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Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab: A Graphic Novel
In this middle-grade graphic novel, Nisrin will have to rely on faith, friends, and family to help her recover after she is the target of a hate crime
Nisrin is a 13-year-old Bangladeshi-American girl living in Milwaukie, Oregon in 2002. As she nears the end of eighth grade, she gives a presentation for World Culture Day about Bangladesh while wearing a traditional cultural dress. On her way home, she is the victim of a hate crime when a man violently attacks her for wearing a headscarf.
Deeply traumatized by the experience, Nisrin spends the summer depressed and isolated. Other than weekly therapy, Nisrin doesn’t leave the house until fall arrives and it’s time for her to start freshman year at a new school. The night before class starts, Nisrin makes a decision. She tells her family she’s going to start wearing hijab, much to their dismay. Her mother and grandparent’s shocked and angry reactions confuse her—but they only strengthen her resolve.
This choice puts Nisrin on a path to not only discover more about Islam, but also her family’s complicated relationship with the religion, and the reasons they left Bangladesh in the first place. On top of everything else, she’s struggling to fit in at school—her hijab makes her a target for students and faculty alike. But with the help from old friends and new, Nisrin is starting to figure out what really makes her happy. Piece by Piece is an original graphic novel about growing up and choosing your own path, even if it leads you to a different place than you expected.
Nisrin is a 13-year-old Bangladeshi-American girl living in Milwaukie, Oregon in 2002. As she nears the end of eighth grade, she gives a presentation for World Culture Day about Bangladesh while wearing a traditional cultural dress. On her way home, she is the victim of a hate crime when a man violently attacks her for wearing a headscarf.
Deeply traumatized by the experience, Nisrin spends the summer depressed and isolated. Other than weekly therapy, Nisrin doesn’t leave the house until fall arrives and it’s time for her to start freshman year at a new school. The night before class starts, Nisrin makes a decision. She tells her family she’s going to start wearing hijab, much to their dismay. Her mother and grandparent’s shocked and angry reactions confuse her—but they only strengthen her resolve.
This choice puts Nisrin on a path to not only discover more about Islam, but also her family’s complicated relationship with the religion, and the reasons they left Bangladesh in the first place. On top of everything else, she’s struggling to fit in at school—her hijab makes her a target for students and faculty alike. But with the help from old friends and new, Nisrin is starting to figure out what really makes her happy. Piece by Piece is an original graphic novel about growing up and choosing your own path, even if it leads you to a different place than you expected.
224 pages, Paperback
First published November 16, 2021
14 people are currently reading
1646 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 212 reviews
January 16, 2022
I randomly decided to pick this one up after I saw it at the library and it did not disappoint. The story and the artwork are definitely worth checking out.
Piece by Piece is the story of Nisrin and how she adjusts to life after a heinous hate crime. After presenting to her class on Bangladesh, Nisrin is walking home putting a scarf over her head when a man decides to rip it off and takes a great portion of her hair with it. As a result, Nisrin deals with a lot trauma during her recovery. When she sees her cousin wearing a Hijab she makes the decision to also begin wearing one against the wishes of her grandfather. Throughout the story readers get the opportunity to see Nisrin navigate societal reactions to her wearing a Hijab. While trying to make new friends, she struggles to repair the relationship with the same friend who witnessed her getting attacked. One of my favorite parts of this graphic novel was not only the history that readers get on the complicated relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan, but also the art. The art is absolutely beautiful. Huq mainly uses water colors which is evident in every single frame, but the colors are rich and deep. There are panels where no words are used and the art definitely evokes the emotions of the characters. It's just a beautiful graphic novel albeit sad in a lot of ways because of the Islamophobia. Definitely check this one out.
