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Huda Was Here
Huda hatches a bold plan to help her dad get a job - which lands her and her brother in all kinds of trouble. A delightful and hilarious story from a CBCA award-winning author, about a lion-hearted girl who just wants the best for her family.
Huda yawns loudly and stretches out her arms. Almost like she's bored in science class and waiting for the bell to go for lunch. Except we're not at school, we're in police custody. Because of her stupid idea.
When her dad loses his job as a security officer and has to work interstate, Huda convinces her brother Akeal to sneak out at night to make mischief, hoping to force their dad's bosses to hire him back.
As their misdeeds escalate, will the daring duo be able to outsmart the authorities? How much are they willing to risk for family unity - and what else might they uncover along the way?
A thoroughly entertaining story full of hijinks, courage and hilarity.
Praise for the CBCA shortlisted Huda and
'An irresistible invitation to young readers to embrace a story that is wonderfully fresh.' RANDA ABDEL-FATTAH
'Sparkling with mischief, adventure and family love, Huda and Me is a gem of a story.' KIRSTY MURRAY
'Big adventure, big laughs and big heart.' NAT AMOORE
'A fresh and tender tale that will leave an imprint on your heart.' OLIVER PHOMMAVANH
Huda yawns loudly and stretches out her arms. Almost like she's bored in science class and waiting for the bell to go for lunch. Except we're not at school, we're in police custody. Because of her stupid idea.
When her dad loses his job as a security officer and has to work interstate, Huda convinces her brother Akeal to sneak out at night to make mischief, hoping to force their dad's bosses to hire him back.
As their misdeeds escalate, will the daring duo be able to outsmart the authorities? How much are they willing to risk for family unity - and what else might they uncover along the way?
A thoroughly entertaining story full of hijinks, courage and hilarity.
Praise for the CBCA shortlisted Huda and
'An irresistible invitation to young readers to embrace a story that is wonderfully fresh.' RANDA ABDEL-FATTAH
'Sparkling with mischief, adventure and family love, Huda and Me is a gem of a story.' KIRSTY MURRAY
'Big adventure, big laughs and big heart.' NAT AMOORE
'A fresh and tender tale that will leave an imprint on your heart.' OLIVER PHOMMAVANH
286 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 4, 2023
3 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 7, 2023
This delightful book needs to be on every Muslim bookshelf- I was just laughing so hard and was emotional multiple time!
Genre: Middle Grade
Ages: 8-12
Author: Huda Hayek
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Huda and Akeal are back in this gorgeous sequel, and with even more mischievousness and (heart-warming) blunders than before.
Huda’s dad has been fired from his job as a security guard. So Huda and Akeal set out to perform “crimanimal” activities in their neighborhood to show how much Baba is needed back. But when they are caught by the cops, everything comes crashing down and they have to figure out the true “culprit” behind Baba loosing his job.
I truly loved this book! I laughed so much at the sweet sibling bond of these two and how bossy and cute Huda is. She is truly a mastermind kid and although the story is from Akeal’s pov, she is def the one leading it.
I liked how the book started off in a different timeline, with the two kids at the police station- and then showed how everything ended up happening. It made it super interesting to read and I kept flipping the pages to see what happened and how the resolution would be.
The book is full of heart, family love, friendship, and ISLAM!!! Athan, prayer, a scene at a Mosque (with shoe stealing lol), duaas, and so much more! I felt the Muslims in it were so authentic, and it was just an average Muslim family living their life and having adventures.
This book was published in Australia and I got it from bookdepository when it was open but it IS available on Amazon and honestly is 100 percent worth a buy! Ur kids will love it and its super halal and perfect for Masjid and islamic school shelves!
Get yourself a copy!
Genre: Middle Grade
Ages: 8-12
Author: Huda Hayek
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Huda and Akeal are back in this gorgeous sequel, and with even more mischievousness and (heart-warming) blunders than before.
Huda’s dad has been fired from his job as a security guard. So Huda and Akeal set out to perform “crimanimal” activities in their neighborhood to show how much Baba is needed back. But when they are caught by the cops, everything comes crashing down and they have to figure out the true “culprit” behind Baba loosing his job.
I truly loved this book! I laughed so much at the sweet sibling bond of these two and how bossy and cute Huda is. She is truly a mastermind kid and although the story is from Akeal’s pov, she is def the one leading it.
