Reading Group Guide

Aarzu All Around

By Marzieh Abbas

About the Book

Twelve-year-old Aarzu is passionate about playing cricket in Pakistan. After losing their parents in an earthquake, Aarzu and her younger sister live under the strict watch of a controlling uncle who believes girls belong on the sidelines. Longing to play cricket like boys, and desperate to help her ailing sister, Aarzu secretly takes on a job meant exclusively for boys. As she juggles school, chores, and secret cricket practice, Aarzu must avoid being discovered, or she’ll lose everything: her sister’s health, her shot at a girls’ cricket team, and her dream of a life beyond limits. At the same time, she struggles to mend her broken friendship with her once supportive best friend, who is now giving her the silent treatment.

Discussion Questions

1. In what ways is Aarzu’s life different from the lives of her male cousins? How does it make her feel about herself? How might your life be different if you were a different sex? How could this affect your experiences at school, at home, or within your family?

2. Aarzu’s Khaloo, her uncle, has strong opinions about what girls should and shouldn’t do. How do you feel about that? Is it fair to have different rules based on gender?

3. Are you familiar with any women in history who challenged gender roles? Who were they, and what obstacles did they face while pursuing their goals?

4. Aarzu must choose between spending money on her sister’s treatment or buying cricket gear for herself. Why do you think it’s important to help others, even when we have to give up something we care about? Besides money, what are some other ways we can support or care for people in need?

5. Do you think girls and women still face unfair treatment today, like Aarzu does in the novel? Does this happen only in some countries or all around the world, including the United States? Provide examples.

6. What sacrifices does Aarzu make to help her sister? What helps her go from feeling afraid and sad to becoming determined to earn money for the treatment?

7. Aarzu’s mom used to say when people “stay close / for long enough, / they rub off on each other.” (p. 78) Aarzu finds herself agreeing with her mother. Why is it important to choose friends wisely?

8. Aarzu and Nazia were best friends, but they grew apart. What could have happened if Nazia had told Aarzu how she felt? How could they have saved their friendship with better communication?

9. In what ways was Aarzu also unfair to Nazia? How can you maintain healthy boundaries and talk to friends if you feel ignored or left out? How would you try to resolve a conflict?

10. At the end of the book, Aarzu apologizes to her friend. Why do you think saying sorry matters? Why can it be hard to apologize when you know you made a mistake?

11. Playing cricket helps Aarzu feel calm and deal with tough things in her life. Describe something you do, like a hobby or activity, that helps you feel more relaxed or peaceful.

12. Zoya’s family and Aarzu’s family keep track of different things. Have you ever thought about some of these things they pay attention to? If your family struggled financially, what would you want others to understand about your life?

13. Aarzu wears a hijab (head covering) as part of her identity. How might hijabs help empower the women who wear them?

14. When Aarzu feels nervous, she scratches her leg. What are some habits or things you do when you’re feeling stressed or anxious? What are some ways we can help one another feel better during tough or stressful times?

15. Why does Aarzu journal? Why might it be helpful to write your thoughts in a journal? What would you write about?

16. Aarzu feels stronger and more at peace when she prays and learns about inspiring Muslim women. What things do you do—such as praying, reading, drawing, or talking to someone—that help you feel calm or confident when you’re feeling stressed or worried?

Extension Activities

1. Poetry: Write a poem using the theme “If I Were a Girl/Boy” using one of the poetry styles from the book. Reflect on how gender might shape someone’s experiences.

2. Letter to a Trailblazer: Choose a woman from history who challenged gender barriers, and write a heartfelt letter thanking her for her courage and achievements. Reflect on how her efforts helped shape the world today and inspired you personally.

3. Journaling Party: Plan a fun and creative journaling party where students personalize and decorate their notebooks with stickers, markers, and washi tape. After decorating, guide them to write personal goals that support both academic growth (book smart) and everyday life skills (street smart). You can also include prompts that encourage emotional expression and self-awareness, helping students reflect on their feelings and build confidence.

4. Identity Collage: Aarzu describes wearing a hijab as an important part of her identity. Create a collage that represents your own identity, including things like family, culture, hobbies, traditions, clothing, and more. Then present your collage to your class or group, explaining why you chose those images.

Guide prepared by Noureen Qadir-Jafar, Youth Services Librarian at the Levittown Public Library in New York.
This guide has been provided by Simon & Schuster for classroom, library, and reading group use. It may be reproduced in its entirety or excerpted for these purposes.