A review by barberchicago_books
Golden Girl by Reem Faruqi

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A rare topic - kleptomania - is explored in this beautiful MG verse novel. Aafiyah knows her “borrowing” habit is wrong, but when she uses it to try and help her family, it has ripples of consequences. 

This novel in verse is as real as it gets: a family member wrongfully accused, a family member battling illness, changes  in both financial circumstances and friendships. Aafiyah is dealing with it all while struggling with kleptomania and working through feeling alone and invisible. 

The verses are varied: sometimes lyrical, other times stark, keeping the reader engaged and on the edge of their seat. “Weird but true” facts woven through the plot give the text a bit of uniqueness. Plot was crisp and unfolded quickly, with emotion and the harsh realities of mistakes made. 

This one will fly off the shelves. Don’t miss it.