For much of her life, Huda Fahmy, a Muslim American born and raised near Detroit, was dogged by questions about her hijab. Later, as an adult living in Houston, she was frequently asked “Aren’t you hot in that?” The answer became the name of her comic strip, “Yes I’m Hot in This,” which Fahmy began posting on Instagram. It also became the title of her first book, a graphic novel for adults published in 2018.
A former middle and high school English teacher, Fahmy turned her focus to younger readers in 2021, with “Huda F are You?,” a graphic novel starring a teen much like her younger self. Her most recent book, “Huda F Cares?” has been shortlisted for a National Book Award. The story follows an observant Muslim family on a road trip to Disney World, where siblings squabble, stand up for each other and discover that sisters truly are forever. In an email conversation, Fahmy discussed the book with writer Hena Khan. (This transcript has been edited for length and clarity.)
Khan: How did you balance portraying an unapologetic practicing Muslim family with your character Huda’s embarrassment over things like praying in public?
Fahmy: It was tough. I tried to create that balance by showing Huda’s family as proud of their beliefs and traditions. Huda’s internal monologues show her struggle and conflict with her intersectionality and fear of judgment from peers. I also wanted to show her sisters as contrasts. Some are more comfortable than others with their faith in public, and I hope it highlights that everyone’s journey to self-acceptance is unique.
Khan: Absolutely. I found it hilarious that Huda points out that Disney is built on “stories about kids disobeying their parents.”
Fahmy: Huda is testing the waters at Disney World. Her parents have rules and expect Huda to follow them. Some rules make sense to her, others she finds put her in uncomfortable situations. She respects her parents but will still question them and push them to explain why they do the things they do.
Khan: Huda is an endearing protagonist in part because of her tendency to say the wrong thing at the wrong time. My characters often either reflect who I am or who I wish to be. How does fictional Huda compare to you?
Fahmy: Fictional Huda is a lot like me in that we try so hard to please others and care far too much about their judgment. We can both be incredibly stubborn and learn things the hard way. We like to make our own mistakes to experience personal growth.
Khan: In my novels, I also explore themes like self-confidence and expressing yourself, and I work hard to avoid coming off preachy. How do you successfully allow your readers to learn and grow with your characters without it feeling like a lesson?
Fahmy: My biggest fear is that it might come off preachy, so I’m really glad to hear you think otherwise. I think what helps is being hyperaware that it could come off preachy. If I were a 15-year-old reading this, would I roll my eyes at the obvious “lesson” at the end? Readers can’t just be told “this is the lesson” and — voilà — hello, personal growth. So, writing fictional Huda that way, too, felt natural.
Khan: How does humor allow you to challenge thinking or push boundaries through your comics?
Fahmy: Since I was a kid, [humor has] been my default for dealing with difficult or uncomfortable situations. It’s entertainment, but it also makes people more receptive to new ideas or perspectives. It’s disarming. And with my comics, I like to think the humor creates a connection. Shared laughter makes it easier to have meaningful dialogue.
Khan: I couldn’t agree more. I loved when Huda’s mother says, “Friends come and go, but sisters are forever.” Is that something your own mother said?
Fahmy: My mother definitely had that phrase ready to go whenever my sisters and I fought. Growing up, I took my family for granted and always felt like I was the odd one out. It took me years to fully realize what my mom meant about sisters. I am who I am because of their love and faith.
Khan: One powerful line you write is, the “real world is not always going to be on level with our beliefs.” Do you have advice for others grappling with this?
Fahmy: That’s another lesson my parents taught us. It was a matter of fact that our personal convictions, faith and values would not always align with the broader societal landscape, but it’s those times that our faith is tested. It takes courage, resilience and understanding to stay true to your beliefs. My advice is to work hard to strike that balance. Remain receptive and open-minded to other perspectives without compromising your core values. Surround yourself with a supportive community, family or found family. Educate and inform, practice empathy, reflect and meditate.
Khan: Finally, what is one way that other people see you that doesn’t align with how you see yourself? What would you like the world to know about you, the Huda F behind the pen?
Fahmy: I’ve always been rather tough on myself, and that means it’s hard to accept compliments [about my work or humor]. But the most recent thing someone called me was “brave.” Thinking of all the people in Gaza, Sudan, the Congo, fighting to live, to be seen. I live such a privileged life. Writing about our experiences and sharing our stories can’t be all I have to offer. So one thing I definitely don’t see myself as is brave. Because truly? Behind the pen, Huda F isn’t doing enough.
Hena Khan is the author of the author of numerous books for young readers, including “Amina’s Voice,” “Under My Hijab,” “More to the Story” and the forthcoming “Drawing Deena.”
Huda F Cares?
By Huda Fahmy
Dial. 208 pp. $24.99