What do you think?
Rate this book
Huda and Me
Huda's sitting in the airport lounge, fiddling with our tickets. I can tell she's excited because she has a little smile on her face and she keeps glancing at her pink digital watch. I can't believe we're doing this. I can't believe we're running away from home. Well, we're not really running away. We'll come back. We're running to our parents. On the other side of the world.
When their parents have to travel to Beirut unexpectedly, twelve-year-old Akeal and his six siblings are horrified to be left behind in Melbourne with the dreaded Aunt Amel as their babysitter. Things do not go well, and Akeal's naughty little sister, Huda, hatches a bold plan to escape. After stealing Aunt Amel's credit card to buy plane tickets to Lebanon, Huda persuades her reluctant favourite brother to come with her. So begins Huda and Akeal's hair-raising and action-packed journey to reunite with their parents half a world away, in a city they've grown up dreaming about but have never seen.
A fresh and funny story of sibling love, adventure and courage, Huda and Me is one of a kind.
When their parents have to travel to Beirut unexpectedly, twelve-year-old Akeal and his six siblings are horrified to be left behind in Melbourne with the dreaded Aunt Amel as their babysitter. Things do not go well, and Akeal's naughty little sister, Huda, hatches a bold plan to escape. After stealing Aunt Amel's credit card to buy plane tickets to Lebanon, Huda persuades her reluctant favourite brother to come with her. So begins Huda and Akeal's hair-raising and action-packed journey to reunite with their parents half a world away, in a city they've grown up dreaming about but have never seen.
A fresh and funny story of sibling love, adventure and courage, Huda and Me is one of a kind.
208 pages, Paperback
First published March 30, 2021
11 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 2, 2022
Trigger warnings: seriously ill grandparent, racism, Islamophobia, bullying behaviour towards children by an adult
I picked this up because I got the impression that it was going to be predominantly set in Lebanon and would therefore help me tick off Lebanon for my Read Around the World challenge. Unfortunately, only about 10% of the book is set in Lebanon. Fortunately, it was absolutely delightful.
I laughed. I teared up. I had a lot of rage. It was very well written and I absolutely loved the characters and the sibling dynamic between them. I flew through this in a couple of hours and enjoyed every single second of it. Look, elements of it were slightly predictable but also I'm a grown ass woman reading a book written for 10 year olds so...there's that.
I picked this up because I got the impression that it was going to be predominantly set in Lebanon and would therefore help me tick off Lebanon for my Read Around the World challenge. Unfortunately, only about 10% of the book is set in Lebanon. Fortunately, it was absolutely delightful.
I laughed. I teared up. I had a lot of rage. It was very well written and I absolutely loved the characters and the sibling dynamic between them. I flew through this in a couple of hours and enjoyed every single second of it. Look, elements of it were slightly predictable but also I'm a grown ass woman reading a book written for 10 year olds so...there's that.
April 9, 2021
Huda and Me is a gorgeous story about two siblings. Huda and Akeal are Muslim Australian kids from Melbourne. When their parents head to Lebanon for a family emergency, Huda and her brother decide to head overseas to solve their families problems. I love this Own Voices story by H. Hayek. Thanks to Allen & Unwin for my paperback copy.
June 4, 2021
Fun read for upper primary and lower secondary students. It largely is set on a plane which in our current pandemic world is not the norm.
Huda, an adventurous and clever sister to Akeal (and others from their large family) devise a plan to let their parents know the baby sitter, Aunt Amel, is not what she seems. I admired the gentle and natural way the family is shown as practising Muslims too.
Huda, an adventurous and clever sister to Akeal (and others from their large family) devise a plan to let their parents know the baby sitter, Aunt Amel, is not what she seems. I admired the gentle and natural way the family is shown as practising Muslims too.
April 2, 2021
A gorgeous, madcap, action-packed, #OwnVoices read for middle grade readers that speaks to the Lebanese-Australian experience - a viewpoint we do not get enough of in Australian fiction for children. I loved every moment of this. It was so packed with spunk and heart that I confess I cried happy tears onto my back porch as I read this in the sun. More please.
