My Name Is Khadija

Do you like your name? Have you ever thought of changing it?
I know lots of people who’ve changed their names–including my grandmother–but I’ve always loved mine. I love the letter ‘V’ and I love what my name means … unlike Khadija in the story. Why couldn’t her parents have chosen a simpler name? Like Priya or Hema, for instance.

My Name Is Khadija is a humorous, enjoyable read. Mariyam Fatima’s words make Khadija come alive to us, and Isha Nagar’s illustrations are full of joy.

Khadija’s stubbornness, her childlike questions, and her determination to get the best deal are delightful. When her father tells her that Khadija was Prophet Muhammad’s first wife, Khadija’s response is perfect, exactly what I could imagine a child saying — But I don’t want to be anyone’s wife.

Right through the story, I found myself chuckling at the pictures, especially at the expressions on the characters’ faces. My Name Is Khadija is the kind of book that makes you linger on each page, smiling as you get to know the characters and wonder how things will play out.