Review held on public social platforms due to Harper Collins Union strike.

A wonderful story of family, emotion, friendship, and forgiveness. Hanna Alkaf does an incredible job crafting a story both kids and adults can find enjoyment, mystery, and heartfelt lessons.
I only wish the character of Melur had been introduced earlier so we could feel friendship with her like Hamra and Ilyas do. If she had appeared at Nanek's home instead of the waresnake. The waresnake didn't make as much of an impact as her introduction made her out to be, and her role could easily be filled by the moonrat. Melur, on the other hand, could have given more insight into the world of the forest, and brought a different aspect of friendship, forgiveness, and mystery.
Overall I found it to be an enjoyable and cozy read.

A bit of a slow burn, but once it got going I found it really pleasant and enjoyable. It's pitched as an adaptation of Little Red Riding Hood by the author in the end notes, but it felt more like an original fantasy or fairy tale to me.

This was not what I was expecting but I was happily surprised by the fairy tale story.
I am unfamiliar with Malaysia (and especially the foods) but it was so great to be introduced to it. The weaving of dementia and the quest into the jungle was so exciting and colorful. I really enjoyed the tale. It was very entertaining.
I also enjoyed the friendships that developed as well as the growing up of the characters.
This story kept me captivated. The author did a great job mixing the mystical and reality.
Enjoy!

I like the concept of this book. It would have been a nice way to introduce my students to different cultures around the world. However, there are so many cultural/religious terms that are not explained. They are just used without any sort of context. I would be spending all my time teaching vocabulary. I prefer my students to use reading strategies to determine meanings of words then just to go off of what the teacher tells them.

This is a fun, action filled adventure story featuring Hamra, her neighbor friend Ilyas, and a weretiger. They meet all sorts of fanciful creatures during their quest. It’s a very interesting take on the story of Little Red Riding Hood.

Thank you NetGalley and HarperCollins for this digital arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed the book first off. I think that the setting was stunning and made for the perfect backdrop to this reimagining of Little Red Riding Hood. I thought that the characters that Hamra meets while she is on her quest were fun and engaging. Overall a fun read that brought tears to my eyes, big fan.

I came for the "Hanna Alkaf" and stayed for the "friendship + family feels + Muslim middle-grade + Little Red Riding Hood Retelling + magic steeped in Malaysian culture + enchanting atmosphere + big fluffy maybe-evil tigers". This book is absolutely enchanting! I felt a little iffy on a few of the Muslim with magic aspects, but I did finish it and thoroughly enjoy the whole thing.
PROS
-retellings of fairy tales adapted for different cultures are superior
-there's a magic market in here
-and weretigers and werecobras!! (seriously b i g ol fluffy tiger is peak character design)
-enemies-to-friends-to-I'monlytoleratingyou-back-to-friends
-there are just so many sweet moments, like the grandpa telling kids going on a quest to bring back his Tupperware PLUS the tops
-every single food mention had me first googling and then hungry
-the grandma has dementia, and it was very real and tearjerking
-redemption quest ｡ﾟ(TヮT)ﾟ｡
-I did not guess the ending and was delightfully surprised.
CONS
-the biggest "plot" quibble I had was that it seems that the kids are being led around by the plot. Maybe it's a MG thing?
-I wanted a more impactful reconciliation between Hamra and Ilyas. It still felt like in many ways she was taking advantage of his kindness
-also, Ilyas's whole parents-got-divorced backstory is infodumped and never mentioned again
-I felt the book ended a little suddenly, but I also know I'm a little sentimental.
-onto the Muslim aspects
-the author is Muslim, so maybe it's cultural, but I was surprised that the hijab-wearing, five-times-a-day praying MC hugs and touches her boy best friend
-I also would have loved if it was mentioned that Hamra prays at least once during the quest
-In the magical world, the protagonist has her fortune told. Fortune telling is 100% haram in Islam. I know it's _☆.:*magical*:.☆_ but there has to be another way to frame this.

"Even monsters can be haunted. Desires are fulfilled only when efforts are made."

