| Leilya Pitre, a former secondary school English teacher in Ukraine and US public schools, is an associate professor and English education coordinator at Southeastern Louisiana University where she teaches methods courses for teacher candidates, advanced grammar, linguistics, and young adult literature courses for graduate and undergraduate students. Her research interests include teacher preparation, secondary school teaching, and teaching and research of young adult literature. |  |
Love from A to Z by S.K. Ali, a Story of Love, Identity, and Growth
In today’s post, I just want to share with you my latest read. It was brought to my attention by one of my undergraduate students in our Young Adult literature course after we read Deborah Ellis’s My Name of Parvana (2012), the fourth book in the internationally bestselling series that includes The Breadwinner, Parvana's Journey, and Mud City.
| There are books that entertain, books that make us think, and books that stay with us long after we’ve turned the last page. Love from A to Z (2019) by S.K. Ali is one of those books that does all three. This beautifully written young adult novel explores love, faith, identity, and the resilience of two Muslim teenagers navigating life’s challenges. |  |
 | An award-winning Canadian author, S.K. Ali is celebrated for her authentic and heartfelt portrayal of Muslim characters. Her debut novel, Saints and Misfits, was a finalist for the American Library Association’s William C. Morris YA Debut Award, and she continues to be a powerful voice for diverse representation in young adult literature. Inspired by her own experiences as a Muslim woman, Ali writes stories that challenge stereotypes and create space for underrepresented voices in literature. |
| Love from A to Z introduces us to two protagonists, Adam and Zayneb, who cross paths at a pivotal moment in their lives. Adam has recently been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, grappling with his future and struggling to share the news with his loved ones. Zayneb, bold and outspoken, is dealing with the pain of being suspended from school after standing up to her Islamophobic teacher. When they run across each other in Doha, Qatar, their connection sparks a journey of self-exploration, discovery, healing, and love. |  |
I was drawn to Love from A to Z because of its commitment to diverse representation. As someone who values stories that highlight different perspectives, I found Ali’s novel a refreshing and necessary addition to the YA literary landscape. The themes of love, self-discovery, and resilience also resonated with me, making this book a deeply rewarding read.
Ali’s portrayal of Muslim teens feels refreshingly real. The novel highlights the diversity of the Muslim experience, avoiding clichés and instead presenting multi-dimensional characters who struggle, grow, and find joy in ways that feel deeply human.
The novel doesn’t shy away from tough topics—chronic illness, prejudice, and the complexities of faith and identity—but it does so with warmth that makes it impossible to put down. The dual perspective format allows readers to step into the hearts and minds of both Adam and Zayneb, making their journeys even more compelling.
Ali weaves the narrative through journal entries, capturing the inner thoughts of both protagonists in a way that feels deeply personal. This nonlinear approach adds an intimate layer to the story, making readers feel like they are discovering Adam and Zayneb’s worlds firsthand.
Readers who enjoyed I Have Lost My Way by Gayle Forman will find similar themes of unexpected connections and self-discovery in Love from A to Z. Likewise, those who appreciated All American Boys by Jason Reynolds and Brendan Kiely will recognize the novel’s commitment to tackling social justice issues and identity with authenticity. Ali’s use of nonlinear storytelling and journal-style narration adds to literary sophistication, complex nature, and uniqueness, making it stand out in the YA genre.
Beyond its skillfully written prose and engaging narrative, Love from A to Z is a book that fosters empathy. To apply Bishop’s metaphor, it offers a mirror for Muslim teens who rarely see themselves represented in mainstream literature, a window for others to understand different experiences, and a sliding door for readers to transport them into the story and help them empathize with characters.
With overwhelmingly positive reviews from readers and critics, this book is more than just a love story—it’s a timely and necessary read that will stay with you long after you finish. If you’re looking for a novel that blends romance, identity, and social issues in an unforgettable way, Love from A to Z is a book for you.
Have you read Love from A to Z? Have you read any other books by S.K. Ali? Let’s talk in the comments!
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