How to Free a Jinn

HIGHLY COMMENDED: 2025 Victorian Premier's Literary Awards, Children's Literature

SHORTLISTED: 2025 Readings Children's Prize

I have a terrifying superpower. I, Insyirah Abdullah, can see jinn.

Insyirah's calm, orderly world falls into chaos when her proud nenek (grandmother) has a bad fall, and Insyirah and her mother must move back to Malaysia to take care of her.

Her new home holds wild and dangerous mysteries, and while finding her feet, Insyirah discovers a shocking secret: the women in her family can control jinn—powerful, ancient jungle spirits—and, one day, she will inherit one of her own. What's more, her new school is haunted by an evil spirit determined to force her out of Malaysia.

As Insyirah discovers the fascinating ways of the seen and unseen worlds, she finds that risk is everywhere. And when her family situation changes, she must gather all her resilience to overcome unexpected obstacles and make a life-changing decision.

Enchanting, action-packed, and mysterious yet also warm and funny, this page-turning middle-grade fantasy announces a fabulous new talent.

'A wonderful read and a thrilling magical world—I found it intoxicating!' - Anna Fienberg

'Atmospheric and enchanting (and full of delicious food!), this book will linger with you long after the last page is turned.' - Graci Kim, New York Times bestselling author of THE GIFTED CLANS trilogy

'A magical debut by an exciting new voice. How to Free a Jinn is an epic thriller enriched with Islamic-inspired spirituality and mythology and steeped in the sensuality of tropical Malaysian food and culture. The kind of book I wish I had growing up.' - Sarah Malik, author of Desi Girl: Feminism, Race, Faith and Belonging