Saints and Misfits

Written by S.K. Ali, Saints and Misfits is young-adult novel that delves into the complex world of Janna Yusuf, a Muslim American teenager grappling with identity, faith, and the challenges of being a misfit in her community. This coming-of-age story takes readers on a poignant journey as Janna navigates the multiple intersections of her cultural heritage, personal experiences, and societal expectations. Through her authentic voice and compelling narrative, S.K. Ali explores themes of self-discovery, friendship, and the importance of speaking out against injustice. Saints and Misfits was a Morris Award finalist and an Entertainment Weekly Best YA Book of the Year.

This guide refers to the 2018 Salaam Reads/Simon Schuster Books for Young Readers paperback edition.

Content Warning: Both this guide and its source text address mature themes, including sexual assault, harassment, and cultural and religious expectations.

Plot Summary

As the novel opens, Janna Yusuf is on vacation with her father and stepmother, trying to distract herself from the emotional aftermath of a recent traumatic experience. During the incident, she was sexually assaulted by her friend Fizz’s cousin, Farooq, when he trapped her in the basement of Fizz’s house. Feeling an imbalance in power dynamics because Farooq is respected by the Muslim community for having memorized the entire Qur’an while Janna is the misfit child of divorced parents, she chooses to stay silent out of fear.