Fight Back

An empowering story about finding your identity and the courage to fight for it.

Aaliyah is an ordinary thirteen-year-old living in the Midlands. She's into books, shoes and her favourite K-pop boy band. She has always felt at home where she lives … until a terrorist attack at a concert in her area changes everything.

As racial tension increases, Aaliyah is bullied, but instead of hiding who she is, she decides to speak up and wear a hijab. She's proud of her identity, and wants to challenge people's misconceptions. But when her right to wear a hijab at school is questioned and she is attacked and intimidated, she feels isolated.

Aaliyah discovers she's not alone and that other young people from different backgrounds are also discriminated against because of their identity, and feel scared and judged. Should she try to blend in – or can she find allies to help her fight back? Channelling all of her bravery, Aaliyah decides to speak out.

Together, can Aaliyah and her friends halt the tide of hatred rippling through their community?

An essential read to encourage empathy, challenging stereotypes, exploring prejudice, racism, Islamophobia and positive action.

A. M. Dassu is the award-winning author of the critically acclaimed Boy, Everywhere.

A story of hope, speaking up and the power of coming together in the face of hatred.