May 15, 2021
Super fun romp with a lot of heart. I loved cheeky Huda. But the best thing about this book is its strong voice - the young characters are genuine first gen immigrant Melburnians who talk and act their mix of cultures in a unique Aussie way. These kids are so real, they could walk through the door of my school library tomorrow and fit right in with my students. Will be recommending far and wide.
January 19, 2022
Read for readers cup questions.
Very heart-warming
Very heart-warming
May 26, 2021
Huda and Me was a delightful read by debut author Ms Hayek. I had a smile on my face for most of it as the story followed 12-year-old Akeal and his cheeky little sister Huda on a trip from Australia to Lebanon without their parents' knowledge. When Akeal and his 6 siblings are left with a nightmare 'aunty' babysitter, little Huda plans to save the family by devising a crazy plot to reunite with their parents who are on a trip to Lebanon. The older Akeal reluctantly agrees to follow Huda even though he knows they could get into a heap of trouble! This book was so much fun to read and touched lightly on racism within Australia in a way middle-graders would relate to. An exciting story, and lots of LOL moments (especially relating to the nightmare aunty), I highly recommend this diverse read for your middle-graders.
August 23, 2022
This was a fun adventure story for kids that like to get into mischief, and I love that the author based the family around her own (down to the same names). There are some potentially scary moments where the children are basically being abused by their babysitter, and nothing in here is behaviour you want to encourage, but kids generally don't look that far. It's more a story of resilience and family love and I really enjoyed it. The writing style is fun and relatable, and it teaches acceptance and embracing differences without actually saying it or preaching to you. It was a very epic sort of adventure story for kids wanting to take control of their own life and decisions and I would have loved this so much as a child.
September 6, 2021
When Huda's parents leave for Lebanon to see her sick grandmother, Huda and her family are stuck with aunt Amel (who really is not their aunt). Aunt Amel makes Huda and her brothers and sisters uncomfortable and miserable so Huda hatches a plan to escape to Lebanon into her parent's arms. She convinces her brother to come along with her. But is going to Lebanon as easy as she thought?
Huda and Me is a story of culture, friendship, sibling love and joy.
I love how adventurous, active Huda is, and because of that, she is a bit like me.
H. Hayek really has talent.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for giving me this wonderful book.
Huda and Me is a story of culture, friendship, sibling love and joy.
I love how adventurous, active Huda is, and because of that, she is a bit like me.
H. Hayek really has talent.
Thank you to Allen and Unwin for giving me this wonderful book.
November 15, 2022
I really enjoyed this comedy/adventure, told from a Muslim Australian perspective. While Akeal was the narrator, Huda was definitely the star! I liked the adventure, even if there were some too convenient plot points. I wasn't so keen on how Aunty Amel was characterised. It seemed such a huge, unlikely change to how she acted as a friend to Huda and Akeal 's Mum. In the end she was just a convenient plot device to force the action of the story.
I don't have many novels with Muslim Australian main characters in our library, so it is great our Muslim students can see themselves in this.
I don't have many novels with Muslim Australian main characters in our library, so it is great our Muslim students can see themselves in this.
April 17, 2021
Such an adventurous and wonderfully written own voices middle grade debut from a Lebanese-Australian, Muslim perspective that is insightful, humorous and a lot of fun. I read it so quickly I enjoyed every moment of this book particularly the dynamic between Huda and Akeal - brother and sister: an adventure we don’t always see in books. I hope everyone gets to read this and enjoy it as much as I did. With special thanks to Allen & Unwin Publishers for sending me a review copy of this book.
April 14, 2022
A Child's mischief and determination has no limits.
If you give them a reason.
If you give them a reason.
April 13, 2024
4.00 ★
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Lebanese Muslim cast.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
➸ Trigger warnings for .
▷ Representation: Lebanese Muslim cast.
