By Dilara, Imran, and Yasmine Hafiz

Paperback: 126 pages; Acacia Publishing

At first glance, "The American Muslim Teenager’s Handbook" is a welcome breath of fresh air.

"Finally" was the first word out of my mouth while poring over the book, which was actually co-authored by teenagers and headed by their mom.

I was tired of seeing "how-to" books for American Muslim teens written by first-generation immigrant adults who, needless to say, have no clue what it’s like being a Muslim adolescent in America.

I was also impressed by the high praise on the cover by favored Muslim figures like Michael Wolfe and Dr. Jeffery Lang, but less impressed with the foreword by Asma Gull Hasan (and that’s a whole other story).

I put that aside and dove into the book.

My confusion started with the first few chapters, beginning with "Islam 101" through an analysis of the five pillars.

I found myself wondering if the book was misnamed and should have been titled "How to understand American Muslim Teenagers."

Although the language style is on target with a teen audience, the information was geared more toward non-Muslims or, at least, very secular Muslims.

Nothing wrong with that of course; in fact, I found it an excellent summary of the important facets of Islam and, therefore, a great resource to hand out to friends at school.

In general, I appreciated the straightforward way the book dealt with issues like "The 4 D’s" (Dating, Dancing, Drinking, and Drugs) and peer pressure, in which the book suggests creative ways to keep away from the wrong crowd, like volunteering and getting a part-time job.

The book, with full-color illustrations, even bolsters pride in Islam by listing Muslim historical figures responsible for important world inventions and positive role models in a teen’s everyday life, like a respected teacher or a sincere Muslim cousin.

I would have perhaps liked to see more Muslim teens polled under the "What do teens REALLY think?" sections interspersed throughout the chapters.

The authors sent a questionnaire to 40 Islamic schools around the nation, but it appears only a handful participated.

I also wished there were more segments like the one on page 79 - which lists times "I feel alone" (Christmas, dating and pepperoni pizza) versus "I’m not so alone" (Ramadan iftars, group prayer and Eid) - as these really hit the nail on the head.

My biggest concern with the book was the chapter "The Hijab Issue."

I found it discouraging to teens that have just put on the hijab, are confused about doing so or want to but need that extra push.

Though none of the authors are formally trained in Islamic studies (Dilara Hafiz states she draws upon her experiences teaching weekend Islamic school), the verse from Surah Al Ahzab is dismissed as vague.

Also, the first reason listed as common answers to why you wear hijab is "My parents make me," while the first reason for not wearing it is "I don’t believe God wants us to cover our hair."

If I had read this book when I was 13 and had just put on the hijab, I would have found it dispiriting, if not downright discouraging.

In short, I found the book a valuable resource for those wanting to learn about Islam in a fun, easy to understand, vernacular way.

However, I’m still searching for a handbook that truly talks to me about my experiences as an American Muslim teen.