Piece by Piece is the story of Nisrin and how she adjusts to life after a heinous hate crime. After presenting to her class on Bangladesh, Nisrin is walking home putting a scarf over her head when a man decides to rip it off and takes a great portion of her hair with it. As a result, Nisrin deals with a lot trauma during her recovery. When she sees her cousin wearing a Hijab she makes the decision to also begin wearing one against the wishes of her grandfather. Throughout the story readers get the opportunity to see Nisrin navigate societal reactions to her wearing a Hijab. While trying to make new friends, she struggles to repair the relationship with the same friend who witnessed her getting attacked. One of my favorite parts of this graphic novel was not only the history that readers get on the complicated relationship between Bangladesh and Pakistan, but also the art. The art is absolutely beautiful. Huq mainly uses water colors which is evident in every single frame, but the colors are rich and deep. There are panels where no words are used and the art definitely evokes the emotions of the characters. It's just a beautiful graphic novel albeit sad in a lot of ways because of the Islamophobia. Definitely check this one out.
July 9, 2021
Definitely one of my new favourite books ever! This was just so beautiful and made me super emotional. Cannot recommend it highly enough.
February 24, 2022
This was a thought provoking story. I do think some bits were rushed or could have been fleshed out a little better, but I overall enjoyed it. I especially liked at the end there was the main character’s report on the country her family is from, Bangladesh which was a fun way to impart some basic information about the country to the reader. Overall I gave this 3.5 but I rounded up since I read an Uncorrected proof in black and white and I know it went to color for the final copy which would have enhanced it quite a lot. 13 year old Nisrin is attacked for wearing a head scarf as part of a school project and both she and her best friend who was present struggle with dealing with the trauma of that incident. Nisrin decides she wants to keep wearing the head scarf and learns more about her culture and Islam in the process.
March 26, 2023
4 / 5
tw - islamophobia, racism, assault, ptsd
cw - islamophobic assault, trauma, non supportive family members, intergenerational trauma
okay. with the cover, i thought the book was a nice and happy story about nisrin's hijab and how she decided to read it. to be fair, i hadn't searched much about the book. i saw it, i thought it was cute and immediately ordered it.
in the very first pages we face nisrin and her friend, firouz, being assaulted by a racist and islamophobic white man. from there, nisrin faces the hospital, the trauma, and ptsd.
everything is so negative and she is not in a good and safe environment. she decides to wear the hijab without real knowledge of what's behind it but will learn. nisrin is a strong young lady and stands up for herself when everyone is so brutal, mean, islamophobic, and not really supportive.
this graphic novel was very interesting. the art is great ! the story in itself is pretty trigger (at least it was for me, a muslim hijabi woman of color), but i was nice to see nisrin's environment and the people surrounding her change and improve.
tw - islamophobia, racism, assault, ptsd
cw - islamophobic assault, trauma, non supportive family members, intergenerational trauma
okay. with the cover, i thought the book was a nice and happy story about nisrin's hijab and how she decided to read it. to be fair, i hadn't searched much about the book. i saw it, i thought it was cute and immediately ordered it.
in the very first pages we face nisrin and her friend, firouz, being assaulted by a racist and islamophobic white man. from there, nisrin faces the hospital, the trauma, and ptsd.
everything is so negative and she is not in a good and safe environment. she decides to wear the hijab without real knowledge of what's behind it but will learn. nisrin is a strong young lady and stands up for herself when everyone is so brutal, mean, islamophobic, and not really supportive.
this graphic novel was very interesting. the art is great ! the story in itself is pretty trigger (at least it was for me, a muslim hijabi woman of color), but i was nice to see nisrin's environment and the people surrounding her change and improve.
Want to read
March 10, 2021March 09, 2021: "a 13-year-old girl who was viciously attacked for her Bangladeshi cultural dress, chooses to wear a hijab when she begins high school" ↦ expecting an emotional middle-grade;
March 17, 2021
At 224 pages, this graphic novel tells an important OWN voice story in beautiful and powerful illustrations, but despite reading it multiple times, I ultimately found the pacing a bit off, the narrative and plot holes quite large, and the conclusion too forced. It claims to be for middle grades which would explain the happy ending, but the assault, trauma, mental health, Bengali history, language, and protagonists age (13) I think make it more suited for upper middle school. I read a digital ARC in predominately black and white images, so I'm hopeful that part of the problem is on me, and that I simply missed or misunderstood parts that seemed to jump around and assume, or that because it was an uncorrected proof, some revision is still to come.
