Yusuf Azeem Is Not a Hero

Analyze Yusuf’s experiences with the 20th anniversary of 9/11 and how the attacks impacted Uncle Rahman. What do Yusuf and Rahman have in common and how do their stories differ?

Uncle Rahman looks up to Muhammad Ali. Describe what Rahman admires about the boxer. How does Rahman emulate Ali’s qualities? How does Yusuf manifest Ali’s ideals?

Focus on Cameron and his complex characterization. Why did he change his name and why does he hang out with Ethan? What separates him from Ethan and reunites him with Danial and Yusuf? Try to identify Cameron’s motivations and the reasons for his choices.

About assimilation, Yusuf says, “I don’t like that word. It sounds like you have to give up everything that makes you, you” (314). Sticking with Yusuf’s belief, talk about how Yusuf blends in with the Frey community without assimilating. How does Yusuf maintain his “you”—his individuality?

Compare and contrast Abba and Amma. Why is Abba intent on creating the “perfect picture” and how is Amma more contrary and questioning? Why does Abba ridicule the trope that love conquers hate, and why does Abba sincerely believe in the idiom?

Explain how the story can function as an educational tool. How does it help the reader learn about Islam, and how does it encourage them to conduct additional research on their own?

Abba continually watches the Texas News Network (TNN), which the characters depict as a polarizing, hateful platform. How does TNN reflect the current media landscape? How does Faruqi complicate TNN’s symbolism by having the network cover Team Freybots?

Discuss how Faruqi uses diction to reinforce or complicate the motivations behind some of the characters. When does a mispronunciation represent racism, and when is it a symptom of genuine mistake or a simple lack of knowledge?