I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I'm still digesting what I think about this book. I love the premise and the characters we follow.

I think it's interesting to have a Muslim character where her religion is not her main identity and to have this experience play out as an immigrant family living in a city entrenched in the KKK and other anti-Black history. This book touches on a lot of sensitive topics from Islamophobia to human trafficking.

But this read is a rollercoaster. It definitely has a YA feel while delving into difficult experiences and racism and what that looks like. There is some suspension of belief required, but I was definitely curious to see how the story would end and how everything would turn out for these brave kids.

Race to the Finish Line is a very relevant and thought-provoking read. The characters are very easy to connect with and it's nice to get to know them as the novel progresses. The only thing lacking is there could be more of the mystery element promised in the info section.

This book was so unique and I loved reading about a diverse character. The book was kind of predictable, but I was still on the edge of my seat wanting to know how much worse it could get for our character. It was amazing to read about such a strong, young, female character and all the other characters were fleshed out very well. I would recommend this!

Anyone reading this on NetGalley: if you want to add this book to track it on Goodreads I made a page for it!

I was attracted to this YA novel by the striking but shocking cover. The novel is equally hard-hitting and sadly relevant, dealing with issues of identity, racism, Islamophobia and human trafficking. Set in small town America where the KKK is still prevalent this coming of age story for a black muslim girl is not easy. Sounds a bit far-fetched? Sadly in Trump's America some of the issues and ideas in this book are all too familiar. A great read but some of the mystery elements fall a bit flat. More of a story of issues rather than a mystery but still worthwhile.

Race to the Finish Line by Aisha Yusuf is a YA mystery novel featuring a young Black Muslim girl’s journey navigating and adjusting to her new unexpected environment far away from home. Aalyeah underestimates the dangerous that surround her as her and friends pursue clues to uncover a dark truth.

The twists and turns in this book had me clutching my invisible pearl necklace. The adult me wishes to be transported back in time just to read and experience this book as a teen. As a lover of mystery and thriller books, I have not come across a novel that centres dynamic and diverse characters like Aalyeah, her family, and her friends. The author does not shy away from exploring painful truths of society. She tackles touch subjects in a reader-friendly way, yet doesn’t appease the readers by giving them desired conclusions. The author weaves together a creative tale while preserving the authenticity of the characters and their struggles. Any reader will find themselves quickly getting attached to Aalyeah and her friends and will be heavily invested in realizing their mission.

This book wasn’t around when I was growing up and desperately needed it, but I am happy it exists now. I am excited for readers to get their hands on this insanely relevant and timely book.

Race to the Finish Line is an intense story of hatred in a small town. Aaleyah is intelligent, brave, and facing more than any young person should have to. While dealing with oppression, she fights to solve the disappearance of her friend, often putting herself at risk in the process. Yusuf tackles the realities of US society, presenting the problems of overt and internalized racism, microaggressions, and how confronting these issues doesn't always garner the response we hope. This is a heavy book and definitely worthy of a few content warnings prior to reading, as it might not be for everyone.

4/5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and Aisha Yusuf for an e-arc of this book.