Blog • Trigger Warning Database • StoryGraph
August 2, 2023
4.5 🥹🥹🥹 this book made me tear up TWICE and laugh out loud
June 27, 2021
4.5 this was fantastic. I laughed and maybe got emotionally and if I was a cryer I would have cried.
Possible longer review in the future
Possible longer review in the future
April 20, 2022
This would have worked well as a Disney family movie, like The Parent Trap (no similarity in plot).
As readers, we are meant to fall in love with Huda's spunk and intelligence. I would have happily bought into it if not for the nasty aunt plotline. I understand the story required a conflict but the aunt's about face veered too far into the only in fairytale territory. It spoil the book for me.
Upper Primary and Lower Secondary students would probably enjoy this book. As for me, I need to go read something for an older audience as I'm obviously not in the mood for Middle Grade fiction.
As readers, we are meant to fall in love with Huda's spunk and intelligence. I would have happily bought into it if not for the nasty aunt plotline. I understand the story required a conflict but the aunt's about face veered too far into the only in fairytale territory. It spoil the book for me.
Upper Primary and Lower Secondary students would probably enjoy this book. As for me, I need to go read something for an older audience as I'm obviously not in the mood for Middle Grade fiction.
March 21, 2021
What a great read! I passed my ARC on to a friend's 10 year old but thought I'd have a quick look first, before I knew it, I'd read the whole thing. Very entertaining story, fast paced and so well written. 12 year old Akeal and his 6 siblings are left with a friend of their mother's when a family emergency means their parents have to unexpectedly fly back to Lebanon. When their babysitter proves to be more Wicked Witch than Fairy Godmother, his feisty younger sister Huda hatches a scheme to get Akeal and herself all the way around the world to Lebanon to find their parents and save them all.
Funny and adventurous, it also touches on issues of identity and being Muslim in Australia without being heavy handed but still thought provoking and is so heartwarming in the way their sibling affection and love shines through. i cannot recommend this story enough - thank you!
Funny and adventurous, it also touches on issues of identity and being Muslim in Australia without being heavy handed but still thought provoking and is so heartwarming in the way their sibling affection and love shines through. i cannot recommend this story enough - thank you!
August 23, 2021
At 194 pages, this book just became required reading for all my children save the two year old. Meant for middle graders, I absolutely loved this book. Sure literary siblings often run away and have adventures, think Claudia and Jamie Kincaid from Mixed Up Files, or the sisters in Ticket to India, but this Australian Muslim duo adore each other and are doing it to reach their parents and save their other five siblings from an evil Aunty babysitter. In some ways the book couldn't and hopefully wouldn't really happen, it is plausible however, and the way it is written bouncing back and forth in time until the resolution, and the absolute authenticity of the characters make the book hard to put down and had me laughing out loud. The book is for everyone, Muslim kids specifically though, will feel an incredible kinship to the Muslim family and relate to the anxiety of making wudu in a public restroom, the shock of having the athan clock tossed in the freezer, the nervous looks between siblings hoping someone else will speak up about what Muslims can't eat, mistaking a nun for a hijabi, amongst so many other little sprinkled in examples. The power of OWN voice writing is exemplified and celebrated, and provides a mirror that a large swath of Muslims children, not just Lebanese Australians will benefit from and enjoy.
SYNOPSIS:
There are seven children in the family and when Mum and Dad announce that they have to make an emergency trip to Lebanon, the kids don't understand why they need Mum's friend Aunt Amel to stay with them in Australia. They don't really even like Aunt Amel, but they don't really know her either and as their parents leave, they have no choice but to endure until their parents return. When Aunt Amel assigns them all duties: 17 year old Omar is the 24/7 chauffeur, Kholoud becomes her personal stylist, twins Suha and Layla must keep her supplied with baked goods and tea, Akeal is the butler, Huda is the maid and little Raheed will be glued to her, some of the kids think it could be fun until they realize they are being used to provide Aunt Amel with a holiday in exchange for her staying with them. The kids are required to be up by five in the morning, are not allowed to talk to their parents, and some are even kept from school to provide the services Aunt Amel demands. The kids grudgingly try to endure, but spunky Huda is pushing back, and with the help of the retired Polish Sleep Doctor next door, a plan is hatched, tickets are booked, and Akeal and Huda are making a run for Beirut. Along the way they will be met with an Islamaphobic teen pulling off Huda's scarf, a variety of minders keeping track of the unaccompanied minors through airports and plane rides, and baited breath as they have obstacles at every step to find their parents in a country they have never even been to before.
