Review by Booklist Review
The author of fictional picture books such as Lailah's Lunchbox (2015) and I Can Help (2021), Faruqi offers a picture-book biography of her grandmother, Maryam Faruqi, a pioneer in education for all. Maryam, whose father affectionately called her Milloo, grew up in India, where most girls attended school for a few years, then stayed home to help with housework. But Maryam dreamed of becoming a teacher, and in 1930, she convinced her parents to let her continue her education. She graduated from college, married, and moved to Karachi, Pakistan, with her husband. Still determined to teach young people, she opened a school in their home, and elated to be educating girls, she founded a series of schools. According to the informative author's note, these schools continue to thrive today. While the main narrative is succinct, it makes good use of lyrical language and repeated phrases. Layered-paper collages and brilliant colors give a distinctive look to the illustrations portraying Maryam Faruqi and her world. An appealing picture book honoring "an educator at heart" whose legacy lives on.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
With euphonious prose, Faruqi commemorates the accomplishments of her grandmother, educator Maryam "Milloo" Faruqi (1920--2012), known for founding Happy Home Schools in Karachi, Pakistan. Beginning pages establish the subject's love of learning; she "snaked past the sabzi wala,/ cha-chaed past/ the chai wala,/ danced through the dusty alleys,/ all the way to school." When the teacher fails to show up one day, she takes over the class, and when her parents suggest that she leave school, she takes a stand even though it means going back a few grades to learn English. "Enough is enough!" a declaration repeats throughout. Milestones including marriage and the opening of the schools round out the uplifting portrait, which summarizes its subject's impact: "Because of Milloo's dream, thousands of girls went to school." Vividly colored, elegantly textured and paper collages by Hadadi provide visual depth against white backdrops. A glossary and author's note conclude. Ages 4--8. (Jan.)
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Review by Horn Book Review
In 1930, Maryam âeoeMillooâe Faruqi (the authorâe(tm)s grandmother) lived in India and was in fifth grade when her parents told her she didnâe(tm)t need to go to school anymore. At that time, âeoethis is what was expectedâe of girls. Milloo changed her parentsâe(tm) minds, completing high school and college. Reading was the gateway to physical and emotional harmony. âeoeWhen she read, her thoughts danced, her mind breathed, and her heart hummed.âe After marriage, she was unhappy being a housewife, so she opened a school in her home, which led to several more schools in the region. Her legacy was providing education to thousands of girls and nurturing a love of reading and learning. Vivid verbs keep the text snappy, as, for example, Milloo âeoespun,âe âeoecha-chaed,âe âeoetiptoed,âe âeoesnaked,âe and âeoedancedâe her way to school on a circuitous pathway. Paper collage illustrations in bright colors steal the show with lots of detail in textiles, which are embellished with stitching and gold-leaf accents. A glossary and authorâe(tm)s note contextualize terms, provide additional historical background, and describe Millooâe(tm)s other accomplishments, such as founding the Happy Home Schools in Pakistan. This visually impressive, heartwarming tale pays homage to a trailblazing advocate for literacy and education for girls in a predominantly Muslim context. Julie Hakim AzzamMarch/April 2023 p.94 (c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The true story of Maryam Faruqi, an Indian woman who fought for girls' education rights. When Maryam--called Milloo--reads, her "thoughts dance…, her mind breathe[s], and her heart hum[s]." Shy Milloo doesn't speak up in class, though--until the day her teacher doesn't show up and she takes control of the class, awakening a desire to teach. Though in 1930s India, girls weren't expected to pursue an education, she finishes not only school, but also college. Her teaching plans are dashed when her husband says she can't work. But that doesn't stop her--as she often says, "Enough is enough!" Milloo eventually moves to Karachi, Pakistan, and founds Happy Home Schools, helping thousands of girls to follow her example and obtain educations. This biographical picture book is elegantly told and splendidly illustrated. Powerful prose underscores Milloo's determination and the importance of gender equity in education. Rose-ringed parakeets fly across the endpapers as a graduation robe flaps in the wind, and floral and faunal motifs can be found throughout. The detailed art invites readers to linger over each page, poring over collaged outfits and patterns, all of which evoke a strong sense of place. In an appended note, the author--Maryam Faruqi's granddaughter--offers more information about Milloo's life and work. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A stirring tale of grit and perseverance. (glossary) (Picture-book biography. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
