Drawing Deena

From the award-winning author of Amina's Voice and Amina's Song comes a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path. Deena, a young artist, struggles with anxiety manifesting as a knot in her stomach that intensifies during her parents’ financial arguments, school anxieties, and social interactions. Despite these challenges, she finds solace in art and her friendships. As her parents face increasing financial difficulties, Deena decides to use her artistic talents to help by promoting her mom’s home-based clothing business through a newly created logo and social media presence. The business gains traction with the help of her cousin and friends, but success brings unexpected strains on Deena’s relationships, particularly with her cousin and best friend, Parisa. The tensions escalate until Deena reaches a breaking point. Ultimately, both Deena and her mother learn the vital lesson of seeking help when overwhelmed. Through the support of her community, Deena discovers that she can create something truly beautiful when she embraces her vulnerabilities and shares her creative vision with the world.