Wednesday, 21 January 2026

Hail Mariam by Huda Al-Marashi

✦ BLURB ✦

Sixth grade wasn’t supposed to be this complicated.

Iraqi American Mariam Hassan transfers to a local Catholic school and before her first day her parents remind her that she might be the first Muslim her classmates have ever met. No big deal, right? Just represent an entire religion while making new friends, keeping up with schoolwork, and figuring out who she is.

When Mariam’s younger sister, Salma, is diagnosed with a serious lung condition, her family faces endless doctor visits and sleepless nights. Mariam tries to lighten their burden and keep her own problems to herself—including the fact that she’s just been cast as Mary in the school’s Christmas nativity play.

Mariam wants to honor her faith and her new community, but she’s terrified of crossing a religious line. Can a Muslim girl be the lead in a Christian story? What will her family think? And why does she feel like every decision she makes represents all Muslims?

Mariam discovers that faith, much like friendships, isn’t about perfection—it’s about connection. As she leans on her family, friends, and school community, she begins to see the power of interfaith cooperation and learns she doesn’t have to carry the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Hail Mariam is a celebration of the beauty of finding common ground.

✶ PRE-READING ✶

I'm always interested in learning more about other religions, especially from lived perspectives. The comparisons to Judy Blume sealed the deal. Like a lot of kids, Judy was the narrator of my childhood, so if something else captures that feeling, I'm there.

✶ POST-READING ✶

As I thought... Huda, like Judy, understands that the tween years can be monumentally unfair. Adults have expectations they won't explain but get angry when you don't meet; friends, enemies and everyone around you keep changing; even your own body is betraying you. It all felt scarily real and genuine.

It surprised me by... How dismissive Mariam's parents were. I know that a lot of cultures have a 'parents know best' expectation, but they uprooted her life without explaining or asking how she felt. It was tough to read.

✦ MUSIC PAIRING ✦

Because sometimes, the heart of a story plays out like a song.

Featured Song:

“Brave” – Sara Bareilles
Upbeat, encouraging, full of heart - a perfect MG empowerment anthem.

Vibe Album:

“Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)” – Taylor Swift
Not for the romantic aspects, but for the coming-of-age emotions, shaky confidence, and finding your voice.

Artist Recommendation:

Aisha Badru
Soft, thoughtful, quietly strong - ideal for Mariam’s inner world.

🎨 Vibe Check

Colour Palette: Sky blue, school-uniform navy, warm gold, soft rose, notebook-white
Soundtrack: Soft acoustic guitar + warm piano + schoolyard ambience
Season: Early winter (Christmas play vibes; crisp air; warm interiors)
Mood: Nervous hopefulness meets genuine connection
Scent: Clean laundry, crayons, cinnamon from classroom snacks, hospital antiseptic in the background

📚 For Fans Of

Book: Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret. (faith, identity, girlhood confusion, honesty)
TV/Movie: Turning Red (family expectations, cultural identity, tween overwhelm, friendship power)

★ TAROT CARD PULLED ★

🔮 8 of Cups (Unfolding Path Tarot)

The 8 of Cups shows a lone figure walking away from a lopsided stack of cups, their back to us as they step toward an uncertain path. It’s a quiet, reflective card about leaving behind what no longer serves you and moving forward, even when the way is unclear.

For Hail Mariam, it mirrors Mariam’s journey perfectly: navigating a new school, balancing faith and friendships, and figuring out her place in both her family and her broader community. There’s a gentle courage here - the courage to grow, to learn, and to embrace change - all while keeping her heart open. It’s about emotional resilience, self-discovery, and the small but powerful steps a young person takes toward understanding themselves and the world around them.

Read and Reviewed