MS. MARVEL

A stolen artifact draws a teen superhero into a conflict that tests both her powers and her sense of identity.

Kamala Khan, a first-generation Pakistani American Muslim girl, lives in Jersey City and spends her days balancing the obligations of school, faith, and her secret identity as Ms. Marvel. When a pair of bejeweled Mughal-era spectacles rumored to have magical powers is stolen from a local museum, Kamala investigates. As she uncovers more information about the culprits, Kamala’s powers aren’t the only thing being tested; she must also confront uncomfortable truths surrounding the colonial looting of treasures. The book contains well-written moments of action and introspection and explains themes of identity and cultural restitution clearly and accessibly, although these moments sometimes slow the pace. Kamala’s voice is recognizable from previous iterations of her story by other authors. Her romantic tension with best friend Bruno Carrelli is sweet, and the story digs into her parents’ expectations around dating and academic achievement. Although high school senior Kamala often reads younger than her age, Faruqi captures her humor and moral struggles with sincerity. References to Muslim practice and the inclusion of some Urdu words add authenticity, and the moments when Kamala considers the gray areas between right and wrong lend nuance to the story.

An earnest and culturally grounded take on Ms. Marvel.