The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi

Recommended by Meg McMahon, user experience researcher, and Amanda Hannoosh Steinberg, librarian for Islamic Art & Architecture

McMahon: Set in a world where sea monsters are real, this is the story of strong, ambitious Amina Al-Sirafi becoming a legend. Through a scribe’s recounting, we see Al-Sirafi confronting both a new foe and her own past choices. If you enjoy adventure, pirates, and mythologies, check this one out.

Hannoosh Steinberg: The first book of Shannon Chakraborty’s new series, this story has everything: adventure on the high seas, found family and born family, brushes with the supernatural, and a satisfying ending.