Flower Child - Paperback

by Atiyah K. Brinkley (Author), Heather Omari (Editor)

Love from A to Z meets Fatima Tate Takes the Cake, in which high schooler Aleena, after losing her father, has her faith in Islam tested by depression, bullying, and a boy she never expected to fall for.

Aleena is depressed. Her father is gone, her family has moved on from his death without her, and her freshman year of high school is about to start. Trapped in a spiral of deteriorating mental health and bad habits, Aleena begins to lose the joys she has left-baking and gardening.

When she meets Zayn, a kind-hearted boy who believes she can overcome her pain, Aleena realizes it's okay to ask for help. But relentless bullying at school threatens to unwind her progress and deepens her despair.

Can Aleena embrace her imperfections to learn that being unapologetically Muslim is a source of strength to heal herself?

Flower Child is a heartwarming coming-of-age story that challenges young Muslim girls to accept their flaws, be strong, and understand their religion.

Author Biography

Atiyah K. Brinkley, a Black Muslim author, was born and raised in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She dreamed of being an author since childhood and was determined to turn it into a reality. Flower Child is her debut novel, following the lives of characters Atiyah hopes her readers will relate to. She wrote this story for her younger self and to inspire teenage Muslim girls who struggle with the pressures of wearing hijab. Being Muslim in America is not easy, especially when you're exposed to judgment and discrimination inside and outside of the Muslim community. She resides with her husband and children in Philadelphia.