Jamie will do almost anything to fit in, including bleaching her hair and wearing blue contacts to disguise her Lebanese-Muslim background. At school, she tries to be a normal Aussie teenager with nothing that makes her stand out. At home, Jamie's real name is Jamilah. She plays in an Arabic band, enjoys Lebanese food, and wears a hijab. Jamie's double life forces her to keep her distance from friends in an attempt to hide her identity. When friends start to ask questions, she has to decide who she really is and who she will allow the world to see.
This is an interesting story with a profound message for anyone who has felt threatened by their differences. Jamilah's situation is individual but also universal for most teenagers on some level. The story is mostly light-hearted with no inappropriate content. I recommend it for 14 and up merely because of the mature themes of racism and bigotry. Written by an Australian-Muslim, this book gives good insight into the thoughts and feelings of someone who loves their heritage, but fears the world's reaction to it.
Recommended for ages 14 and up.