SYNOPSIS:
Nisrin is 13 and lives in Oregon with her mother, and maternal grandparents. Her mom travels a lot and she seems to spend most of her time with her loving Nani, grandmother. The story opens with Nisrin in 8th grade giving a presentation about her Bangladeshi heritage to her school. On the way home with a friend, Firuzeh, she is still wearing the cultural clothing and they are playing around with the scarf, when they are violently attacked and the scarf is ripped off of Nisrin's head. Her hair is pulled out in the process and the two girls are taken to the hospital and when released maintain professional counseling to process and deal with the assault. Nisrin fears leaving her house and is increasingly isolated within her home.
Over the summer we see her and her Nani go over to some cousin's house where Nasrin is gawked at with her short hair and everyone is unsure how to act around her. She joins some cousins playing video games where she asks about a cousin in hijab who says that it is essentially her choice between her and Allah (swt), that it isn't any one else's business. A younger cousin tells that she plans to start hijab soon and is surprised to learn that Nisrin's mom is not Muslim.
As summer comes to an end, Nisrin will be starting high school and exits her room the night before wearing a hijab, or in Bengali, an orna. Her family freaks out, her Nana, maternal grandfather, is furious claiming that she should have been raised better, and Nisrin is scooted off to her room by her Nani, so that her mom and grandfather can argue.
On the first day of school, Nisrin tries to talk to Firuzeh, but once again things are awkward between the two girls. A teacher refuses to try and say Nisrin's name and becomes angry and aggressive, and at PE she is called a slut and asked if she will be beat for showing her legs. Nisrin goes home to research Islam and hijab, but everything is so angry and opinion based that she is more confused than when she started.
The next day she meets a nice girl, Veronica, and the two work on an assignment in class and then have lunch together. Veronica suggests that Nisrin learns about Islam like she would a school assignment and go research it at the library. Later at home, Nisrin starts to understand what her grandparents and mother saw and endured in the war of 1971 when Bangladesh became independent from Pakistan. Her mom and Nana argue over what was seen and Nisrin starts to find her voice in her family.
Nani takes Nisrin shopping for long sleeved clothes and scarves, things are worked out with Firuzeh and Nisrin's family accepts that Nisrin is not asking permission to wear her scarf, but is hoping they will accept it.
WHY I LIKE IT:
The book is such a flip on the over-used-stereotype that Muslim girls are forced to wear hijab, in truth many are encouraged not to. At one point Nisrin says, "If I can't be safe...then can't I at least be proud." She was attacked for just playing with a scarf and putting it on her head, so she reasons, that there is not safety from racism and hate, she might as well be proud of who she is. I also love the strength in the idea that she doesn't need anyone's permission, it is her faith, her head, her choice.
There is a lot of good in the book, but I struggled understanding quite a bit of it. It mentions that she was at Texas and she loved it, but there was bullying? No idea what it was in reference to or what purpose it served. At the beginning the two girls seem like they have been friends for a while, but yet Nisrin warns Firuzeh that her Nani will force her to eat. Nisrin seems to really love her sleep overs, and I don't know if it is just to show at the end the healing by coming full circle, but it seems a bit juvenile to be that excited about to me.
The family dynamic and history, left me very confused. Nisrin doesn't know her cousin wears hijab, and is confused that her aunt doesn't. Nor do her cousins know that Nisrin's mom isn't Muslim? These cousins call Nisrin's Nani, Dadi, and since there is no father in the picture it is obvious to even none desi folk that these cousins are related through the mom's family and the cousins father, so why when Nisrin decides to wear hijab is the maternal side so upset? Why does Nasrin's mom ask if her cousins have put her up to it? Ok if the mom isn't religious, but does she actively practice another faith? Why in one of the portraits on the wall does the woman seem to have a bindhi? The Bangladesh independence admittedly is something I should know more about, but I don't, and this book, didn't really fill me in. How is the grandfather both siding? He doesn't like invader nationalism, but I still don't completely understand why he left, and what that solved.
