Barakah Beats

The novel explores the theme of Adolescence and Belonging through Nimra Sharif’s coming-of-age arc. Nimra’s experiences at home and school influence her sense of belonging. At the start of the novel, Nimra finds a sense of belonging from her parents, her religious community, and her best friend, Jenna Birdie. In Chapter 1, she feels proud of herself for completing her Hifz program and thankful for the opportunity to share “the Pakistani Muslim side of [her] life” with her loved ones (2). However, as soon as Nimra leaves Guided Light and starts attending Farmwell Station Middle School, she feels rejected and alone. Therefore, her new academic and social sphere acts as the primary setting for Nimra’s search for belonging.

Farmwell is a symbol of discomfort and unfamiliarity. The setting challenges Nimra’s character and causes her to question who she is and where she belongs. The school is not only “a much bigger building than what [Nimra is] used to” (31), but it’s difficult to navigate and full of students Nimra doesn’t know. After just one day at Farmwell, Nimra is surprised that nobody stops to help her when she looks helpless and that she is “the only one wearing hijab” (36).