WHY I LIKE IT:
The book is incredibly well written, I sometimes stumble a bit with Australian authored books, but this one was easy and universal in most of the dialogue and vocabulary. I enjoyed what was sprinkled in, and as a privileged American didn't get lost at any point. The shifts in the timeline to keep the story fast paced and moving also made the stress of "if they could pull off the escape" a little bit subdued allowing the experience and dialogue and connections along the way to really be enjoyed. I think it was a smart move to not have it be full steam ahead, gritting your teeth, but more in the moment seeing why they had to do what they did, and how it was panning out for them.
I absolutely love that the family is unapologetically Muslim living in a western environment. They don't celebrate birthdays, but they seem ok with make-up, they pray, the mom wears hijab I believe, but I don't think the sisters do, it really is such a relatable family with their own quirks and tests and they are active and doing their best. It could be my family or most families I know, well lately my kids bicker a lot, that's why it is required reading for them, but that is off track. Back to the book, I was so proud of Akeal sticking up for his little sister wearing a scarf to be dressed up and not backing down from confronting her harasser. I love the spunkiness but maturity of Huda. From page one you are cheering them on, and it doesn't let up.
SYNOPSIS:
There are seven children in the family and when Mum and Dad announce that they have to make an emergency trip to Lebanon, the kids don't understand why they need Mum's friend Aunt Amel to stay with them in Australia. They don't really even like Aunt Amel, but they don't really know her either and as their parents leave, they have no choice but to endure until their parents return. When Aunt Amel assigns them all duties: 17 year old Omar is the 24/7 chauffeur, Kholoud becomes her personal stylist, twins Suha and Layla must keep her supplied with baked goods and tea, Akeal is the butler, Huda is the maid and little Raheed will be glued to her, some of the kids think it could be fun until they realize they are being used to provide Aunt Amel with a holiday in exchange for her staying with them. The kids are required to be up by five in the morning, are not allowed to talk to their parents, and some are even kept from school to provide the services Aunt Amel demands. The kids grudgingly try to endure, but spunky Huda is pushing back, and with the help of the retired Polish Sleep Doctor next door, a plan is hatched, tickets are booked, and Akeal and Huda are making a run for Beirut. Along the way they will be met with an Islamaphobic teen pulling off Huda's scarf, a variety of minders keeping track of the unaccompanied minors through airports and plane rides, and baited breath as they have obstacles at every step to find their parents in a country they have never even been to before.
WHY I LIKE IT:
The book is incredibly well written, I sometimes stumble a bit with Australian authored books, but this one was easy and universal in most of the dialogue and vocabulary. I enjoyed what was sprinkled in, and as a privileged American didn't get lost at any point. The shifts in the timeline to keep the story fast paced and moving also made the stress of "if they could pull off the escape" a little bit subdued allowing the experience and dialogue and connections along the way to really be enjoyed. I think it was a smart move to not have it be full steam ahead, gritting your teeth, but more in the moment seeing why they had to do what they did, and how it was panning out for them.
I absolutely love that the family is unapologetically Muslim living in a western environment. They don't celebrate birthdays, but they seem ok with make-up, they pray, the mom wears hijab I believe, but I don't think the sisters do, it really is such a relatable family with their own quirks and tests and they are active and doing their best. It could be my family or most families I know, well lately my kids bicker a lot, that's why it is required reading for them, but that is off track. Back to the book, I was so proud of Akeal sticking up for his little sister wearing a scarf to be dressed up and not backing down from confronting her harasser. I love the spunkiness but maturity of Huda. From page one you are cheering them on, and it doesn't let up.
