Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi

Middle Grade • Contemporary Fiction • Islamophobia • Community • Courage

Author: Saadia Faruqi

Genre: Realistic Contemporary Fiction

Recommended Ages: 8-12; The themes are mature but handled in an age-appropriate, accessible way.

Summary: (Spoiler-free)

Yusuf Azeem is excited to start sixth grade. He loves robotics, his small Texas town, and the comfort of routines. But this fall marks the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and rising tensions in his community begin affecting Yusuf’s daily life. Anti-Muslim protests grow louder, hateful messages appear in his locker, and fear spreads through the town.

When Yusuf discovers an old journal kept by his uncle during the months following 9/11, he realizes that the discrimination his family faced decades ago is re-emerging in dangerous ways. With honesty and bravery, Yusuf must decide what it means to stand up for what’s right—even when adults don’t.

My Thoughts:

This is one of the most important middle-grade novels I’ve read in recent years. Saadia Faruqi approaches difficult topics—Islamophobia, racism, fear, and misinformation—with remarkable clarity and gentleness. What I love most is Yusuf’s voice: thoughtful, curious, kind, and deeply human. I could not help but think of my son while reading about Yusuf.

As a future elementary school librarian, I appreciate how Faruqi balances the heaviness of the subject with moments of friendship, humor, family love, and robotics-team excitement. Yusuf is not defined by the hate around him; he is defined by his courage, intelligence, and compassion. This is exactly the kind of nuanced representation Muslim students deserve—and the kind of window non-Muslim students need.

This book helps young readers understand how prejudice forms, how it harms, and how kids can be powerful upstanders. It’s a conversation-starter in the very best way.

Themes:

• Courage & Speaking Up

• Islamophobia & Prejudice

• Community & Activism

• Friendship & Loyalty

• Family History & Generational Stories

• Justice & Moral Responsibility

• Identity & Belonging

Why Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi is Important for Diversity and Inclusion:

Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero is a standout example of inclusive, necessary children’s literature. Saadia Faruqi, a Pakistani American Muslim author, writes from a place of lived experience—bringing authenticity, cultural richness, and emotional truth to Yusuf’s story.

This book offers Muslim readers an affirming mirror, showing daily life, traditions, faith, and family love portrayed respectfully and realistically. For non-Muslim readers, it provides an essential window into how harmful stereotypes impact real kids and communities.

Inclusive books like this encourage students to question bias, recognize injustice, and build empathy—skills that are foundational to becoming thoughtful citizens in a diverse world.

Library Integration:

Grades 5–8

• Diary-Voice Writing Prompt: Students write a short journal entry from Yusuf’s perspective OR from a bystander’s point of view.

• “What Is an Upstander?” Activity: Explore how students can speak up safely in their school or community.

• Media Literacy Discussion: Examine how misinformation spreads and why it is dangerous.

• Civic Engagement Conversation: Discuss peaceful protest, civic responsibility, and youth activism.

• Paired Texts: Compare with The Night Diary, Amina’s Voice, or Front Desk.

Library Programming

• Cultural Celebration Display: Highlight books by Muslim authors during Ramadan or all year long.

• Community Voices Board: Students write one way they can make their school a more welcoming place.

• Robotics & STEM Tie-In: Use Yusuf’s robotics passion to connect literature with STEM programs.

Librarian Reflection:

This book is a reminder of how essential libraries are as safe, inclusive spaces. Yusuf’s story teaches that discrimination doesn’t disappear—it must be actively challenged. As librarians, we can support students by offering stories that reflect their truths, broaden their understanding, and empower them to speak up.

Books like this help students see that being a hero isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about choosing empathy, fairness, and courage in everyday moments.

*Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero by Saadia Faruqi