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You Must Be Layla

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( 486 ratings, 130 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
You Must Be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied is a engaging children's book that follows the story of Layla, a spirited Sudanese-Australian girl who navigates a new elite school. Layla faces challenges and misconceptions as she strives to stay true to herself while also trying to fit in. The story explores themes of identity, diversity, and resilience, all wrapped in an endearing narrative.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2100
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're interested in stories about cultural identity, friendship, and resilience set in the dynamic world of a young girl navigating a new school. It’s a heartwarming and humorous tale that explores themes of belonging and believing in oneself, making it a great read for children who appreciate relatable and inspiring narratives.

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Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
With her long skirt and headscarf Layla certainly stands out at her new high school. Everyone thinks they know her, just from a glance. But do they? And does Layla really know herself? Layla's mind goes a million miles a minute, so does her mouth - unfortunately her better judgement can take a while to catch up! Although she believes she was justified for doing what she did, a suspension certainly isn't the way she would have wished to begin her time at her fancy new high school. Despite the setback, Layla's determined to show everyone that she does deserve her scholarship and sets her sights on winning a big invention competition. But where to begin? Looking outside and in, Layla will need to come to terms with who she is and who she wants to be if she has any chance of succeeding. Jam-packed with heart and humour You Must Be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied reveals a powerful new voice in children's writing. Touching on the migrant experience and exploring thought-provoking themes relevant to all teens, this book shows the strength required to be a Queen with a capital 'Q'.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

You Must Be Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied is heralded for its vibrant storytelling and strong message about identity and diversity. Reviewers praise the book for its engaging narrative and relatable protagonist, reflecting the challenges and triumphs young readers face in multicultural settings. The author's exploration of themes like fitting in and staying true to oneself resonates well with a diverse audience, making it an inspiring read for children.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143788515

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 05 March 2019

Country: Australia

Imprint: Penguin Random House Australia

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 32.0mm

Width: 130.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 236g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Yassmin Abdel-Magied is a Sudanese Australian writer, recovering mechanical engineer and award-winning social advocate who writes and speaks on politics, society, culture and technology. She has published three books with Penguin Random House, including two middle grade novels (You Must Be Layla and the award-winning Listen, Layla), which she is now adapting for screen. Yassmin is also developing a slate of projects for the stage and screen. A globally sought-after adviser on issues at the intersections of race, gender and faith, Yassmin has spoken in over twenty-five countries on social justice and inclusive leadership. She founded her first organisation, Youth Without Borders, at the age of sixteen, leading it for nine years before co-founding two other organisations focused on serving women of colour. Her TED talk 'What does my headscarf mean to you?' has been viewed over 2.5 million times and was selected as one of TED's top 10 ideas. In all her work, Yassmin is an advocate for transformative justice and a fairer, safer world for all.

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  • Yassmin's Story
    At 21, Yassmin found herself working on a remote Australian oil and gas rig; she was the only woman and certainly the only Sudanese-Egyptian-Australian background Muslim woman. With her hijab quickly christened a 'tea cosy', there could not be a more unlikely place on earth for a young Muslim woman to want to be. This is the story of how...
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  • Listen, Layla
    What's a queen to do when her summer plans go horribly wrong? A powerful, funny and timely novel for young readers by writer, broadcaster, and award-winning social advocate, Yassmin Abdel-Magied. Exploring the diaspora experience, race, politics, and identity, Listen, Layla by Yassmin Abdel-Magied is an own voices novel for young readers, which bursts with passion, humour, and truth. Layla has...
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  • Talking About a Revolution
    With her trademark optimism, sass, boldness, and search for answers, across a collection of new and revisited essays, Yassmin Abdel-Magied explores resistance, transformation, and revolution. Yassmin Abdel-Magied started out a dynamic, optimistic, naΓ―ve, youthful grassroots organiser and oil rig worker before she found herself taking on the heft of the Australian political and media establishment, unintentionally. From her new home...
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