April 5, 2022
'Huda and Me' is a delightful story of the bond between a brother (the narrator) and his vivacious and cute little sister, nine-year old Huda.
Akeal (aged 11) and Huda's parents, Heda and Ibrahim, have to leave Melbourne urgently for their home country, Lebanon, to care for Heda's ailing mother (the children's grandmother). The seven children in this Muslim Lebanese-Australian family, including baby Rasheed, are to be left in the care of a single lady, 'Aunt Amel' (not their real aunt) a recently met 'friend of the family'. This is where the problems start as this woman is a wolf in sheep's clothing. She bosses the children around, and treats them unfairly, particularly Akeal and Huda, who have a very strong bond. She is very attached to baby Rasheed, but is grossly unfortunate to the others, swanning around and expecting to be waited upon.
Fortunately kind Mr Kostiki, their elderly Polish neighbour, is an ally. Huda, inventive and adventurous, hatches a plan for her and Akeal to fly to Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, to run away and rejoin their parents. The plan is for the other siblings to move next door to Mr Kostiki, and live with him for the next week until the parents return.
Huda uses the credit card of Aunt Amel to book their flights from Melbourne to Beirut, via a stopover in Dubai. There are adventures on the plane for these first time flyers, including one hostile flight attendant, and a sympathetic other, to contend with, plus turbulence, transits, customs to clear and so on. More drama follows, but the reunion in Beirut is a happy one, if unexpected for the parents of the intrepid pair.
Aunt Amel then .... (spoiler alert: no more! You'll just have to read the book!)
Muslim-faith children of immigrants are seldom featured in mainstream Australian children's literature. This makes this story refreshingly original. You'll fall in love with precocious Huda and you'll appreciate Akeal's protective brotherly love for her.
My rating: 9/10.
Akeal (aged 11) and Huda's parents, Heda and Ibrahim, have to leave Melbourne urgently for their home country, Lebanon, to care for Heda's ailing mother (the children's grandmother). The seven children in this Muslim Lebanese-Australian family, including baby Rasheed, are to be left in the care of a single lady, 'Aunt Amel' (not their real aunt) a recently met 'friend of the family'. This is where the problems start as this woman is a wolf in sheep's clothing. She bosses the children around, and treats them unfairly, particularly Akeal and Huda, who have a very strong bond. She is very attached to baby Rasheed, but is grossly unfortunate to the others, swanning around and expecting to be waited upon.
Fortunately kind Mr Kostiki, their elderly Polish neighbour, is an ally. Huda, inventive and adventurous, hatches a plan for her and Akeal to fly to Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, to run away and rejoin their parents. The plan is for the other siblings to move next door to Mr Kostiki, and live with him for the next week until the parents return.
Huda uses the credit card of Aunt Amel to book their flights from Melbourne to Beirut, via a stopover in Dubai. There are adventures on the plane for these first time flyers, including one hostile flight attendant, and a sympathetic other, to contend with, plus turbulence, transits, customs to clear and so on. More drama follows, but the reunion in Beirut is a happy one, if unexpected for the parents of the intrepid pair.
Aunt Amel then .... (spoiler alert: no more! You'll just have to read the book!)
Muslim-faith children of immigrants are seldom featured in mainstream Australian children's literature. This makes this story refreshingly original. You'll fall in love with precocious Huda and you'll appreciate Akeal's protective brotherly love for her.
My rating: 9/10.
December 4, 2023
"Huda and Me" by H. Hayek is a delightful and heartwarming tale that takes readers on a thrilling adventure with the dynamic siblings, Huda and Akeal. The story unfolds with Huda's infectious excitement in an airport lounge, setting the stage for a journey that is both daring and heartwarming. The author masterfully captures the anticipation and thrill through vivid descriptions of Huda's demeanour, including her joyful expressions and frequent glances at a pink digital watch.
