The Strongest Heart

A Schneider Family Book Award Honoree

From beloved middle grade author Saadia Faruqi comes a poignant exploration of the impact of mental illness on families—and the love and hope that it takes to begin telling a different tale.

Mo is used to his father’s fits of rage. When Abbu's moods shake the house, Mo is safe inside his head, with his cherished folktales: The best way to respond is not to engage. Apparently, his mama knows that too—which is why she took a job on the other side of the world, leaving Mo alone with Abbu.

With Mama gone, the two move to Texas to live with Mo’s aunt and cousin, Rayyan. The two boys could not be more different. Rayyan is achievement-driven and factual; Mo is a “bad kid." Still, there is a lot to like about living in Texas. Sundays at the mosque are better than he’d expected. And Rayyan and his aunt become a real family to Mo.

But even in a warm home and school where he begins to see a future for himself, Mo knows that the monster within his father can break out and destroy their fragile peace at any moment…

"A powerful and revealing read." - Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Faruqi’s latest takes a deep dive into what it’s like living with a parent experiencing mental illness...realistic depictions of mental illness, family struggles, and emotional growth" - School Library Journal (starred review)

"Thought-provoking and insightful, this novel humanizes mental illness while unflinchingly showing how families and communities are affected." - Booklist (starred review)

"A raw portrayal of the pain, confusion, and hurt of a memorable young teenager." - Horn Book (starred review)

"Engrossing...An authentically textured account of a young teen coping with a parent’s mental illness."  - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)