The pacing and tone at times are off too me too. I didn't feel the strain on Nisrin and Firuzeh's relationship, the text suggests that they are and were best friends, but when Veronica asks if Nisrin's stress is in part to the cute girl she was staring down, I was curious too if there was more to their relationship. A lot seems to happen between the attack and Nisrin starting to wear hijab and I wish we were allowed inside Nisrin's head to know how she feels about her mom, her nana, starting high school, her attack, her desire to wear hijab, it seems a bit rushed. Which is odd since, the story spends a few pages detailing when Nisrin feels like everyone hates her after Nani picks her up on the first day of school and Nani points out that not everyone hates her, the squirrels don't, and the dogs don't, etc.. It seems really childish for the incredible ordeal she has been through.
I like the informative section at the end about Bangledesh. I wish the book would have shared some of what Nisrin learned about Islam in her own research, she goes to the mosque, but doesn't detail if she plans to pray regularly, fast, etc..
FLAGS:
Language, violence, war imagery, rape mentioned, assault.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I don't know that this would work for a middle school book club at an Islamic School, graphic novels are often to quick of reads, but I have a few friends from Bangladesh and I really want them, and their daughters, to read it and clue me in to what I am missing, their view of independence and their impression of the book.
SYNOPSIS:
Nisrin is 13 and lives in Oregon with her mother, and maternal grandparents. Her mom travels a lot and she seems to spend most of her time with her loving Nani, grandmother. The story opens with Nisrin in 8th grade giving a presentation about her Bangladeshi heritage to her school. On the way home with a friend, Firuzeh, she is still wearing the cultural clothing and they are playing around with the scarf, when they are violently attacked and the scarf is ripped off of Nisrin's head. Her hair is pulled out in the process and the two girls are taken to the hospital and when released maintain professional counseling to process and deal with the assault. Nisrin fears leaving her house and is increasingly isolated within her home.
Over the summer we see her and her Nani go over to some cousin's house where Nasrin is gawked at with her short hair and everyone is unsure how to act around her. She joins some cousins playing video games where she asks about a cousin in hijab who says that it is essentially her choice between her and Allah (swt), that it isn't any one else's business. A younger cousin tells that she plans to start hijab soon and is surprised to learn that Nisrin's mom is not Muslim.
As summer comes to an end, Nisrin will be starting high school and exits her room the night before wearing a hijab, or in Bengali, an orna. Her family freaks out, her Nana, maternal grandfather, is furious claiming that she should have been raised better, and Nisrin is scooted off to her room by her Nani, so that her mom and grandfather can argue.
On the first day of school, Nisrin tries to talk to Firuzeh, but once again things are awkward between the two girls. A teacher refuses to try and say Nisrin's name and becomes angry and aggressive, and at PE she is called a slut and asked if she will be beat for showing her legs. Nisrin goes home to research Islam and hijab, but everything is so angry and opinion based that she is more confused than when she started.
The next day she meets a nice girl, Veronica, and the two work on an assignment in class and then have lunch together. Veronica suggests that Nisrin learns about Islam like she would a school assignment and go research it at the library. Later at home, Nisrin starts to understand what her grandparents and mother saw and endured in the war of 1971 when Bangladesh became independent from Pakistan. Her mom and Nana argue over what was seen and Nisrin starts to find her voice in her family.
Nani takes Nisrin shopping for long sleeved clothes and scarves, things are worked out with Firuzeh and Nisrin's family accepts that Nisrin is not asking permission to wear her scarf, but is hoping they will accept it.
WHY I LIKE IT:
The book is such a flip on the over-used-stereotype that Muslim girls are forced to wear hijab, in truth many are encouraged not to. At one point Nisrin says, "If I can't be safe...then can't I at least be proud." She was attacked for just playing with a scarf and putting it on her head, so she reasons, that there is not safety from racism and hate, she might as well be proud of who she is. I also love the strength in the idea that she doesn't need anyone's permission, it is her faith, her head, her choice.