As the narrative progresses, we learn about the siblings' predicament—left behind in Melbourne with the dreaded Aunt Amel while their parents unexpectedly travel to Beirut. The tension and discomfort escalate, leading to a clever and audacious plan concocted by Huda, involving the theft of Aunt Amel's credit card to purchase plane tickets to Lebanon. The decision to embark on this impromptu journey across the world adds an element of suspense and excitement to the plot.
The story is not just a thrilling escapade but also explores themes of sibling love, courage, and the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. Akeal, the reluctant favourite brother, finds himself pulled into Huda's adventurous scheme, and their journey becomes a test of their resilience and unity. The author beautifully weaves humour into the narrative, making the tale both fresh and funny, ensuring that readers of all ages will find joy in the escapades of Huda and Akeal. The portrayal of the city they've dreamt about but never seen, Beirut, adds a layer of cultural richness to the story. The author skillfully brings out the contrast between the familiar world in Melbourne and the allure of a distant land, creating a vivid backdrop for the siblings' journey of a lifetime.
"Huda and Me" stands out as a unique and captivating story that combines adventure, humour, and poignant moments of sibling love. H. Hayek's narrative is engaging, and the characters are endearing, making this book a delightful read for those seeking a blend of excitement and heartwarming moments in the world of middle-grade fiction.
As the narrative progresses, we learn about the siblings' predicament—left behind in Melbourne with the dreaded Aunt Amel while their parents unexpectedly travel to Beirut. The tension and discomfort escalate, leading to a clever and audacious plan concocted by Huda, involving the theft of Aunt Amel's credit card to purchase plane tickets to Lebanon. The decision to embark on this impromptu journey across the world adds an element of suspense and excitement to the plot.
The story is not just a thrilling escapade but also explores themes of sibling love, courage, and the unbreakable bond between brothers and sisters. Akeal, the reluctant favourite brother, finds himself pulled into Huda's adventurous scheme, and their journey becomes a test of their resilience and unity. The author beautifully weaves humour into the narrative, making the tale both fresh and funny, ensuring that readers of all ages will find joy in the escapades of Huda and Akeal. The portrayal of the city they've dreamt about but never seen, Beirut, adds a layer of cultural richness to the story. The author skillfully brings out the contrast between the familiar world in Melbourne and the allure of a distant land, creating a vivid backdrop for the siblings' journey of a lifetime.
"Huda and Me" stands out as a unique and captivating story that combines adventure, humour, and poignant moments of sibling love. H. Hayek's narrative is engaging, and the characters are endearing, making this book a delightful read for those seeking a blend of excitement and heartwarming moments in the world of middle-grade fiction.
December 10, 2021
Oh my heart! Some books just reach out and give you hugs🤗
I loved every moment of reading this beautiful novel by @ms.huda.h
Akeal’s family are Lebanese Australians with a beautiful and happy life together. When his mother’s mom gets sick in Lebanon, plans for the whole family to visit change into the parents having to leave the kids behind with a friend (Auntie Amel) and rush over to take care of the grandmother.
Akeal and his six siblings are left with, at first glance, a weird babysitter, who then starts to do really dangerous stuff. And so Huda (the little adorable “baby” of the family although there is another actual baby) decides to run away to Lebanon and asks Akeal, her bff and brother, to go with her!
Akeal narrates the crazy (and sometimes outlandish) events that unfold.The book flits back and forth from chapters of Akeal and Huda’s “running away” plan to back before they decided to run away. And the ending is sweet and wonderful and beautifully reminding me why MG is my favorite genre still as an adult!
The Islamic rep in this book was superb!!! Prayers are mentioned as done regularly, Wudu is done, hijabs are worn (Huda actually faces an islamaphobic encounter and her hijab is almost pulled off and the book addresses what its like to experience this!), Islamic morals are mentioned, duaas are made, and best of all Islam is lived by the characters but not preached! They live as a normal happy family, just one experiencing a wild adventure among a little bit of family drama (all clean and child-friendly). The bond between the family members, love of parents, sibling connection, and care of the elderly is all so reminiscent of real life Muslim families!
