Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza – Book Review

Title: Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year Author: Nina Hamza Publisher: Quill Tree Books Release Date: June 22, 2021

Ahmed Aziz’s year starts out poorly when he learns that his father is sick. Things go from bad to worse when his Indian American Muslim family moves from Hawaii to Minnesota so his father can receive cutting-edge treatment and be closer to his family. Finally, if things couldn’t look anymore bleak, Ahmed’s year gets epically bad when the school bully makes him his next target. Ahmed trudges through the school year but struggles – struggles with being the only brown-skinned student, making friends, keeping up with his schoolwork, and figuring out who he is. Yet, opportunities also await. Opportunities for Ahmed to learn. From his deceased uncle to three classic books to discovering his own quiet courage, Ahmed’s year might just be salvageable after all.

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year by Nina Hamza revives a class school-year narrative but adds so much more. This #ownvoices debut contributes perspective, diversity, tough but realistic challenges, and a memorable protagonist. Hamza’s writing skills are on full display as the characters engage with novels in a way that may, in turn, encourage readers to do the same. Familiarity with novels referenced may lend itself to taking a new view on them upon being revisited. The angle highlight Hamza’s fresh take on a classic narrative structure aimed at a tween audience. In the end, each reader will take away what they may need – a story about family, friendship, courage, or change. It’s all there, providing an opportunity to learn and alter their own perspective.

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year is the perfect companion to the classic novels explored in the book. Paired with Holes, The Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, or The Bridge to Terabithia, students would have an opportunity to explore similar themes, diverse perspectives, and how both can enrich a reader’s interpretation of stories. Educators may even dabble with a critical lens theory or reader response to take the experience to a whole new, epic level.

Thank you to Edelweiss+ and publisher, Quill Tree Books, for an eARC of this book.

Classroom Applications

• Thematic Literature Circles – Use novel for small groups or choice reading for books about identity and culture.
• Book Pairing – Pair the book with another one of the other three main books discussed in Mrs. Gaarder’s class.
• Book Club or Book Exchange – Share the novel with students that enjoy reading realistic fiction.

Nonfiction Connections

The list below outlines topics that will enrich your students’ understanding of the novel.

• Indian Culture
• Literary Theory – Critical Lens
• Minnesota

Book Companions

The following are great books to pair with Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year. In parenthesis are the specific aspects students could explore when synthesizing across the texts.

• Red, White, and Whole by Rajani LaRocca (Character Connections, Themes)
• Front Desk by Kelly Yang (Character Connections, Themes)
• The Best At It by Maulik Pancholy (Character Connections, Themes)

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