Huda was Here by H Hayek

Huda is part of a large family but the main focus in this book is on Huda herself and her older brother Akeal. Their father has lost his job as a neighborhood security office and now he has been forced to move across the country to Western Australia to take up a new job, leaving the family behind. Huda is a problem solver and a young girl of action with a capital 'A'!  She is determined, yes determined to get her dad back and better yet to get his job back. Since his job was about security it seems obvious to Huda that she needs to instigate more crime in her area. If the crime rate rises, then her father will get his old job back. She does pledge not to hurt anyone. Her plans are for low level, but annoying crimes, that will surely make the authorities change their mind. Garbage bins are knocked over, graffiti is sprayed, shoes are moved while people are praying in the mosque and then, maybe she does go too far, there is a kidnapping!

"We make crime. we do things, here and there, to make everyone think there are criminals on the loose. ... We just do a couple of small, teeny tiny, harmless things to get people to believe real 'crims' are lurking around. Everyone gets scared. Then voila, they bring Pops back."

There is another intriguing layer to this story that hints at corruption. Why did dad really lose his job? Why does Uncle Ahmed give Huda $100. Is something going on at the corner shop? And does that lady across the road have some thing to hide?

There is also a delicious layer of humour in this story. Huda is mortified when her mother is employed by the school as a teacher's aide working with 'remedial kids' like Huda who actually cannot read very well and who certainly cannot spell as evidenced by her graffiti and the word crimanimals! Huda is also suspicious of their new friend Fadey and she is utterly infuriated when he keeps calling her Pip-Squeak. 

I loved the way H Hayek made me work hard reading this story. The plot is not linear but rather jumps back and forth between events and readers need to stay focused to join up all the puzzle pieces. The opening scene is gripping with Huda and her brother in jail - both refusing to talk to the police. You could easily read the first chapter as a book taster or book talk with your library group. This story certainly is a romp and a page turner, and I loved the voice of Huda.

Huda was Here is a title from the CBCA (Children's Book Council of Australia) 2024 Younger Readers Notable list.

Here are the CBCA judges comments: A layered and engaging novel that captivates the reader from its intriguing prologue through to its positive, heartwarming conclusion. Centred on Lebanese Australians, Akeal and his younger sister Huda, it is a fast-paced, stand-alone sequel, told from the perspective of Akeal, through clearly labelled dual narratives. Huda’s strong-willed determination respectively combines with Akeal’s sensitive loyalty to deliver wondrous episodes of suspense, humour and misbehaviour, revealing their love for each other and for their family. This novel creatively and simultaneously explores multicultural Australia, family life, corruption, community, hardship and determination in the context of living as part of a minority group. Humour pervades this delightful story, lifting it to deliver a relatable, skilfully crafted, age-appropriate and engaging mystery adventure.

The story is filled with heart and love of family, and will draw young readers in right away. Reading Time

Every reader will be instantly invested and pulled in by the strong connection; with Huda’s tenacity and sympathies with Akeal and what he must tolerate. As each chapter cleverly meanders back and forth in time, we discover how and why Huda and Akeal found themselves in this predicament…. And even more importantly how this will all end! Each twist and turn, keeps the reader completely invested and captivated. Read Plus

We are given an insight into the trials and delights of a family that is living in multi-cultural, contemporary Australia. Themes of courage, family, problem solving, conflict and current financial stress, all come together in an enjoyable and easy to read story of modern times and age-old family unity.

Here is a video review of the two books from this series. 

Huda and me is the sequel to Huda was here but it does completely stand alone. Here is the web page for H Hayek.

Huda and me