The Henna Wars (OUT NOW)
Nishat doesn’t want to lose her family, but she also doesn’t want to hide who she is, and it only gets harder once a childhood friend walks back into her life. Flávia is beautiful and charismatic, and Nishat falls for her instantly. But when a school competition invites students to create their own businesses, both Flávia and Nishat decide to showcase their talent as henna artists. In a fight to prove who is the best, their lives become more tangled—but Nishat can’t quite get rid of her crush, especially since Flávia seems to like her back.
As the competition heats up, Nishat has a decision to make: stay in the closet for her family, or put aside her differences with Flávia and give their relationship a chance.
The stunning cover of The Henna Wars was illustrated by Nabigal-Nayagam Haider Ali and designed by Molly Gillespie
Praise for The Henna Wars
“Debut author Jaigirdar seamlessly weaves issues of racism and homophobia into a fast-moving plot peopled with richly drawn characters…Impossible to put down.”
—Kirkus starred review
“Authentic and inspiring, this debut is one to seek out.”
—Shelf Awareness Starred Review
"a wholly uncontrived story with lesbians who aren't just brown but diverse in a multitude of ways."
―Booklist
"Deeply satisfying... Highly recommended for fans of school stories that celebrate intersectional experiences."
―SLJ
“Funny and heartbreaking by turns, written with both strong conviction and lightness of touch, this is a brilliant debut; romantic, thought-provoking and entirely unique.” ― The Guardian
Read an excerpt from the first chapter!
US hardback and paperback:
BookShop
AMAZON US
BARNES AND NOBLES
INDIEBOUND
INDIGO
TARGET
Audiobook:
Listening Library
Libro.fm
Audible
The Henna Wars Playlist
I’ve put together a little playlist of many of the songs I listened to while drafting/revising/rewriting etc. The Henna Wars. Enjoy!
