By Tasneem Abdur-Rashid (author)
"Prepared to be utterly gripped by this coming-of-age story about love, friendship and broken families."
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April 2025 Debut of the Month
Maaryah has enjoyed a life of luxury and privilege growing up in Dubai. With designer clothes, prestigious cars and expensive cars her norm, she has wanted for very little. So, when her parents divorce and she is uprooted to a tiny house in dreary Essex with her mum, she is left reeling by the sudden change. Being the new student is always hard, but as the only hijabi in her mostly-white new school Maaryah has a huge challenge ahead. Can she build a new life whilst remaining true to herself?
This was a gripping read from the very first page, one of those wonderful books that keep you up way past bedtime and lingers for days afterwards. This was largely due to the wonderfully compelling main character, Maaryah, who is fierce, funny and just a little frustrating. Her determination to stay true to herself even when vulnerable and targeted by racist bullies, whilst hugely admirable, will also be an eye-opener for many readers into the relentless hostility and microaggressions that the Muslim community endures daily.
Whilst undoubtedly admirable, Maaryah is also a perfectly flawed, authentic teen who doesn’t always make the best decisions; there were many times I wished I could shake it her into making different choices, but I was always on her side.
As family secrets were revealed and loyalties tested, I found it increasingly hard to put this down. An absolute must-read and timely coming-of-age story, with a powerful message of justice and love.
Her parents' divorce has Maaryah bidding bye-bye to Dubai and her life of luxury . . . and hello to dreary London, where things get . . . complicated.After joining a new school, Maaryah deals with annoying-yet-fit boys, the sorts of friendships every teen girl should have, house parties – and the truth of what it’s like to be the only girl who wears a hijab.
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Her parents' divorce has Maaryah bidding bye-bye to Dubai and her life of luxury . . . and hello to dreary London, where things get . . . complicated. After joining a new school, Maaryah deals with annoying-yet-fit boys, the sorts of friendships every teen girl should have, house parties – and the truth of what it’s like to be the only girl who wears a hijab.
Can Maaryah stay true to herself, even when another bombshell rocks her world . . . ?
A hugely compelling drama with twists, turns and important truths, this is a greatly needed novel. Tasneem weaves together the enticing and familiar angsts of romance, friendship and broken families, while shining a light on Muslim life and exposing the insidious racism still present in society. Absorbing, uplifting and inspiring, Odd Girl Out will become a touchstone book for YA readers.
Cover art by Kate Forrester
Praise for Tasneem Abdur-Rashid:
'Immediately immersive, you'll be rooting for Maaryah from start to finish of this unputownable, pitch-perfect, utterly captivating YA novel. I stayed up way past my bedtime to finish #OGO, and I know I won't be the only one doing so!' - S.K. Ali, author of Love from A to Z
'Maaryah perfectly captures what it's like to be battling Islamaphobia at high school while trying to remain your unapologetic and authentic self.' - Yousra Samir, author of Hijab and Red Lipstick
'This is the very best kind of storytelling - funny, sharp, fierce and totally compelling. Maaryah's story will resonate with anyone who has ever had to deal with the difficulties of fitting in' - Julia Bell, author of Massive and Dirty Work
Tasneem Abdur-Rashid is a British Bengali writer born and raised in London. A mother of two, Tasneem has worked across media, PR and communications both in the UK and in the UAE. Tasneem's adult rom-com Finding Mr Perfectly Fine was published by Zaffre/Bonnier in 2022, and her second adult novel The Thirty Before Thirty List publishes in 2024. She co-hosts the award-winning podcast Not Another Mum Pod and is also a phenomenal home cook. Odd Girl Out is her YA debut.
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Her parents' divorce has Maaryah bidding bye-bye to Dubai and her life of luxury . . . and hello to dreary London, where things get . . . complicated.After joining a new school, Maaryah deals with annoying-yet-fit boys, the sorts of friendships every teen girl should have, house parties – and the truth of what it’s like to be the only girl who wears a hijab. Can Maaryah stay true to herself, even when another bombshell rocks her world . . . ?
The LoveReading4Kids Editorial Team have read and reviewed Odd Girl Out and determined it is suitable for children aged 13-18 years old
Odd Girl Out features in the following genres: Featured Books for 13+ readers, Featured Books for Young Adults, Debuts of the Month, Recommendations, Star Books, Stories about Family and Friends, Romance / Relationship Stories, School Stories, PSHE: Multiculturalism, Diversity and Inclusion, Children’s / Teenage fiction: General, modern and contemporary fiction, Children's and Young Adult Fiction, Children’s, Teenage and Educational, Personal Social Health Economic (PSHE)
Paperback. £8.09, down from the £8.99 cover price. In Stock.
Odd Girl Out was written by Tasneem Abdur-Rashid and published by David Fickling Books
Odd Girl Out has 363 pages
£8.09, reduced from £8.99. In Stock.
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