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“What makes Zayneb and Adam different is not their faith but their ability to learn from and love one another in a world hurling obstacles their way…Heartfelt and powerful.”

Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“Heartfelt, honest, and featuring characters readers will fall in love with, this is sure to become a beloved book for many.”

School Library Journal, Starred Review

“In Love from A to Z, S.K. Ali once again takes an unflinching and moving look at the intricacies of life as a Muslim teen in an imperfect, multi-cultural world. Beautiful.”

Shelf Awareness, Starred Review

“This is a beautiful, complex, and important book. I hope that all libraries will get this on their shelves and on display. A wonderful story that centers the Muslim experience and shows the power of anger, peace, and connection.”

SLJ Teen Librarian Toolbox

Love from A to Z (#1)

Written by S. K. Ali
Published by Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster

A marvel: something you find amazing. Even ordinary-amazing. Like potatoes—because they make French fries happen. Like the perfect fries Adam and his mom used to make together.

An oddity: whatever gives you pause. Like the fact that there are hateful people in the world. Like Zayneb’s teacher, who won’t stop reminding the class how “bad” Muslims are.

But Zayneb, the only Muslim in class, isn’t bad. She’s angry.

When she gets suspended for confronting her teacher, and he begins investigating her activist friends, Zayneb heads to her aunt’s house in Doha, Qatar, for an early start to spring break.

Fueled by the guilt of getting her friends in trouble, she resolves to try out a newer, “nicer” version of herself in a place where no one knows her.

Then her path crosses with Adam’s.

Since he got diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November, Adam’s stopped going to classes, intent, instead, on perfecting the making of things. Intent on keeping the memory of his mom alive for his little sister.

Adam’s also intent on keeping his diagnosis a secret from his grieving father.

Alone, Adam and Zayneb are playing roles for others, keeping their real thoughts locked away in their journals.

Until a marvel and an oddity occurs…

Marvel: Adam and Zayneb meeting.

Oddity: Adam and Zayneb meeting.

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

Primary ISBN: 9781534442726
Publication Date: June 2020
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook
Young Adult, Age 14 or older

Community Represented: , ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Indiana), Qatar (Doha)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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