Amina’s Thread

By Pahel, Age 11

Last year, author Aisha Saeed came to my school to discuss window and mirror books. All my life, I’ve felt like I’ve been reading window books. Sure, the characters shared some characteristics with me, but I’ve never truly felt like I saw myself spun into the thread of a story before. Until I picked up Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan, that is. As my eyes danced across the book’s pages, I felt like I was staring at a mirror, watching myself pirouette through an intricately woven story full of passion, hope, and family. Amina became my sister – I felt like I had known her forever. She allowed me to see all of myself, not just tattered patches of fabric. In addition to showing me who I truly am, Amina acts like the light guiding me on the path. She nurtures the heart and mind, making me feel like one of the many threads of the finest silk, woven together with careful fingertips. The author produced an absolutely compelling story to take in chapter by chapter: like a stunning gown exquisitely stitched by a sophisticated seamstress. With Amina’s story, I feel more than seen. I feel understood and accepted.