Book Review: “Drawing Deena” by Hena Khan

“Drawing Deena” by Hena Khan

Publishing Date: February 6, 2024

Genre: Contemporary, Fiction, Middle Grade

Page Length: 240 pages (hardcover edition)

Synopsis:

Deena’s never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it’s time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make.

While her parents’ money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom’s home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up.

But the success and attention make Deena’s cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena’s latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.

Review:

I absolutely adore Khan’s middle-grade novels and the stories she weaves together, so when I heard that she was releasing a new novel I was elated! Drawing Deena is the story of a young girl who is dealing with anxiety and worries that plague her everyday life, so much so it starts to affect everything she starts to do. She tries to ease her worries through her artwork as a form of self-care, but her parent’s finances can’t help but weigh heavy on her mind. On top of helping her mom with her business and changing family dynamics with her cousin Parisa, she isn’t so sure she can keep a tight lid on her anxiety anymore.

Though a short read, I feel this novel is a very important and impactful read for its intended younger audience. I also felt very seen in this novel as someone who also struggles with anxiety issues and a person who loves Van Gogh and art in general just like Deena. As Khan states in her author’s note many people are dealing with anxiety and depression and in this novel tells its readers how essential is seek help and support from others. Deena learns how to identify her anxiety and when she starts to open up to others it helps relieve some of the stress she’s been feeling and to realize that’s she’s not alone.

I though this novel was a heartwarming coming-of-age story about growing up and dealing with the many changes that occur in our social and personal life. Deena though very reluctant at first learns to gain more confidence and carve out a path for her herself and discover an art style that is true to herself. It’s a motivating story about exploring life through the creative arts and how impactful that journey can be. This is a uplifting, and beautiful story which I recommend to readers of all ages. If you haven’t read any of Khan’s novels yet Drawing Deena is a great place to start!

FTC Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a fair and honest review.