OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Assmaa A. Andulsi: the Girl Who is Like no other" by Ali H. Chemkhi.]

Energetic Assmaa believes she should be more famous than Snow White or Cinderella. Now, her friends call her “Princess Assmaa”. Is she really a princess? One day, during a class birthday party, Assmaa cannot eat because she is fasting the month of Ramadan; what will she do when her teacher eats in front of her?

Assmaa A. Andulsi: The Girl Who is Like No Other is about a Muslim American girl living in California with her family. A first-person narrative, this story follows the little (and big) troubles Assmaa gets into at school. Many of her follies involve cross-cultural mishaps—they made the plotline scintillating and riveting.

The multicultural theme and the characters’ ethnic diversity were a vital positive aspect of Ali H. Chemkhi’s book. The protagonist is of North African Tunisian descent, while other characters are from Hispanic, African American, and Caucasian backgrounds. In addition, there is a strong message about family values.

My favorite part about this book is the lessons attached to Assmaa’s antics. For instance, after reading her father’s journal, Assmaa believes she is the daughter of a real king. When things get out of hand at school, she learns the true meaning of kingship and how to fix her mistakes.

The many attempts at humor were another positive aspect. The author is comical whenever there are translations between languages; for example, the English word “dude” means “worm” in Arabic—I had a hearty laugh at this joke.

Nonetheless, certain negative issues decreased my enjoyment. First, the story was verbose—even for a chapter book. Many details felt unnecessary, while some ideas were difficult to understand; for instance, the explanation of “Assmaa Andulsi” was long and became confusing. Second, the voice didn’t always match that of an eight-year-old girl. There were many instances when the voice jumped between that of a child and an adult; phrases like “at any rate” rarely come up in a child’s natural dialogue.

As a result, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I took off one star for the inconsistent voice and excessive content. It didn’t deserve a 2-star rating since I enjoyed Assmaa’s unique anecdote.

I recommend this book to those searching for a multicultural genre with an African female protagonist. There is some mention about the Muslim faith, but it serves to build the character’s background. I don’t think it will be a problem for those who are sensitive to religious topics; the book wasn’t too preachy. I do not recommend it to readers looking for a high-action plot; however, some readers might benefit from the slow storyline.

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Assmaa A. Andulsi: the Girl Who is Like no other
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I think it is good more and more stories about integration and cultural differences are being written and spread, especially among children. This one seems like a fair tale of the difficulties encountered by children of diverse backgrounds at school. Nice review!

This sounds like a relatable story for children who feel a little out of place when their family’s culture doesn’t necessarily match with the norm of the area. I’m glad children can see themselves reflected more within literature recently. Thanks for the great review

Sakura5 wrote: ↑17 May 2021, 10:27 I think it is good more and more stories about integration and cultural differences are being written and spread, especially among children. This one seems like a fair tale of the difficulties encountered by children of diverse backgrounds at school. Nice review!

I love stories with different cultural themes. I get to learn something from another's perspective. Thanks for stopping by!

Booklover Becca wrote: ↑17 May 2021, 16:41 This sounds like a relatable story for children who feel a little out of place when their family’s culture doesn’t necessarily match with the norm of the area. I’m glad children can see themselves reflected more within literature recently. Thanks for the great review

I had a good laugh at how the word dude means something different in another culture and language. Thanks for stopping by!

I would really like to know what princess assmaa does when the teacher eats in front of her. I really appreciate the author for writing such an interesting and funny book for kids and also writing a multicultural book. Thank you for the great review. I loved it.

It's great that Assmaa learns what is right. Also the diverse group of people adds to the positives of the book. Thank you for an informative review!

I have not read a book about a North African protagonist in a long while, and I like the fact that this book describes cross-cultural issues.

Thank you for a great review!

Seems like a journey of ambitious dreamer. Thank you for your honest review!

I like that the book seeks to convey to readers strong messages about the importance of multiculturalism and family values.

Sounds like the perfect way to teach young children about other faiths and ethnicities. Thank you so much for the insightful review.

I like the fact that this book is both educative and interesting. Thank you for your great review!

As a teacher, I was overwhelmed during this fasting period how kids of 5 years were devoted to this fasting. Even when it's time for lunch and other kids are eating, they aren't moved. I commend such strong belief in one's religion even as kids. Thanks for an insightful review.

Shillah A wrote: ↑20 May 2021, 02:50 I would really like to know what princess assmaa does when the teacher eats in front of her. I really appreciate the author for writing such an interesting and funny book for kids and also writing a multicultural book. Thank you for the great review. I loved it.

The author had good jokes that made me laugh. Thanks for stopping by!

Kavita Shah wrote: ↑20 May 2021, 15:08 It's great that Assmaa learns what is right. Also the diverse group of people adds to the positives of the book. Thank you for an informative review!

Assmaa ends up learning many important life lessons. Thanks for stopping by!