There is a lot of good in the book, but I struggled understanding quite a bit of it. It mentions that she was at Texas and she loved it, but there was bullying? No idea what it was in reference to or what purpose it served. At the beginning the two girls seem like they have been friends for a while, but yet Nisrin warns Firuzeh that her Nani will force her to eat. Nisrin seems to really love her sleep overs, and I don't know if it is just to show at the end the healing by coming full circle, but it seems a bit juvenile to be that excited about to me.
The family dynamic and history, left me very confused. Nisrin doesn't know her cousin wears hijab, and is confused that her aunt doesn't. Nor do her cousins know that Nisrin's mom isn't Muslim? These cousins call Nisrin's Nani, Dadi, and since there is no father in the picture it is obvious to even none desi folk that these cousins are related through the mom's family and the cousins father, so why when Nisrin decides to wear hijab is the maternal side so upset? Why does Nasrin's mom ask if her cousins have put her up to it? Ok if the mom isn't religious, but does she actively practice another faith? Why in one of the portraits on the wall does the woman seem to have a bindhi? The Bangladesh independence admittedly is something I should know more about, but I don't, and this book, didn't really fill me in. How is the grandfather both siding? He doesn't like invader nationalism, but I still don't completely understand why he left, and what that solved.
The pacing and tone at times are off too me too. I didn't feel the strain on Nisrin and Firuzeh's relationship, the text suggests that they are and were best friends, but when Veronica asks if Nisrin's stress is in part to the cute girl she was staring down, I was curious too if there was more to their relationship. A lot seems to happen between the attack and Nisrin starting to wear hijab and I wish we were allowed inside Nisrin's head to know how she feels about her mom, her nana, starting high school, her attack, her desire to wear hijab, it seems a bit rushed. Which is odd since, the story spends a few pages detailing when Nisrin feels like everyone hates her after Nani picks her up on the first day of school and Nani points out that not everyone hates her, the squirrels don't, and the dogs don't, etc.. It seems really childish for the incredible ordeal she has been through.
I like the informative section at the end about Bangledesh. I wish the book would have shared some of what Nisrin learned about Islam in her own research, she goes to the mosque, but doesn't detail if she plans to pray regularly, fast, etc..
FLAGS:
Language, violence, war imagery, rape mentioned, assault.
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
I don't know that this would work for a middle school book club at an Islamic School, graphic novels are often to quick of reads, but I have a few friends from Bangladesh and I really want them, and their daughters, to read it and clue me in to what I am missing, their view of independence and their impression of the book.
December 14, 2025
Traumatized by a hate crime, Bangladeshi American Nisrin Moniruzzaman enters high school determined to start wearing a headscarf as part of her healing and to solidify her connection to her religious heritage.
Family and friendship drama abound, as do microaggressions and outright acts of racism. It's a bit of a rough ride, but it has a positive message worth absorbing.
Family and friendship drama abound, as do microaggressions and outright acts of racism. It's a bit of a rough ride, but it has a positive message worth absorbing.
March 11, 2021
Nisrin is attacked for wearing an hijab, while coming home one day from middle school. The thing is, at that point, she was just wearing it to show how it looked. She had not considered wearing it daily at that point.
In the summer she takes to recover, she realizes that she wants to start wearing sit full time, and discovers that her teacher, and her classmates hate her for it, and prejudge her, and treat her poorly, and yet, she persists.
Even her mother and grandparents do not understand why she would want to wear it. But in talking to her cousins, and in reasearching Islam, she realizes that she feels closer to god, and so continues, no matter how much hate she gets.
This is a heart breaking story, not the author’s story, but she says she relates to a lot of it.
Good book to show the other side, from the standard white male point of view.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
In the summer she takes to recover, she realizes that she wants to start wearing sit full time, and discovers that her teacher, and her classmates hate her for it, and prejudge her, and treat her poorly, and yet, she persists.
Even her mother and grandparents do not understand why she would want to wear it. But in talking to her cousins, and in reasearching Islam, she realizes that she feels closer to god, and so continues, no matter how much hate she gets.
This is a heart breaking story, not the author’s story, but she says she relates to a lot of it.
