on her friends and family. But it works as a stand alone book too.
I particularly enjoy the fact that there are lots of male characters, from friends to brothers to cousins. No romantic tropes. Layla is more interested in inventing than dating boys.
I imagine that "Listen Layla" would really resonate with migrant children as the story explores issues of identity & the idea of where is home?
It also invites Anglo Celtic readers like myself into a rich landscape and I particularly enjoyed learning about the Ancient Kingdom of Kush.
August 22, 2021
This is a YA book set in Australia and Sudan. The young Muslim girl and her family had emigrated to Australia - Brisbane as it happens where I lived for many years.
The grandmother is ill i Sudan and the family go back to be with her and the family left behind.
the story is told through Layla's eyes as she struggles with the conflict of cultures between Brisbane and her new home and all that is there compared to her family and all that she remembers from family holidays in Khartoum.
Layla is a talented young girl chosen by her school to represent them in an inventors competition along with four others.
She is going to be thrown out of the team if she misses any meetings - the trip to Sudan would mean her missing this.
Her Dad says she needs to pull out of the team - she is reluctant.
Meanwhile in Khartoum protests against the government cause tension and excitement. Layla and her cousin go against the parent's wishes and attend the protest.
There are a lot of arabic sayings and speeches and you have to look these up in the glossary at the end if you want to know what they mean. There is no help in pronunciation which is annoying.
An intereting book looking at a young Muslim girl's struggle to live ina new culture.
The grandmother is ill i Sudan and the family go back to be with her and the family left behind.
the story is told through Layla's eyes as she struggles with the conflict of cultures between Brisbane and her new home and all that is there compared to her family and all that she remembers from family holidays in Khartoum.
Layla is a talented young girl chosen by her school to represent them in an inventors competition along with four others.
She is going to be thrown out of the team if she misses any meetings - the trip to Sudan would mean her missing this.
Her Dad says she needs to pull out of the team - she is reluctant.
Meanwhile in Khartoum protests against the government cause tension and excitement. Layla and her cousin go against the parent's wishes and attend the protest.
There are a lot of arabic sayings and speeches and you have to look these up in the glossary at the end if you want to know what they mean. There is no help in pronunciation which is annoying.
An intereting book looking at a young Muslim girl's struggle to live ina new culture.
June 13, 2021
Thank you Edelweiss for an advanced copy. I liked this novel much more than its prequel You Must Be Layla, because I found more meaning and useful discussion points. It is not necessary to read the prequel beforehand, but it will definite help the reader understand the competition and relationships between characters, so I recommend reading the prequel first. This writing quality of this book is much better, without using as much slang (which was very annoying in the prequel). The themes of internal conflict and identity are much stronger and more pronounced. Any immigrant adolescent will identify with struggling to balance and consolidate 2 cultures, 2 nationalities, and 2 identities. I got the feeling that this book is for a more mature audience that it’s prequel, as the violence during protests was is more serious than the Islamaphobia violence from the prequel. I feel like the theme of racism and BLM could have been brought up more, since it would have fit in, and those lives are who the book was dedicated to. Even though I didn’t like the side characters’ parts about relationships since it clashes with Muslim values, I will recommend this book for school library purchase.
October 10, 2021
Layla’s work with her school engineering team has resulted in their project’s win in an all-Australia competition, and Layla has received the individual honor of a place on an international tour with other teen inventors. When her grandmother in Sudan is hospitalized, the whole family abruptly files back to help. Layla knows she will miss required team meetings and her father insists that she give up the team and put family first. Layla tries to continue with the team behind her father’s back while they are in Sudan, but her disobedience is discovered, she is grounded, her phone confiscated, and her father tells the team she can no longer participate.
Feeling caught between two cultures, Layla wants to show her Sudanese side by participating in the anti-government demonstrations that are the focus of the younger members of the extended family, but she endangers herself and further angers her father by her disobedience. How can she be Australian and Sudanese, a good Muslim and an independent, capable girl? Many readers experience Layla’s conflicts in their own lives and will enjoy learning about how their questions play out in other cultural settings. EARC from Edelweiss.
Feeling caught between two cultures, Layla wants to show her Sudanese side by participating in the anti-government demonstrations that are the focus of the younger members of the extended family, but she endangers herself and further angers her father by her disobedience. How can she be Australian and Sudanese, a good Muslim and an independent, capable girl? Many readers experience Layla’s conflicts in their own lives and will enjoy learning about how their questions play out in other cultural settings. EARC from Edelweiss.