I also appreciated the Lebanese culture rep and the flight to Lebanon, and it brought back memories to me of going to Syria!
Def a new favorite for sure and one I am sure mg readers (and older) will love!!
I loved every moment of reading this beautiful novel by @ms.huda.h
Akeal’s family are Lebanese Australians with a beautiful and happy life together. When his mother’s mom gets sick in Lebanon, plans for the whole family to visit change into the parents having to leave the kids behind with a friend (Auntie Amel) and rush over to take care of the grandmother.
Akeal and his six siblings are left with, at first glance, a weird babysitter, who then starts to do really dangerous stuff. And so Huda (the little adorable “baby” of the family although there is another actual baby) decides to run away to Lebanon and asks Akeal, her bff and brother, to go with her!
Akeal narrates the crazy (and sometimes outlandish) events that unfold.The book flits back and forth from chapters of Akeal and Huda’s “running away” plan to back before they decided to run away. And the ending is sweet and wonderful and beautifully reminding me why MG is my favorite genre still as an adult!
The Islamic rep in this book was superb!!! Prayers are mentioned as done regularly, Wudu is done, hijabs are worn (Huda actually faces an islamaphobic encounter and her hijab is almost pulled off and the book addresses what its like to experience this!), Islamic morals are mentioned, duaas are made, and best of all Islam is lived by the characters but not preached! They live as a normal happy family, just one experiencing a wild adventure among a little bit of family drama (all clean and child-friendly). The bond between the family members, love of parents, sibling connection, and care of the elderly is all so reminiscent of real life Muslim families!
I also appreciated the Lebanese culture rep and the flight to Lebanon, and it brought back memories to me of going to Syria!
Def a new favorite for sure and one I am sure mg readers (and older) will love!!
July 20, 2021
What a fun read! I adored this book - the story and the characters just melded perfectly!
A lovely read about two kids, Akeal and Huda, who escape their self-absorbed and chore-giver Aunt babysitter, to find their parents overseas. From the first chapter, where they are waiting to board the plane and thinking they may almost be caught trying to fly overseas without a parent / guardian you are wanting to find out what happens.
A wonderful read with lots of heart and adventure. Highly recommend for anyone 9 years old and up, and adults will enjoy this too! It would be great to see more of these voices in Australian literature.
A lovely read about two kids, Akeal and Huda, who escape their self-absorbed and chore-giver Aunt babysitter, to find their parents overseas. From the first chapter, where they are waiting to board the plane and thinking they may almost be caught trying to fly overseas without a parent / guardian you are wanting to find out what happens.
A wonderful read with lots of heart and adventure. Highly recommend for anyone 9 years old and up, and adults will enjoy this too! It would be great to see more of these voices in Australian literature.
November 25, 2021
Mum and Dad would never have left Akeal, Huda, Omar, Kholoud, Suha, Layla and baby Raheed in the care of Aunt Amel if she’d realised how horrible she would be to the children. Driving Auntie about, baking for her, endless cleaning and worrying about baby Raheed who she kept with her all the time.
Something had to be done. Huda had a plan. Akeal had to help her. He was her older brother. Huda headed next door to get help from Mr Kostiki. He’d know what to do. All that fell apart when Auntie caught Huda out of bed.
Huda was determined to get help and if that meant flying to Lebanon then that’s what she had planned.
I enjoyed the humour and the antics of Huda and Akeal.
Recommend for MG
Something had to be done. Huda had a plan. Akeal had to help her. He was her older brother. Huda headed next door to get help from Mr Kostiki. He’d know what to do. All that fell apart when Auntie caught Huda out of bed.
Huda was determined to get help and if that meant flying to Lebanon then that’s what she had planned.
