Title: Huda Was Here
Author: H Hayeck
Publisher: Allen and Unwin
Publication date: April 2023
Brother and sister, Huda and Akeal, return in the stand-alone sequel, Huda Was Here by H Hayeck and published by Allen and Unwin. The siblings are bolder with their calculated plans full of mischief, mayhem and courage. This story sees Huda hatch a plan to ensure her Dad is reinstated in his job as a security officer. Life has changed dramatically since their Dad had lost his job, the family is suffering emotionally and financially, they are struggling with family separation as their Dad had to move to the other side of the country for work, their Mum now has a job at the primary school Huda and Akeal attend and less income is negatively impacting everything, lentils are now served for most meals and the bills are piling up, the prospect of the power being cut off is very real. Akeal is not about to see his younger sister act alone, so together they engage in “crimanimal” acts in an attempt to convince the authorities that their Dad needs to return to his position as more patrols are needed to keep the community safe. Once again, Huda has lots of surprises in store and uncovers the real nefarious reason her Dad lost his job. Huda is always one step ahead of everyone, including the authorities (not easy when deceit is involved from those you would least expect) and she cleverly uses her contacts to ensure justice prevails. This book has was an Honour Book for the 2024 CBCA Book of the Year in the Younger Readers category.
Huda and Akeal hail from a close-knit Lebanese Australian Muslim family of seven children. Islamic family life and culture is seamlessly woven into the story which begins with a gripping prologue that sees Huda and Akeal at the police station. This prologue has a cliffhanger ending creating suspense and intrigue as the reader will wonder what they did to end up there and what will Huda do to resolve this situation.
Despite Akeal’s reluctance at times to work with Huda, his loyalty and protection of her is unwavering. Huda is relentless in her goal to get her Dad back in his position and believes their approach has to be committed, consistent and capture the attention of the community so they have no option but to re-employ her Dad in his role as a security officer. After all, residents want to feel safe and not wonder what mischievous activity will befall their neighbourhood at night. Akeal is often consumed by the consequences of their actions and fears the worst-case scenario eventuating. They act together, for their Dad, with a common goal.
Readers will be captivated by this fast paced, layered story that explores family bonds, culture, loyalty, friendship, corruption and taking a stand. Thrilling plot twists abound, readers will wonder about how each of the meticulously planned, mischievous antics will end and when they don’t go to plan, the suspense is heightened and they will cheer Huda and Akeal on in their quest to achieve family unity.
The Review for Huda and Me can be found on the Reading Opens Doors blog here.