The Strongest Heart
Written by Saadia Faruqi
Published by Quill Tree Books
Mo is used to his father’s fits of rage. When Abbu’s moods shake the house, Mo is safe inside his head, with his cherished folktales: The best way to respond is not to engage. Apparently, his mama knows that too—which is why she took a job on the other side of the world, leaving Mo alone with Abbu.
With Mama gone, the two move to Texas to live with Mo’s aunt and cousin, Rayyan. The two boys could not be more different. Rayyan is achievement-driven and factual; Mo is a “bad kid.” Still, there is a lot to like about living in Texas. Sundays at the mosque are better than he’d expected. And Rayyan and his aunt become a real family to Mo.
But even in a warm home and school where he begins to see a future for himself, Mo knows that the monster within his father can break out and destroy their fragile peace at any moment…
Primary ISBN: 9780063115859
Publication Date: March 2025
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older
Community Represented: Pakistani/Pakistani American
Themes: Accolades & Awards, Accolades & Awards: Starred Review, Accolades & Awards: Youth Media Awards, Coming of Age, Cultural Empowerment, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Identity, Cultural Empowerment & Joy: Storytelling, Family Relationship: Extended, Family Relationship: Parents, Format: Audiobook, Generation: 1st, Identity: Multiracial, IYNB Recommends: ASCA School Counselors 2026, Mental Health, Own Voices/Lived Experience, Religious Background: Muslim, Trauma & Healing, Trauma & Healing: Illness
Setting: United States (New York City NY, Houston TX)
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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