Good book to show the other side, from the standard white male point of view.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
November 12, 2024
This was a good read! I loved the watercolors, and I found the illustrations absolutely beautiful! I greatly appreciate being able to learn more about Bangladesh culture and follow along with Nisrin's journey as she discovers more about who she is. I wish the author spoke a little more on why Nisrin's family dynamic is the way that it is throughout the story, especially with her mother and her grandfather not really seeing eye to eye. All in all, I still enjoyed this story, and I'm excited to try the recipe for her mother's beef curry because it looks absolutely delicious!
March 19, 2022
An emotional, honest and visually endearing story of a young Bangladeshi America and her journey to self discovery and finding her identity in the aftermath of a traumatic islamophobic attack.
TW: islamophobia, sexism, racism
TW: islamophobia, sexism, racism
October 8, 2021
The artwork in this graphic novel is absolutely stunning. The vibrant watercolors and dramatic facial expressions really help tell this story. Artist and author Priya Huq wanted to tell a story for young people showing what life was like for a girl like her, coming of age in a post-9/11 world so she set the action in 2002. The story begins with a terrifying event. Nisrin wore a headscarf to school for World Cultures Day where she spoke about her family’s home country - Bangladesh. As she and her best friend are walking home, they are attacked by a white supremacist and both girls are forever changed. They each deal with their trauma differently. Nisrin decides to wear the hijab as she begins ninth grade. For her, it is a symbol of pride, resilience, and resistance. She knows she’ll receive ridicule but she’s determined to stay strong. Piece by Piece details Nisrin’s journey, which includes revelations about her family’s life in Bangladesh and the political turmoil they endured in addition to living with PTSD and adjusting to attending high school under an unwanted spotlight. As usual when I read a “window” book, I learned so much about the hijab (I had no idea it wasn’t only worn for religious reasons) and I gained even more empathy for those teens who travel a path different from the majority.
Piece by Piece has a release date of November 16, 2021. For now, add it to your TBR. And if you’re a middle school or high school librarian, plan on adding it to your collection. Take a look at this article for a preview: https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-ju...
I can’t wait to put this in the hands of a group of hijab-wearing girls who frequent the library. They’re going to love it!!
Piece by Piece has a release date of November 16, 2021. For now, add it to your TBR. And if you’re a middle school or high school librarian, plan on adding it to your collection. Take a look at this article for a preview: https://www.yesmagazine.org/social-ju...
I can’t wait to put this in the hands of a group of hijab-wearing girls who frequent the library. They’re going to love it!!
March 18, 2021
Thanks to the publisher for providing an eARC of Piece by Piece: The Story of Nisrin's Hijab in exchange for an honest review.
This graphic novel was so much more than I thought it would be. After Nisrin is the victim of a hate crime, she starts reflecting on her relationship with religion and why she and her mother don't wear hijabs. Instead of living consumed by the fear of what happened, Nisrin instead becomes inspired to learn more about her family and their background and this graphic novel chronical her learning, the reactions of those around her, and how she reacts to those reactions.
All the characters in this (especially Nisrin's family) were really nuanced and realistic which is normally something that's extremely difficult to do in middle grade. This story goes a lot deeper than it had to and it does an excellent job.
This graphic novel was so much more than I thought it would be. After Nisrin is the victim of a hate crime, she starts reflecting on her relationship with religion and why she and her mother don't wear hijabs. Instead of living consumed by the fear of what happened, Nisrin instead becomes inspired to learn more about her family and their background and this graphic novel chronical her learning, the reactions of those around her, and how she reacts to those reactions.
All the characters in this (especially Nisrin's family) were really nuanced and realistic which is normally something that's extremely difficult to do in middle grade. This story goes a lot deeper than it had to and it does an excellent job.
July 26, 2021
This was a really heartwarming read. Nisrin’s story is very different from my own, but there were many parts that were still relatable. I also liked how we learned a little more about the history of Bangladesh at the end. I honestly didn’t know anything about Bangladesh so this was very eye-opening for me and also makes me sad because this is the kind of stuff I wish we were taught in school.
July 2, 2021
What makes this book different from all others? And why should anyone care?
I am not sure what to say about this book. it not an inspirational book for sure. I didn't get moved by it.