I enjoyed the humour and the antics of Huda and Akeal.
Recommend for MG
December 18, 2023
The best book I read in 2023 - and I can’t believe it was something that I set for my Year 5 & 6 students.
I started reading this to be able to lead a reading group with my students, and devoured it in a handful of hours. And then discussing it with a group of 11 and 12 year old girls was just delightful - particularly those who are themselves Muslim and loved both seeing themselves in the book, but also had a good giggle at some of the Muslim humour in the book that they thought their peers wouldn’t get straight away - like Akeal doing wudu in the airport bathroom!
I’d give it 6 stars if I could!
I started reading this to be able to lead a reading group with my students, and devoured it in a handful of hours. And then discussing it with a group of 11 and 12 year old girls was just delightful - particularly those who are themselves Muslim and loved both seeing themselves in the book, but also had a good giggle at some of the Muslim humour in the book that they thought their peers wouldn’t get straight away - like Akeal doing wudu in the airport bathroom!
I’d give it 6 stars if I could!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 11, 2025
It all starts when their mum and dad went to Beirut to look after their tayta/mum's mum because she was sick. Then they are left with the worst babysitter, Aunt Amel who treats the family like servants and told them it wasn't good enough which stresses the family out. When the family tried to tell their parents, the phone wouldn't connect. Aunt Amel heard the conversation and punished Huda only. Huda planned to steal Aunt A's credit card, 3 passports and cash to travel across the world. After a few stops they made it to their parents and everything was okay... but Raheed was taken by Aunt Amel. Lucky Akeal had Raheed's passport as well.
August 11, 2022
The kids really liked it, but I thought it was okay. The abusive aunt character, who I thought was just going to be a strict nanny like figure, and then turned really sinister sat oddly. I am not sure it matched the tone of the novel which is quite light. It was good to get some diverse heroes.. Huda reminded me of a typical Morris Gleitzman character, really young and naive yet also unusually heroic. And I would never have forgiven that rude kid at the airport, outrageous and unredeemable behaviour.
October 26, 2022
OMG! My kids would not let me stop reading this book to them at night. At the end of each chapter they always wanted more.
They loved the Arabic references that are scattered throughout the book! But even without those, I have no doubt they still would have been fully invested in the characters!
And the references to the Arabness of the characters felt natural and not forced which is so great! The story could have taken place anywhere within any culture.
I highly recommend for all families (but especially Arab ones!)
They loved the Arabic references that are scattered throughout the book! But even without those, I have no doubt they still would have been fully invested in the characters!
And the references to the Arabness of the characters felt natural and not forced which is so great! The story could have taken place anywhere within any culture.
I highly recommend for all families (but especially Arab ones!)
April 11, 2022
Cute middle primary book. An easy read focusing on the Lebanese and Muslim culture within Australia. Mum and Dad have gone back to Lebanon and the 2 kids Huda and Akeal run away from home and fly unaccompanied to go find mum and dad. Story shares their journey and their bravery of going overseas without anyone else knowing and finding mum and dad to tell them that their babysitter was mean and made them work all the time
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 13, 2022
When Huda's parents have to travel to Beirut unexpectantly, the seven children are left behind with mum's friend, Aunt Amel. However, Amel soon turns into the babysitter from hell and Huda hatches a bold plan to fly to Lebanon to let mum and dad know.
A light and amusing story. However I felt having the brother as the narrator didn't quite work and the story was just that too improbable to thoroughly enjoy. A bit of a disappointment.
A light and amusing story. However I felt having the brother as the narrator didn't quite work and the story was just that too improbable to thoroughly enjoy. A bit of a disappointment.
September 24, 2021
This book is just one big feel-good fest! I loved Huda's mischievous nature and her brother's never-ending patience as well as the madcap adventure they take to alert their parents to the unfair antics of their babysitter, Aunt Amel. You'll laugh out loud as you cheer for Huda's courage, wit and resilience. A wonderful feel-good story to escape into during these unsettling times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews