BOOK REVIEW : DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS?

"Does My Head Look Big in This?" is a young adult novel written by Randa Abdel-Fattah and published in 2005. The story follows sixteen-year-old Amal, an Australian-Palestinian-Muslim girl, as she navigates through her life while wearing a hijab full-time.

The novel addresses issues such as racism, discrimination, identity, and self-confidence. It highlights the challenges that Amal faces as a Muslim girl living in Australia, where she is often subjected to stereotyping, Islamophobia, and microaggressions. Amal struggles with fitting in, making friends, and maintaining her religious beliefs and cultural identity making her a relatable and endearing character.

The book also explores Amal's relationships with her family and friends, which are complex and realistic. The novel portrays the different attitudes towards Islam and the hijab within Amal's community and how these attitudes impact her life. 

Abdel-Fattah's writing is engaging, humorous, and thought-provoking. She skillfully weaves the history and traditions of Islam, as well as the experiences of Muslim Australians, into the narrative, without ever feeling preachy or heavy-handed. The story's pacing is excellent, and the plot is both entertaining and meaningful.

Overall, this book is an insightful and captivating young adult novel that sheds light on important issues, while still remaining enjoyable to read. The book is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an engaging and thought-provoking story about identity, culture, and growing up.