I felt like the story was done in a rush, Country history, religion and friendship. if the author kept with the MC and best friend incident, then we might see some story.
Also the illustration seems confusing the emotion shows seems scary to me maybe that what the artist is going for and also maybe the NetGalley copy I received was not good and it was black in white print and also even the text box was so hard to read.
I am not sure what to say about this book. it not an inspirational book for sure. I didn't get moved by it.
I felt like the story was done in a rush, Country history, religion and friendship. if the author kept with the MC and best friend incident, then we might see some story.
Also the illustration seems confusing the emotion shows seems scary to me maybe that what the artist is going for and also maybe the NetGalley copy I received was not good and it was black in white print and also even the text box was so hard to read.
December 10, 2021
Gorgeous watercolors, and some wonderful uses of the comics medium to visually discuss navigating intergenerational trauma. I hope this becomes a staple on library bookshelves.
May 4, 2025
This book hurt my heart within the first few pages. The amount of hate I see people give on a daily basis disgusts me and sometimes feels like it will never stop. Priya Huq's portrayal of our main character young teen Nisrin was so real. I feel that this graphic novel shines a light on the lives of people who don't look like us and shares how small-minded and ignorant comments can hurt others just as deeply as physical violence. It's also a wonderful story of friendship and healing and I loved seeing those three girls come together and just be kids.
May 2, 2022
This wasn't bad. It was informative in a way. I was not always a huge fan of the art style and in places the pace seemed a little fast and disjointed. I did like the information about Bangladesh at the end.
December 10, 2023
Between the dark tones of the art and the vibe of the whole plot, you really see the experiences of a teen wearing hijab in a post-9/11 Islamaphobic America. The art was well done and the story was evocative.
September 15, 2021
A beautifully written story about the struggles of a young girl after she is involved in a hate crime attack.
May 18, 2022
Excellent middle grade graphic novel sharing the story of a young girl who has experienced a hate crime and learns how to choose her own path. Very inspirational!
August 24, 2022
I really enjoyed the beautiful illustrations! It’s absolutely stunning. The story is really well written and the characters engaging. The pictures were hard to follow sometimes though, and I often got confused on who was who.
September 6, 2023
Wonderful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!❤️
February 9, 2025
A lovely middle grade graphic novel. More important now than ever. 🩷
May 15, 2025
Really beautiful book that describes complicated family and cultural history and strife in a relatable way.
December 17, 2024
Great book, learnt a lot on Bangladesh
November 16, 2022
All the feels for this character who was traumatized for being different. She progresses through her healing journey with religion, identity, and her family’s history. Really grateful for the points of view offered.
June 7, 2022
In 2020, an Indian gas station worker threatened to shoot me, a niqabi, before I “had the chance to rob him”. The senseless ruthless violence faced by women choosing to veil is very real and needs to be discussed. Not just in the news or online, but in children’s and young adult books such as this one.
Let’s start with what I loved:
1. There’s no sugarcoating. Piece by Piece details a horrific account without sparing any of the necessary textures to adequately portray just how evil, disgusting and animalistic subhumans can be to women and girls who decide to cover.
2. Friendship is a prevailing theme here, and really encourages the reader to find strength in community during hard times.
3. The art. Enough said.
4. A female protagonist who isn’t letting anyone convince her to remove hijab. Period
5. These girls go to therapy. Therapy rocks, therapy is sometimes needed and there is no shame in getting the help you need.
What didnt I find particularly worthy?:
1. Nisrin’s mother. She’s the most complex character in my opinion, and made for tension whenever she was in the page. You never knew what to expect from her. But in a heated conversation with the grandfather, she leaves Nisrin to face him alone. If you can’t handle your dad, what makes you think your freshman daughter can? She failed to protect Nisrin many times.
2. At first glance this looks like a middle grade read, but due to strong language it’s more suited for high school up, racism, islamophobia, and violence aside. And I don’t mean “damn” and “hell”. It gets much worse. The author used strong language with taste in most contexts, however as a mother and former educator, I simply don’t see this as being suitable for anyone under 13.