I liked how the book started off in a different timeline, with the two kids at the police station- and then showed how everything ended up happening. It made it super interesting to read and I kept flipping the pages to see what happened and how the resolution would be.
The book is full of heart, family love, friendship, and ISLAM!!! Athan, prayer, a scene at a Mosque (with shoe stealing lol), duaas, and so much more! I felt the Muslims in it were so authentic, and it was just an average Muslim family living their life and having adventures.
This book was published in Australia and I got it from bookdepository when it was open but it IS available on Amazon and honestly is 100 percent worth a buy! Ur kids will love it and its super halal and perfect for Masjid and islamic school shelves!
Get yourself a copy!
December 17, 2025
This book was really good, made even better because it was a gift from a friend. A well- written sequel to the Huda and Me book, it involves the dad losing his job because of lack of crime and the children doing pointless crimes like knocking bins over to have him get his job back. Then the police catch them. It was wonderful book because of the suspense in that moment, making it really enjoyable to read. The reat of the scenes are spoilers, so I’ll describe some good qualities of the book. It was really good because of Huda’s personality, which makes the story way more complex than what it really is and i really liked it so 4 stars
June 1, 2024
Content warnings: poverty, grief, classism
I didn't enjoy this QUITE as much as the first book in the series, if only because I didn't entirely find it believable that these two small children would turn to active destruction of their community in an attempt to get their father's job back.
There were definitely some funny moments, and I liked the ultimate twist of how they got their father to come home. All of that being said, I hope there are more books coming in this series in the future because the characters - especially Huda - are delightful.
I didn't enjoy this QUITE as much as the first book in the series, if only because I didn't entirely find it believable that these two small children would turn to active destruction of their community in an attempt to get their father's job back.
There were definitely some funny moments, and I liked the ultimate twist of how they got their father to come home. All of that being said, I hope there are more books coming in this series in the future because the characters - especially Huda - are delightful.
December 26, 2024
Loved the confidence and sass of Huda. Unravelling corruption while restoring the family unit is a must read.
July 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️/5
had to read this one for uni and it's a grade 6 level book so 2 stars will do... felt like I had to rate her
had to read this one for uni and it's a grade 6 level book so 2 stars will do... felt like I had to rate her
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April 29, 2024#1) Hude and Me ★★★★☆
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December 19, 2023
Huda is such a hilarious character. She is just so entertaining to read about, making me laugh out loud in some places. There’s something about the juxtaposition of this nine year old kid against her grand plans and acting all worldly that gets me. Akeal is still the MC in this one, and I love his narration, but Huda definitely steals the show.
Huda’s dynamic with her brother Akeal was similarly humorous, as Huda’s bold and brash personality meets Akeal’s cautious one. I also love the love they have for each other! They are just so clearly siblings.
I don’t think the three separate timelines was needed this time around. Two would have done fine: the first chapter with the cops in the present, and then the past storyline progressing from Akeal’s dad being fired. Instead we have the first chapter with the cops, then a past storyline progressing from the first Crimanimals mission, but also a further-in-the-past storyline documenting the lead up to that mission. It meant there was a bit of repetition and confusion because there wasn’t a clear divide between the latter two like there was in Huda and Me, where one timeline was based in Melbourne and the other was based on a plane. The cop chapter was a good addition, however, as it kept me hooked throughout the story, wondering how we would get to that point.
I did notice that there was little to no character development in both Akeal and Huda this time around. This wasn’t a biggie for me, though.
Huda’s dynamic with her brother Akeal was similarly humorous, as Huda’s bold and brash personality meets Akeal’s cautious one. I also love the love they have for each other! They are just so clearly siblings.
I don’t think the three separate timelines was needed this time around. Two would have done fine: the first chapter with the cops in the present, and then the past storyline progressing from Akeal’s dad being fired. Instead we have the first chapter with the cops, then a past storyline progressing from the first Crimanimals mission, but also a further-in-the-past storyline documenting the lead up to that mission. It meant there was a bit of repetition and confusion because there wasn’t a clear divide between the latter two like there was in Huda and Me, where one timeline was based in Melbourne and the other was based on a plane. The cop chapter was a good addition, however, as it kept me hooked throughout the story, wondering how we would get to that point.
I did notice that there was little to no character development in both Akeal and Huda this time around. This wasn’t a biggie for me, though.
July 11, 2023
YA novel that went along at a cracking pace! Huda a bit too precocious to be believable but narrative voice by timid older brother actually worked well. Loved the naughty clever schoolgirl genre when I was a young girl so this is a great addition and expansion to the canon!
