Does my Head look big in this? by Randa Abdel-Fattah

Amal is an Australian Muslim Palestinian who decides during the holidays that she will wear the hijab at secondary school.  It's not only about professing her religion in a way that will invite ridicule and bullying; it's an artfully written portrait of Australian contemporary communities with many different backgrounds.  Amal's allies and enemies are painted in dazzlingly convincing colours and if the book falters in the final chapters it holds a gloriously detailed portrait of prejudice and opportunity in modern Australian culture that doesn't labour its serious message.  At a time of widespread ethnic and religious stereotyping this novel stands firm on diversity and tolerance.  A thoroughly recommended read.

Randa's website