Drawing Deena -- Hena Khan, Hardcover

From the award-winning author of Amina's Voice and Amina's Song comes a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path.

Deena's never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it's time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make.

While her parents' money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom's home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up.

But the success and attention make Deena's cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena's latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.

Author: Hena Khan
Publisher: Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books for You
Published: 02/06/2024
Pages: 240
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.75lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 1.00d
ISBN: 9781534459915
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 12/01/2023
Horn Book Magazine 01/01/2024 pg. 96
School Library Journal 01/01/2024 pg. 58
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2024
Publishers Weekly 01/22/2024
Booklist 02/01/2024 pg. 62

About the Author
Hena Khan is a Pakistani American writer. She is the author of the middle grade novels Amina's Voice, Amina's Song, More to the Story, Drawing Deena, and the Zara's Rules series and picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It's Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family. You can learn more about Hena and her books by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com or connecting with her @HenaKhanBooks.