August 15, 2024
‘Huda Was Here’- a worthy addition to your bookshelf?
Reviewed by: Pranaya Prakash
🚨MAY UNVEIL HUDA’S HIJINKS🚨
‘I told her this would happen. I told her we’d get caught and arrested.’
These were the 2 striking opening sentences of ‘Huda Was Here’ by the 2 time CBCA -shortlisted author, H.Hayek. This ‘in medias res’ start (a Latin phrase meaning ‘into the middle of things') intrigued me and enticed me to continue reading. What did these children even do to end up in the police station? And as the story unfolds, we will be able to piece everything together and learn that this was all in place to reunite their family.
On paper, the plot sounds like a good idea. It’s based on an old Arabic movie called Bint El-Hares.The characters in this story are her family, with her mischievous self being Huda (this was mentioned in the acknowledgement section). The protagonists of the story, Huda and Akeal, embark on a mission to bring their father, Ibrahim, back home. Their father loses his job as a security guard as the crime rate in the neighbourhood was low making him have to work interstate. So what do they do? They commit small acts of mischief by sneaking out at night in hopes of bringing their beloved father back. The plot touches on so many themes like family, overcoming emotions, problem solving, cultural representation and shows the struggles of being in a financial hardship. What could possibly go wrong?
Personally, I found the plot to be quite predictable. Every time they snuck out of the house to commit a crime, whether it be them stealing shoes from the mosque or tipping over the garbage bins- there was a blatantly obvious formula which rather spoiled the suspense of the plot. Huda concocts a plan, Akeal reluctantly helps, there’s a minor obstacle which they have to overcome and once it all finishes- the cycle starts again. However, I do wonder if H.Hayek’s choice of writing the story from Akeal’s perspective was the best choice. While he provides a balanced view on matters (as he’s more cautious and mature than his sister), Huda could have given a more thrilling story.
Flaws aside, ‘Huda Was Here’ had a bunch of great aspects too which made the read quite enjoyable. I love the unique personalities of Huda and Akeal, not only as individuals but as a duo. She's not afraid to take risks and is rebellious, unlike her timid brother Akeal. I find that her carefree and nonchalant attitude creates lots of laughable moments in the story, like when she said “potato, patato, same thing”. Regardless of these siblings’ differences, they both have one common motive- to bring their father back and reunite their family. This shows the lengths they will go for their family and it warmed my heart.
The cultural representation of their Lebanese-Australian Muslim family was excellent. The authenticity of it lies in how seamlessly H.Hayek incorporated it all into the plot. From the Lebanese food they eat at dinner such as tabbouleh, kibbeh and baklava to the Arabic terms such as Alhamdulillah and Ya ibni habibi. I found that these details added a nice layer of depth to the characters and to their cultural background. All the new vocabulary was also a great learning opportunity for me!
While the plot is a bit predictable, ‘Huda Was Here’ is a book full of giggles and an emotional rollercoaster, highlighting the themes of family and multiculturalism. What better way to teach children about financial hardship and its struggle through the very eyes and mind of one? This is a heartfelt and funny read for all but I would recommend it to upper primary students. So the answer to the big question you all have been waiting for, is ‘Huda Was Here’ a worthy addition to your bookshelf? Definitely, so start making room for this great book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐/ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Star Rating: 4/5
Reviewed by: Pranaya Prakash
🚨MAY UNVEIL HUDA’S HIJINKS🚨
‘I told her this would happen. I told her we’d get caught and arrested.’
These were the 2 striking opening sentences of ‘Huda Was Here’ by the 2 time CBCA -shortlisted author, H.Hayek. This ‘in medias res’ start (a Latin phrase meaning ‘into the middle of things') intrigued me and enticed me to continue reading. What did these children even do to end up in the police station? And as the story unfolds, we will be able to piece everything together and learn that this was all in place to reunite their family.
On paper, the plot sounds like a good idea. It’s based on an old Arabic movie called Bint El-Hares.The characters in this story are her family, with her mischievous self being Huda (this was mentioned in the acknowledgement section). The protagonists of the story, Huda and Akeal, embark on a mission to bring their father, Ibrahim, back home. Their father loses his job as a security guard as the crime rate in the neighbourhood was low making him have to work interstate. So what do they do? They commit small acts of mischief by sneaking out at night in hopes of bringing their beloved father back. The plot touches on so many themes like family, overcoming emotions, problem solving, cultural representation and shows the struggles of being in a financial hardship. What could possibly go wrong?
