A review by charvi_not_just_fiction
Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

 

This is the kind of book I wish little me had read.

"Art is hope and the creative process is a sanctuary. And although we may be censored, or banned, or portrayed a certain way by others, art gives us space to claim our narratives, to speak our truths, and to inspire change."

A story about our anxious little artist called Deena and how she struggles to maintain her mental health while helping her mother with her small business amongst many other things. This is a beautifully written narrative about art, family, anxiety, and being a middle-grade kid.

It has the kind of things little kids need to read about, I wish somebody had told me more about anxiety when I was young instead of simply telling me not to worry. As a young artist from a not-so-well-off family, it was easy to find myself in Deena. Whether you relate to her or not, it's easy to love Deena, this precious and adorable child trying to make everything right for her friends and family and cause the least amount of trouble instead of simply being and living through a happy-go-lucky childhood.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, the plot was great as well, with a couple of things I didn't see coming that only made the narrative stronger. Overall this was a very immersive book and I'd definitely recommend it for readers of all ages, but especially to younger audiences.