3. The stubborn nationalist grandfather who is a shining example of how men’s senseless conflicts with each other can cost the life and future of women and children. And they show no consideration or remorse. He’s one of those old men who see women as spoils of war, a sacrifice he’s willing to make. My dislike of him isn’t a fault of the author— contrariwise she did well writing a dislikeable character. This is my personal grievance. I found him utterly repulsive and a dishonor to humanity. He showed no growth and made a pathetic attempt at the end to be a decent human but it was giving ✨ absolutely nothing✨.
Although heavy subjects are confronted with brutal honesty in this graphic novel, I closed it feeling unburdened. Finally, this story— my story and the story of many other girls choosing to cover— is being told with shining truth. A truth which does not get watered down for fear of offending or triggering. I am so grateful a book like this exists. It’s not perfect, but it is REALLY setting a new standard for other MG/YA books that try to tackle these topics. It puts them to shame.
I hope young girls read this seeing the reality of choosing to cover, and still feeling encouraged to be faithful in their decision because it is their right and their choice, no matter how uncomfortable it makes others feel!
Let’s start with what I loved:
1. There’s no sugarcoating. Piece by Piece details a horrific account without sparing any of the necessary textures to adequately portray just how evil, disgusting and animalistic subhumans can be to women and girls who decide to cover.
2. Friendship is a prevailing theme here, and really encourages the reader to find strength in community during hard times.
3. The art. Enough said.
4. A female protagonist who isn’t letting anyone convince her to remove hijab. Period
5. These girls go to therapy. Therapy rocks, therapy is sometimes needed and there is no shame in getting the help you need.
What didnt I find particularly worthy?:
1. Nisrin’s mother. She’s the most complex character in my opinion, and made for tension whenever she was in the page. You never knew what to expect from her. But in a heated conversation with the grandfather, she leaves Nisrin to face him alone. If you can’t handle your dad, what makes you think your freshman daughter can? She failed to protect Nisrin many times.
2. At first glance this looks like a middle grade read, but due to strong language it’s more suited for high school up, racism, islamophobia, and violence aside. And I don’t mean “damn” and “hell”. It gets much worse. The author used strong language with taste in most contexts, however as a mother and former educator, I simply don’t see this as being suitable for anyone under 13.
3. The stubborn nationalist grandfather who is a shining example of how men’s senseless conflicts with each other can cost the life and future of women and children. And they show no consideration or remorse. He’s one of those old men who see women as spoils of war, a sacrifice he’s willing to make. My dislike of him isn’t a fault of the author— contrariwise she did well writing a dislikeable character. This is my personal grievance. I found him utterly repulsive and a dishonor to humanity. He showed no growth and made a pathetic attempt at the end to be a decent human but it was giving ✨ absolutely nothing✨.
Although heavy subjects are confronted with brutal honesty in this graphic novel, I closed it feeling unburdened. Finally, this story— my story and the story of many other girls choosing to cover— is being told with shining truth. A truth which does not get watered down for fear of offending or triggering. I am so grateful a book like this exists. It’s not perfect, but it is REALLY setting a new standard for other MG/YA books that try to tackle these topics. It puts them to shame.
I hope young girls read this seeing the reality of choosing to cover, and still feeling encouraged to be faithful in their decision because it is their right and their choice, no matter how uncomfortable it makes others feel!
December 20, 2021
Quite gripping story and impressive debut graphic novel about the courage it takes to find yourself as a young teen, especially when society makes your choices a swim against the tide. Drawn complete with full color illustrations; while some fail, others simply take your breath away. Combo of manga and sketchy dramatic portraits with bold metaphoric colors washes that propel the narrative with emotion. Whet my desire to learn more about the Bangladeshi genocide and revolution -and isn’t that what reading is all about?! ✅
July 26, 2021
This graphic novel goes over the intricacies of a young girl, Nisrin, deciding to wear a hijab. I liked how this focused on the internal politics of Nisrin's family in addition to the prejudice she faces from people at school and in the world at large. It provided a nuanced look at an issue that is frequently presented as black and white.
Read in prepub through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Read in prepub through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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