Personally, I found the plot to be quite predictable. Every time they snuck out of the house to commit a crime, whether it be them stealing shoes from the mosque or tipping over the garbage bins- there was a blatantly obvious formula which rather spoiled the suspense of the plot. Huda concocts a plan, Akeal reluctantly helps, there’s a minor obstacle which they have to overcome and once it all finishes- the cycle starts again. However, I do wonder if H.Hayek’s choice of writing the story from Akeal’s perspective was the best choice. While he provides a balanced view on matters (as he’s more cautious and mature than his sister), Huda could have given a more thrilling story.
Flaws aside, ‘Huda Was Here’ had a bunch of great aspects too which made the read quite enjoyable. I love the unique personalities of Huda and Akeal, not only as individuals but as a duo. She's not afraid to take risks and is rebellious, unlike her timid brother Akeal. I find that her carefree and nonchalant attitude creates lots of laughable moments in the story, like when she said “potato, patato, same thing”. Regardless of these siblings’ differences, they both have one common motive- to bring their father back and reunite their family. This shows the lengths they will go for their family and it warmed my heart.
The cultural representation of their Lebanese-Australian Muslim family was excellent. The authenticity of it lies in how seamlessly H.Hayek incorporated it all into the plot. From the Lebanese food they eat at dinner such as tabbouleh, kibbeh and baklava to the Arabic terms such as Alhamdulillah and Ya ibni habibi. I found that these details added a nice layer of depth to the characters and to their cultural background. All the new vocabulary was also a great learning opportunity for me!
While the plot is a bit predictable, ‘Huda Was Here’ is a book full of giggles and an emotional rollercoaster, highlighting the themes of family and multiculturalism. What better way to teach children about financial hardship and its struggle through the very eyes and mind of one? This is a heartfelt and funny read for all but I would recommend it to upper primary students. So the answer to the big question you all have been waiting for, is ‘Huda Was Here’ a worthy addition to your bookshelf? Definitely, so start making room for this great book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐/ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Star Rating: 4/5
April 2, 2023
Huda and Akeal's father loses his job as a local community security guard in their Melbourne suburb and ends up taking a new job in Fremantle (across the country). Upset that their father has moved away and their life now looks very different, Huda hatches a plan - and drags Akeal along for the ride - to get their father back. If they commit acts of vandalism around the neighbourhood, maybe he'll come home to his job again?
Huda Was Here by H. Hayek is the follow up book to 2021's Huda and Me, the story of two siblings from a Lebanese-Australian Muslim family, who consistently find themselves doing outrageous things in the name of love and family. Huda was Here is definitely one of Huda's bolder plans, and poor Akeal spends a lot of the book trying to rationalise that their bad behaviour choices are done in the name of their favour.
There's a very strong thread of family and family connections and the strain that the loss of a job and financial stress places on a family (especially one with seven children). I really enjoyed spending more time with all of the members of Huda and Akeal's family, getting to know them further after reading the first book. I continue to love Huda's audacious plans and the way she's constantly thinking 2-3 steps ahead of everyone around her. We also get to meet a lot of new characters from their community, widening the scope of the story - and also allowing for the community corruption element to be laid out.
It's a fun, entertaining read, with wonderfully strong young people, high ideals and great Muslim representation. It would definitely make a great classroom read-aloud, and could prompt some very interesting class discussions.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Huda Was Here by H. Hayek is the follow up book to 2021's Huda and Me, the story of two siblings from a Lebanese-Australian Muslim family, who consistently find themselves doing outrageous things in the name of love and family. Huda was Here is definitely one of Huda's bolder plans, and poor Akeal spends a lot of the book trying to rationalise that their bad behaviour choices are done in the name of their favour.
There's a very strong thread of family and family connections and the strain that the loss of a job and financial stress places on a family (especially one with seven children). I really enjoyed spending more time with all of the members of Huda and Akeal's family, getting to know them further after reading the first book. I continue to love Huda's audacious plans and the way she's constantly thinking 2-3 steps ahead of everyone around her. We also get to meet a lot of new characters from their community, widening the scope of the story - and also allowing for the community corruption element to be laid out.
