Does My Head Look Big in This?

Abdel-Fattah, Randa. 2005. DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS? New York, NY: Orchard Books.
ISBN 0439919470

*Plot Summary

When high school student Amal chooses to wear a traditional hijab, she learns a great deal about her friends, her faith, and herself.

*Critical Analysis

Randa Abdel-Fattah’s novel DOES MY HEAD LOOK BIG IN THIS? features Amal, a believable narrator with a clear voice. Throughout the book, Amal deals with many issues which will make her relatable to teens: appearance, peer pressure, parents, the cool crowd, and the pressures of school. To add to this, Amal who is an Australian-Muslim-Palestinian has chosen to become a “full timer” and wear the hijab , or head scarf, whenever she’s in the presence of males who are not immediate family. As the novel progresses, Amal’s interactions with her friends, family, and even strangers show her internal growth and changes. Although Amal changes, her words and actions stay true to her character throughout.

In addition to Amal, Abdel-Fattah has created several other multi-dimensional characters in the novel. Amal’s parents have high expectations for their daughter yet are diplomatic and fair in their dealings with her. Amal shares close relationships with her parents. Mrs. Vasellis is Amal’s neighbor who appears to be just a cranky old woman; however, as the novel progresses, Amal finds her to be different than she ever expected. Finally, Amal’s friend Leila is an excellent and ambitious student who Amal feels is being limited by her mother’s expectations. Among the many characters this novel includes, the interactions and conversations are interesting and plausible. Several cultural markers are also present. The religion of Islam is represented. Amal and her mother both wear the hijab although other Muslim women in the book choose not to do so. Food, religious practices, language, and skin color are also true to the culture. Abdel-Fattah is also sure to show variety with the Muslim culture. For example, Amal’s aunt and uncle go out of their way to “assimilate” with the Australian lifestyle.

Like the characters, the plot is also believable. Much of the plot revolves around Amal’s relationships as she moves through the second semester of eleventh grade. Although her choice to wear the hijab is at the center of the action, there are several other storylines which are part of the plot. Even with many characters and a few different conflicts, the plotline is logical and follows Amal’s experiences in chronological order. The climax and resolution are hopeful. Amal feels as a sense of hope as she looks to her future with her network of friends and family. Cultural markers regarding the plot include Amal’s choice to wear the hijab which dictates much of the plot. Also, Amal’s beliefs which are guided by her belief in Islam also drive much of the plot.

The novel is set in a modern-day Australian suburb. Amal attends a prestigious, private school in which shw is the first to wear a hijab. Amal’s school has a social structure which revolves around “how much your dad earns, how many cars you have, whether your money’s ‘old.’” This setting is also very important to the storyline as Amal sorts through her feelings about wearing the hijab in this environment and deals with the reactions of her principal, teachers, and classmates. Events such as the first anniversary of the September 11 tragedy and the bombing in the Bali nightclub also add to the setting. As a Muslim, Amal must deal with the way others view during these times as well as deal with her own grief and sadness.

There are many themes in this novel including faith, friendship, family, dealing with prejudice, and understanding others. The themes are ones that many readers, particularly teens, will find they can relate to. The style of the novel is natural and conversational. Amal tells her story with humor, candor, and the outlook of a teen. The balance of narration and dialogue is effective. Although the mood is humorous, the novel includes many serious subjects as well. However, Amal as narrator never takes herself too seriously and the novel itself is never overly sentimental.

*Response

I found this novel to be so engaging that I didn't wanted to put it down. The author, Randa Abdel-Fattah, was so effective in creating an authentic voice for her teenage protagonist and narrator. I would definitely recommend this book to young adult readers, especially girls. Although it is a great story that is written expertly, it also delivers a message that will spark interesting and important conversations among readers.

*Review Excerpts

"Without heavy preaching, the issues of faith and culture are part of the story, from fasting at Ramadan to refusing sex before marriage. More than the usual story of the immigrant teen’s conflict with her traditional parents, the funny, touching contemporary narrative will grab teens everywhere."
Booklist *Starred Review*

"Using a winning mix of humor and sensitivity, Abdel-Fattah ably demonstrates that her heroine is, at heart, a teen like any other. This debut should speak to anyone who has felt like an outsider for any reason."
Publishers Weekly

"While the novel deals with a number of serious issues, it is extremely funny and entertaining, and never preachy or forced. The details of Amal's family and social life are spot-on, and the book is wonderful at showing the diversity within Muslim communities and in explaining why so many women choose to wear the hijab. Amal is an appealing and believable character. She trades verbal jibes with another girl, she is impetuous and even arrogant at times, and she makes some serious errors of judgment. And by the end of the story, she and readers come to realize that 'Putting on the hijab isn't the end of the journey. It's just the beginning of it.'"
School Library Journal

*Connections

-Write a journal entry. How would this novel be different if Amal had been allowed to attend the public school she wished to attend instead of McLeans?
-Conduct research on some of the traditions and religious practices featured in the book: Ramadan, wearing the hijab, prayers, etc.
-Write an epilogue to the novel. What happens next?
-Write a dialogue paper for one the characters in the book. (Have an imaginary conversation with one of the characters in the book.)