Can art unlock a world of understanding?
“Drawing Deena” by Hena Khan is a heartfelt contemporary middle-grade novel capturing themes of mental health, cultural identity, and family dynamics. The story follows Deena, a seventh-grade Pakistani American artist whose anxiety intensifies as her family faces financial strain and parental conflict. When Deena channels her worries into promoting her mother’s clothing business through social media, she discovers unexpected success, but also grapples with the pressures of perfectionism and fractured relationships, particularly with her cousin. Khan’s narrative is relatable, capturing the inner turmoil of adolescence while celebrating creativity as a tool for self-expression. Targeted at readers aged 10–14, the book’s gentle pacing and empathetic tone make complex emotions accessible without oversimplifying them.
Khan’s approachability shines in “Drawing Deena”, making it an excellent choice for English language learners and reluctant readers. The text employs concise sentences and everyday vocabulary, with cultural references woven seamlessly into the narrative (e.g., descriptions of shalwar kameez or family gatherings) to provide context without overwhelming. Short chapters and frequent illustrations (Deena’s sketches of her emotions or her mother’s designs) act as visual anchors, helping students decode themes like anxiety or cultural pride. For example, a scene where Deena draws a knotted stomach to symbolize her stress offers visual learners a concrete metaphor to discuss abstract feelings. Recognized as a Kirkus Reviews Best Middle Grade Fiction title (2024), its accolades underscore its literary merit and relevance. Educators will appreciate how Deena’s journey normalizes seeking help for mental health struggles, providing a springboard for SEL lessons. By blending relatable challenges with cultural specificity, “Drawing Deena” invites diverse readers to see themselves in its pages while fostering empathy in others.