October 28, 2021
Layla is the sparky protagonist of this excellent own-voices novel (a follow-up to 'You Must be Layla'). A keen inventor, Layla is excited to be taking part in a competition for young inventors with friends from her school in Brisbane. However, when her grandmother in Sudan falls seriously ill her parents decide to take the whole family to Khartoum, jeopardising her chance to take part in the competition.
In Khartoum, Layla reconnects with her Sudanese relatives, including her beloved cousin Yousra, and visits her grandmother in hospital. However, throwaway comments about her being not fully Sudanese (even though she was born in Sudan) and people asking her about her accent make her feel torn between the two cultures she belongs to. And her desire to get back to working on the competition causes tension with her parents.
While Layla is in Khartoum, her cousins take part in protests against the government. As they explain to her, life is very difficult for ordinary citizens, from lack of freedom to protest to lack of clean tap water. But this sparks an idea in Layla...
The text includes Arabic words, which are written in the Latin alphabet with a glossary at the back.
In Khartoum, Layla reconnects with her Sudanese relatives, including her beloved cousin Yousra, and visits her grandmother in hospital. However, throwaway comments about her being not fully Sudanese (even though she was born in Sudan) and people asking her about her accent make her feel torn between the two cultures she belongs to. And her desire to get back to working on the competition causes tension with her parents.
While Layla is in Khartoum, her cousins take part in protests against the government. As they explain to her, life is very difficult for ordinary citizens, from lack of freedom to protest to lack of clean tap water. But this sparks an idea in Layla...
The text includes Arabic words, which are written in the Latin alphabet with a glossary at the back.
April 15, 2022
A revisit with sassy, frustrating, bull-headed teen Layla from #YouMustBeLayla. This time our protagonists' plans are interrupted by a family emergency back in Sudan, and see her and her family flying back suddenly, right in the middle of the importance inventor team project at school she won the right to be part of in the first book.
Having Layla go to Sudan allows an exploration of the uprising there, harsh realities of hardships and things we take for granted here in Australia, like available water and our street rubbish collection. But also about identity for the children of the diaspora, and how to straddle both cultural connections.
Lots of teen impulsiveness and the experience of feeling like your wrong all the time, or always saying the wrong thing. Many times the title could have been Listen! Layla! but the beautiful ways messages are woven override Layla's awkward stubbornness.
A Middle Grade fiction book to create upcoming humanitarians, who either feel represented in these pages, informed and inspired around world events, or maybe both.
Having Layla go to Sudan allows an exploration of the uprising there, harsh realities of hardships and things we take for granted here in Australia, like available water and our street rubbish collection. But also about identity for the children of the diaspora, and how to straddle both cultural connections.
Lots of teen impulsiveness and the experience of feeling like your wrong all the time, or always saying the wrong thing. Many times the title could have been Listen! Layla! but the beautiful ways messages are woven override Layla's awkward stubbornness.
A Middle Grade fiction book to create upcoming humanitarians, who either feel represented in these pages, informed and inspired around world events, or maybe both.
July 23, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ read! A lovely middle-grade book that I wish had been around when I was younger when there was a distinct lack of diversity in middle-grade/young adult books. This is the second book in the Layla series (I haven't read this first) but it can be read as a standalone.
It has a wonderful female protagonist who loves engineering, is a first-generation Australian Muslim whose family is from Sudan. This book packs a lot in - challenging female roles in society and religion, the civil uprising in Sudan, family dynamics, and the importance of Islam to Layal as she journeys through all of these things in life.
I highly recommend this as a great read for 12+ age group.
** I was given a free copy of this book from Kaleidoscope Book Tours in return for an honest review.
It has a wonderful female protagonist who loves engineering, is a first-generation Australian Muslim whose family is from Sudan. This book packs a lot in - challenging female roles in society and religion, the civil uprising in Sudan, family dynamics, and the importance of Islam to Layal as she journeys through all of these things in life.
I highly recommend this as a great read for 12+ age group.
** I was given a free copy of this book from Kaleidoscope Book Tours in return for an honest review.
October 21, 2021
Yet another story in the Youth Fiction genre that easily crosses the perceived age divide of readers.
What a different insight into cultural differences and similarities, acceptance and dispute, family links and obligations, discussed through the eyes of a young teenage woman in Brisbane who happens to be of Sudanese background.
One thing that strikes me so often when I read Youth Fiction is the incredibly accepting attitude towards gender diversity and cultural influences. I read these books with a hopeful heart, that perhaps the young are truly going to live the changes we keep fighting for.
