Odd Girl Out

15-year-old Maaryah is a fish out of water, plucked from a life of wealth and luxury in Dubai and thrown into a state secondary in Essex. Already reeling from the unfathomable breakdown of her parents' marriage and the lifestyle shift it has necessitated, she is soon navigating a new school, friendships and the difficulty of maintaining her religion in an alien environment.

Worse is to come when she is singled out for racist bullying and school life becomes a daily battle. Fleeing briefly back to Dubai Maaryah soon uncovers a family secret and learns the reason for her family breakdown.

Odd Girl Out touches on a lot of serious/topical issues, not least race and privilege. Maaryah's large extended family help her assimilate into her new life but also make her aware of her own prejudices and privilege. This balance and Maaryah's background help flesh out what might otherwise be a more familiar immigrant story.

Whilst Maaryah's resolve and spirit are defining parts of her character, she latterly realises how fortunate she is in so many ways and recognises that many of her classmates (including those who have made her life a misery) are not so lucky. Boys, parties, fashion and music are all in the mix in this involving story and there is much to debate and think about after reading.

Perfect for fans of Faridah Àbiké-Íyímídé and Ayaan Mohamud.

368 pages / Reviewed by Clare Wilkins, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 14+