Essay Topics
Content Warning: This section of the guide refers to chronic illness, violence, death, racism, and Islamophobia.
Zayneb Malik grows up in a Muslim family and home. In what ways do her Islamic beliefs and traditions shape her sense of self? What conflicts does being Muslim create for Zayneb, and how does she combat these challenges? In what ways does her Muslim identity evolve over the course of the novel?
Adam Chen converts to Islam when he is 11 years old. Explore the ways in which this choice changes Adam’s life and comes to define his sense of self. What inspires him to make the decision? How does his understanding of being Muslim impact the way he relates to others and understands his life in the present and for the future?
Compare and contrast Zayneb’s and Adam’s experiences of loneliness. What facets of the characters’ personal experiences feel isolating? How does their alienation complicate their relationships with others and their understanding of themselves? Do they find ways to relieve their loneliness, and if so, how?