I actively encourage every reader friend to explore the incredible world of Youth Fiction and
What a different insight into cultural differences and similarities, acceptance and dispute, family links and obligations, discussed through the eyes of a young teenage woman in Brisbane who happens to be of Sudanese background.
One thing that strikes me so often when I read Youth Fiction is the incredibly accepting attitude towards gender diversity and cultural influences. I read these books with a hopeful heart, that perhaps the young are truly going to live the changes we keep fighting for.
I actively encourage every reader friend to explore the incredible world of Youth Fiction and
March 31, 2022
A story of a 14 year old teen named Layla, who’s forced to leave her invention team behind to visit her sick grandmother back in Sudan, and is caught in the middle of a revolution.
Layla is trying to discover where she belongs, Australia or Sudan, or both. She’s confused because people from both countries try and remind her she’s different. As a third culture individual myself, belonging is something I had to think about growing up.
I listened to the audiobook, and it was good to hear the author narrate her story.
Layla is trying to discover where she belongs, Australia or Sudan, or both. She’s confused because people from both countries try and remind her she’s different. As a third culture individual myself, belonging is something I had to think about growing up.
I listened to the audiobook, and it was good to hear the author narrate her story.
October 12, 2024
Having so many Sudanese friends, I was excited to read this book for middle school readers that deals with the 2018-2019 protests in the country. While I've never been there, the descriptions of the land and culture seemed authentic. And Abdel-Magied did a good job of capturing the challenges of immigrants and the in-between lives they have to navigate. Layla cares very much about Sudan but interprets life there through the lens of her Australian home. Although Layla is only 14, I think older readers will enjoy this as well, as Layla's teenage relatives are a large part of the story.
March 15, 2021
Listen, Layla was such a timely read. In her eyes, her determination was something that was necessary for her to succeed in the world, however, to the rest of her family who were experiencing some extreme challenges and hardships, the determination was very much selfish. I thought it was powerful for Layla to experience all these hurdles, so that she truly understood the realities of the world.
Thank you @penguinbooksaus and @penguinteenaus for gifting me this book to read!
Thank you @penguinbooksaus and @penguinteenaus for gifting me this book to read!
May 3, 2021
Another coming of age story, where Layla is trying really hard to find herself. Great themes of belonging and acceptance. Layla is south Sudanese and breaking out of the stereotypes set by her family are challenging. She's interested in STEM subjects and fights for females to be able to participate. An unexpected trip to South Sudan again challenges her feelings of where she belongs and which society is really hers. A lovely, easy read.
November 11, 2021
An amazing books for kids/teens.This book is the perfect representation of third-culture kids and Muslim representation! I also loved how the political aspects were explained in the simplest language which is perfect for kids to understand and engage in the kind of problems our society face right now. You don't necessarily need to read the first book to understand this one but I will definitely be reading it! I hope there are more stories to tell about Layla's life!!
July 5, 2022
Yassmin Abdel-Magied’s sequel to YOU MUST BE LAYLA is a solid contemporary book for readers aged 12+ that gives insight into the diaspora experience and what’s happening in Sudan. I enjoyed Layla’s enthusiasm and ambition for inventing while the scenes involving her family convey the difference in generational attitudes really well but I would have liked more dialogue between Layla and her parents on what she wants and why it’s important to her.
July 24, 2021
This is an own voices middle grade novel about a girl called Layla. She lives in Australia and her a Sudanese heritage. The story follows her at the end of year 8, excited about a trip with her invention team over the summer, when her family have to fly to Sudan because her grandmother is ill. Her experience in Sudan makes her question her identify and teaches her some valuable lessons.
This was a heartwarming and interesting read. Layla is a spunky main character to follow, and I loved that she was so passionate about design and technology - it’s great for children to be exposed to characters interested in a range of fields, especially something gender inverting.
There’s lots here for middle grade readers to learn and glean, and I feel like this would be a good book for children who like factual books, because there were some explanations of Sudanese culture that felt more like non-fiction, whilst also being great because of the setting, culture and main character’s interests.
This was a heartwarming and interesting read. Layla is a spunky main character to follow, and I loved that she was so passionate about design and technology - it’s great for children to be exposed to characters interested in a range of fields, especially something gender inverting.
There’s lots here for middle grade readers to learn and glean, and I feel like this would be a good book for children who like factual books, because there were some explanations of Sudanese culture that felt more like non-fiction, whilst also being great because of the setting, culture and main character’s interests.
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