Love from A to Z

This charming romance features two devout Muslim teens with a shared passion for a 13th-century Islamic text and a shared conundrum: “How do you meet that one exact person who’s right for you?” On a plane to Doha, Qatar, outspoken Indiana high-school senior Zayneb feels an instant, mutual connection with Adam, an artist who has just dropped out of university in London after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, the same illness that caused his mother’s death. When Zayneb’s aunt turns out to be Adam’s former teacher, the teens find themselves thrown together socially. Alternating journal entries relay their different methods for dealing with challenges. Prone to anger and action, Zayneb plans to expose the teacher who accused her of being a militant Islamophobia propagandist and got her suspended from school. Quiet and patient, Adam waits until after the anniversary of his mother’s death before revealing his diagnosis to his grieving father. Ali (Saints and Misfits) deftly addresses challenging subjects such as chronic illness and cultural appropriation; her sensitive portrayal of the teens’ determination to honor their faith’s courtship guidelines as their attraction grows makes this love story stand out. Ages 14–up. [em](May) [/em]