It's a fun, entertaining read, with wonderfully strong young people, high ideals and great Muslim representation. It would definitely make a great classroom read-aloud, and could prompt some very interesting class discussions.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 18, 2024
I haven't read the first book, Huda and me, in the series but it wasn't necessary to in order to enjoy this book.
This is a middle grade book about a Muslim Lebanese family, with lots about the cultural experience - language, clothing, food, etc. Moist of all it's about relationships and mischief. It's easy to read.
Huda is a bold character here. Unfortunately she rather dwarfs the mina character and I felt that I wished I really felt more for her brother, even just knowing his character more and understanding him. But we got to feel Huda so much that his developent, even the drawing of him, was a bit thin. The caper is a bit over the top but it's a kids' book so you just go with it - a bit of a "real fantasy" in that it's not supernatural but it's a bit fantastic for something to actually happen like this even though it doesn't actually break any physical/science laws.
There is a strong feeling of love in the family and a nice little moral at the end that will probably please a lot of readers and parents, but not too preachily done.
This is a middle grade book about a Muslim Lebanese family, with lots about the cultural experience - language, clothing, food, etc. Moist of all it's about relationships and mischief. It's easy to read.
Huda is a bold character here. Unfortunately she rather dwarfs the mina character and I felt that I wished I really felt more for her brother, even just knowing his character more and understanding him. But we got to feel Huda so much that his developent, even the drawing of him, was a bit thin. The caper is a bit over the top but it's a kids' book so you just go with it - a bit of a "real fantasy" in that it's not supernatural but it's a bit fantastic for something to actually happen like this even though it doesn't actually break any physical/science laws.
There is a strong feeling of love in the family and a nice little moral at the end that will probably please a lot of readers and parents, but not too preachily done.
April 15, 2025
I loved this book so much. The 'sassyness' and 'bossy' attitude of Huda, along with her many, many siblings definitely contributed a lot!
"Yeh, man, I got it. Chillax! I know what the plan is, bro." Page 20
Something that wasn't really clear to me, is the twins (Suha and Layla, how old the twins were. For example, at the start, Huda somehow calms the twins down with the hijabs (Page 29 - 30), but then twins are described older than them? I don't know, please someone see this review and tell me in the comments! Anyways...
I love the plot of this story - doing crime for 'good.' Like the opposite reason! Doing crime for their dad, for him to come back. I feel like the end wasn't as good though. It was like just adding an extra p[roblem, that I feel didn't really need to be added, or it could have been different. Sooo... overall this book was really good with reason why they did the crime, but could be better with the development of the twins and the plot!
"Yeh, man, I got it. Chillax! I know what the plan is, bro." Page 20
Something that wasn't really clear to me, is the twins (Suha and Layla, how old the twins were. For example, at the start, Huda somehow calms the twins down with the hijabs (Page 29 - 30), but then twins are described older than them? I don't know, please someone see this review and tell me in the comments! Anyways...
I love the plot of this story - doing crime for 'good.' Like the opposite reason! Doing crime for their dad, for him to come back. I feel like the end wasn't as good though. It was like just adding an extra p[roblem, that I feel didn't really need to be added, or it could have been different. Sooo... overall this book was really good with reason why they did the crime, but could be better with the development of the twins and the plot!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 19, 2024
3.5 stars. Although this is the second book featuring brother & sister duo Huda & Akeal, I think this is written as a prequel to the events in Huda & Me.
Like its predecessor, Huda Was Here is a fun, heart-warming adventure, full of family values - just with a bit of crime thrown in for good measure! Although this is part of the fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously, while Huda sees their night-time escapades as being "cheeky", and with good motivations, they get pretty serious, which the book glosses over. A few extra chores isn't really a consequence commensurate with their actions!
The plot has some significant holes if just taken on the mystery side of the story, but that is not the main point of the book. The main point is Huda & Akeal's relationship and care for each other, and for their whole family.
A great addition to our library shelves.
Like its predecessor, Huda Was Here is a fun, heart-warming adventure, full of family values - just with a bit of crime thrown in for good measure! Although this is part of the fun and shouldn't be taken too seriously, while Huda sees their night-time escapades as being "cheeky", and with good motivations, they get pretty serious, which the book glosses over. A few extra chores isn't really a consequence commensurate with their actions!
The plot has some significant holes if just taken on the mystery side of the story, but that is not the main point of the book. The main point is Huda & Akeal's relationship and care for each other, and for their whole family.
A great addition to our library shelves.
