This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.
This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
Fadelah Mahmood's children's book What Should I Do is a fable in the form of a picture book. Yousuf has three siblings, Adam, Zak, and Hannah. One day, when their mother is away, Yousuf's cushion lands on his mother's favorite ornament, causing it to break. Yousuf starts to panic and asks his siblings for help. All of them give him different advice. Some tell him to hide; another asks him to be truthful. So what does Yousuf decide to do? And what is his mother's reaction to what he says?
Fadelah Mahmood's writing is in poetic form, making it easy and fun to read. The representation of a hijab-wearing mother makes a strong statement about including people of different nationalities and beliefs in children's stories. They will grow up reading stories that do not just teach them moral values but also introduce them to other personalities. A crucial quality of being honest despite everything, especially when it's difficult, is promoted in the story. Yousuf is put in a tight spot, to confess or not to confess, and this is a situation he will often face in his life. His dilemma and what he chooses to do ultimately make for terrific storytelling. The way the siblings, especially his sister, are incorporated into the tale is seamless. Ayon Sekar does the illustrations, and this pumps the book with bright bursts of color. The characters are beautifully brought to life through attractive graphics. Young kids will enjoy What Should I Do? It has a light and enjoyable story that provides a solid social message.
