by Talah Alassadi
A girl searching for a costume for her school’s “Characters Day” begins to question why everyone admires foreign historical figures while forgetting the rich legacy of Arab and Islamic history. After discovering her father’s mysterious history book, Aya is transported through dreams into different eras of Islamic civilization, where she witnesses the achievements of legendary figures such as Tariq ibn Ziyad, Al-Jazari, and Mariam Al-Asturlabiyya. Inspired by their brilliance and courage, Aya reconnects with her cultural identity and discovers that her heritage is far greater than she ever imagined. A heartfelt story about history, faith, family, and rediscovering a lost connection to one’s roots.