April 2, 2024
A delightful, gently humorous and heartwarming story about siblings, Huda and her older brother Akeal solving a momentous problem. Dad has lost his job as a security officer because there is not crime occurring in the neighborhood. He needs to go away to get work and the family structure suffers in his absence.the two children hatch a scheme to prove he is needed - and the Criminanimals are born.
Seamless integration of Islamic family life and culture adds to this universal story of a closely knit family and the importance of friends. A sure fired book to read aloud to 9 to 11 year olds
Deservedly shortlisted for the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Younger Readers.
Seamless integration of Islamic family life and culture adds to this universal story of a closely knit family and the importance of friends. A sure fired book to read aloud to 9 to 11 year olds
Deservedly shortlisted for the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year Younger Readers.
March 10, 2024
🕌 H. Hayek is a CBCA shortlisted author and it’s no surprise why. This book delivers a wonderful amount of adventure, culture, humour and mischief. The importance that family can play in the lives of these characters is highlighted through their dedication to bring their family closer.
👮🏾♀️ This story is sure to interest a range of readers and if you can, I would be adding it to your classroom library. It is bound to capture and connect with someone you know and thus it is a gift worth sharing.
👮🏾♀️ This story is sure to interest a range of readers and if you can, I would be adding it to your classroom library. It is bound to capture and connect with someone you know and thus it is a gift worth sharing.
May 2, 2024
I enjoyed the first book in the series Huda and Me, so had high expectations for this one. But didn't quite live up to the hype for me as a CBCA shortlist title.
Huda and Akeal come up with a plan to get their dad back after he was fired from his security job. Causing havoc in the evenings and solving a crime along the way. They do some cheeky stunts and it shows what a family will do for their loved ones.
Multi cultural focus as well within the story thread
Great middle read sequel for students
Huda and Akeal come up with a plan to get their dad back after he was fired from his security job. Causing havoc in the evenings and solving a crime along the way. They do some cheeky stunts and it shows what a family will do for their loved ones.
Multi cultural focus as well within the story thread
Great middle read sequel for students
April 5, 2025
Listened to the audio book with my daughter. Honestly I didnt like this as much as the first book by the author with the same cast. Dont know if reading it would give me a different experience. It was heartening to see young Huda along with her brother Akeel go into all sorts of troubles just so that their father can resume his job from which he was let go.
Huda comes out to be a very strong willed girl who is perfectly capable of making her elder brother dance to her tunes and make him do what she wants. It is a beautiful story about siblings sticking together no matter what.
Huda comes out to be a very strong willed girl who is perfectly capable of making her elder brother dance to her tunes and make him do what she wants. It is a beautiful story about siblings sticking together no matter what.
September 23, 2025
Again, from the award-winning author and Huda and me, is the story after it, Huda was here. A thrilling book consists of mystery, suspense and more. Their dad gets kicked out of his job and Akeal is determined to cause enough mischief to get his job back. They graffiti on the school gate, kidnap raheed and more crimes. Mr. K's son helps them prove that they're innocent.
March 19, 2024
I was frustrated with the bad choices of the kids in this book from the beginning! No act of violence will be rewarded by good things, but these kids do some awful things, including pretend kidnapping their baby brother! But because they saved dad and solved a mystery there are no consequences. Very frustrating.
CBCA 2024 Shortlist for Young Readers
CBCA 2024 Shortlist for Young Readers
July 11, 2023
Another madcap adventure with Huda and Akeal. Despite this being the sequel to Huda and Me, it isn’t necessary to read them in order. Lots of fun.
January 22, 2024
3.5 stars
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May 4, 2024This book has so much heart. I loved the cheeky and fearless characters.
May 4, 2024
Loved her first book "Huda and Me" and loved this one, totally.
Fingers crossed we see more books from this author, such delightful reads, full of heart.
Fingers crossed we see more books from this author, such delightful reads, full of heart.
June 10, 2024
This was pretty cute! I know a few kids I am looking forward to recommending this to.
September 17, 2024
Hayek Bales #1
Very good read which tells us a good story, with a solid plot, good characters and a satisfying ending.
All the things you need in story telling.
Worth reading.
Very good read which tells us a good story, with a solid plot, good characters and a satisfying ending.
All the things you need in story telling.
Worth reading.
July 31, 2025
Very cute story. There’s something about Huda and Akeal that I love. Just a cute fun story.
August 5, 2023
Read for PRC
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