I Am Thunder

Unzip your lips! A radical tale of family, love, Islam – and daring to finally speak your heart. Muzna Saleem is fifteen and crazy about writing. She dreams of being a novelist. Trouble is, her super-controlling parents have already got her whole life planned out. Step 1) Get educated. Step 2) Qualify as a doctor. Step 3) Marry a cousin from Pakistan. Oh, and boyfriends are totally haram. So – psst! Don’t tell Muzna’s parents that high-school hottie Arif Malik is crushing on her. She’s not saying a word. That is, until she discovers Arif’s dark and deadly secret. Should Muzna keep quiet and betray her beliefs – or speak up and betray the guy she’s fallen for?

• The debut novel from stunning new YA voice Muhammad Khan

• A compelling look at what it takes to stand up for your beliefs

• Explores issues of family life, Islamophobia and radicalisation

• Muzna is a smart and relatable heroine with a witty, direct voice

“Funny and clever – a perspective long overdue in British fiction.” Alex Wheatle

“Fierce, fresh… One of the most distinctive narrators I’ve read in ages.” Fiona Noble, Bookseller