Iman H. Siddiqi

Haya: the Loyal Student Iman H. Siddiqi

Haya is a Muslim girl who dreams about becoming a scientist one day. When she is accepted into a prestigious new school, Haya thinks her dreams are finally coming true. But as she puts on her favorite headscarf and arrives at school to start fourth grade, Haya has no idea of the challenges that await her. Although she has heard stories about Muslim girls wearing hijab being teased, Haya is not prepared when her classmates harass her. Worse yet, her science teacher asks his students to leave their religions behind, and her new Muslim friend confesses she is too embarrassed to wear the hijab. Confused yet determined to honor her Islamic identity and her goals, Haya seeks answers in Islamic teachings and in the wisdom of a teacher who understands her challenges. Haya: The Loyal Student tells the story of a Muslim girl who must learn how to balance her loyalties to her religion and to her dreams, encouraging all children to embrace differences and shun prejudice.