Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press) encourages readers everywhere to take advantage of this summer season and dive into the pages of some great new books. Reading goals are facilitated with new releases for readers across all categories and age groups, including highly anticipated sequels of critically acclaimed debut novels.
“As soaring temperatures tend to keep us indoors during the day, books can offer us great entertainment, education, and enrichment,” said Rima Ismail, Outreach and Special Projects Manager at HBKU Press. “Reading is a wonderful activity for all ages to keep us engaged and mentally productive, and is a wholly positive lifestyle practice that HBKU Press is proud to support through its diverse and exciting catalog.”
With students now on holiday managing additional free time, books are critical tools for maintaining and progressing reading levels. Young readers can find a wealth of new titles with HBKU Press this summer through a dynamic catalog that caters to all ages, interests, and reading levels. Zaroofa Feels Anxious is a fun and colorfully illustrated story for children that examines the worries of Zaroofa, a little giraffe with a big fear of heights. Zaroofa loves photography, but sometimes her fear of heights gets in the way of taking the best pictures. Young readers are invited to follow along with Zaroofa and learn all about conquering scary fears.
Reading as well as puzzle-solving are practices that sharpen mental abilities, and both are combined in the story of a little boy named Naeem and his extraordinary footwear. The Flying Shoes is a delightful and stimulating tale in which Naeem must solve puzzle after puzzle to keep the shoes, figuring out their secrets all while learning in the process. A quest that takes Naeem and his intrepid readers on a cultural journey throughout Morocco to visit all of his home country’s special landmarks, young readers will undoubtedly find themselves learning many fun, interesting new facts along the way. A story full of suspense and adventure for those that enjoy a challenge!
The ever-popular Young Adult literary genre is maintaining rapid growth at HBKU Press, with the publishing house adding to this steadily expanding category to cater to young adventurers and avid fantasy readers everywhere. Fans of the Lost Map series are invited to rejoin Al-Jouri on her latest expedition to unlock the secrets of the past through Qatar’s unique history and landscape. The Mystery of the Locust and the Lost Map by Qatari author Lina Al-Aali presents a new mystery to readers as Al-Jouri embarks on a quest to explore a major archaeological site with the precious golden compass given to her by her grandfather. Readers familiar with the series are now able to join Al-Jouri and undergo her latest adventure together, while new readers are invited to jump in and discover the exciting series from its beginning.
Wielding Magic by Qatari author Kummam Al-Maadeed is the highly anticipated sequel to the wildly popular Calling Magic, first published in 2021. Wielding Magic follows Tia, the most powerful witch of her time as she continues to find home and self in her fascinating new city, Paiza. Beloved characters are revisited and new ones are introduced as fans can now pick up with Tia where she last left off. A fantastical continuation to an enchanting start, fans of captivating magical worlds and brave, inspiring heroes are sure to find their next favorite read in this beautifully written series.
In addition to educational books for children and young adults, HBKU Press also publishes fiction to keep readers company on vacations, commutes, and quiet nights at home. Fereej bin Dirham by Qatari poet, author, and academic Kaltham Al-Kuwari is a stunning novel in lyrical writing for avid readers of the Arabic language. It tells the story of the polarizing Fereej bin Dirham, simultaneously characterized as both chaotic and monotonous. While it may seem dormant and untapped in its unrealized potential to some, still others may revel in its simplicity. Discover new perspectives and methods of discovery in this instant favorite today.
Finally, Found in Thyme by Lilas Taha is the thrilling conclusion to her debut novel, Lost in Thyme, which introduces readers to Sami Amara and Petra Haddad. The sequel resumes the couple’s story in the not-so-distant future, in which they must navigate the small and large challenges of new countries, family, and politics in the midst of them settling into their new lives together in the United States. From international strife to local scandal, this gripping novel tells the story and struggles of this Palestinian-American family and their determination to fiercely protect what matters most when everything they’ve built is suddenly at stake. Equally compelling and heartwarming, Found in Thyme is sure to satisfy the curiosity of all readers waiting to discover what life has in store next for Sami and Petra.