This is such a wonderful middle-grade novel set in Malaysia and filled with magic.
A clever modern retelling of Red Riding Hood.
Thirteen-year-old Hamra breaks a rule and steals a fruit from the jungle. A were-tiger appears and bounds her to a quest, but his intention are more personal.
He convinces her that succeeding in this quest will heal her grandmother of her dementia.
Love and friendship are the core and motivation and Hamra accepts the challenges and trials. The adventures are fun and so are the characters she encounters too. Has a lot of modern references from pop culture and a teen's daily life.

Hamra has always been a dutiful daughter and granddaughter, but on the day of her thirteenth birthday, she can’t take it anymore. All she was given for her birthday was errands to run and her anger makes her rash – for the first time in her life, she ignores the rules of the jungle. She finds soon that these rules were more than just nagging from her grandparents, and as a weretiger begins haunting her during the day and in her sleep, she finds herself on a dangerous quest to make things right.

This was a fascinating nod to Little Red Riding Hood that was well written and unique. Probably the strongest thing about this work was the worldbuilding – I loved the inclusions of folklore, creatures, and the landscape that all brought the world to life. The way that Hamra’s culture was incorporated was also really well done and made the world even more immersive. The exploration of friendships, isolation, and forgiveness was done in a meaningful way that would be impactful for younger readers, and Hamra was a relatable and strong protagonist.

The only real thing that detracted from the work for me was that it became a little repetitive. Their adventures consisted of having to do the same thing several times in slightly different ways, all while avoiding their hunters. It made the plot/action feel rather linear and simplified, which unfortunately took away from some of my enjoyment of this read.

I do recommend this work of magical realism to younger and older readers alike. Many thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for allowing me to read and review this work, which will be published in March 2023.

2.5 || I really wanted to love this, but, alas, that wasn't the case. Kinda hate that as of right now, my review will be the one with the lowest star rating 😅
Let me just say that I LOVE middle grade. I do not regard it as "low art" whatsoever. I critique each genre a bit differently, but I hold them all to a high standard.

Let's start with some praise...

WHAT I LIKED
🐯 The writing. I have no real qualms with the writing style. Some phrases were reused quite a bit and things got repetitive at times, but all in all, I enjoyed Alkaf's prose. The narrative flowed nicely—very readable without being overly simplistic.

🐯 The setting. I have never read anything set in Malaysia before, so that was exciting. I love reading about what life looks like for kids around the world. This story is magical realism, so I am of course referring to the details I'm assuming are based on facts. But even learning more about Malaysian folklore was a fun insight into a culture I know little about.

🐯 The concept. Hamra and her bestie work alongside a weretiger (you've heard of a werewolf, well Alkaf gives us the tiger version) after accidentally stealing a magical fruit. A bargain is struck—the weretiger forgot he was once a man and can no longer return to his human form, so Hamra agrees to help him if he uses his magic to help Hamra's grandmother, whose memory is slipping away.
This take on Little Red Riding Hood is a very exciting premise, one that I think many people will enjoy. There's magic, myth, talking animals galore (which is one of my fave things ever in books), riddles, fairies, etc. I can appreciate these elements and how the author spun them.

WHAT DIDN'T WORK FOR ME
🐍 The execution. Following the last point above, this was my biggest issue with the book...the fact that I loved the concept, but was thoroughly unimpressed by its execution. The magical elements were dimmed by their lack in depth. Everything was explained very quickly or not given enough importance. There was no suspense to any new magical discovery because it didn't hold enough weight. The characters would brush things off as "well, that's just how it is," instead of letting their curiosity open a door into further exploring the magic around them. As Hamra and company move forward in their quest, riddles are solved and tasks are completed, but each one was sooooo underwhelming. And not because Alkaf didn't deliver with her imagination, but because it was over before it started, and the characters had little to add to the situation. And it wasn't just the poor execution in regards to the world building...
The overall plot execution let me down. I actually could not believe I reached the end when I read the last paragraph. I hate to use this word again, but, UNDERWHLEMING. In the end, the story fell flat despite the promise of magic and whimsy.

🐍 Character development. My other big gripe was Hamra. Our mc really annoyed me. Her arc was nothing special, mainly because it was not so subtly (but very conveniently) thrown in towards the very end. The side characters were more endearing, but still pretty bland and predictable. I could overlook the previous point if I fell in love with the characters, but nope.

Another thing that I didn't enjoy (but I am not gonna include as a con because it's very subjective) is that this is a pandemic book. This isn't mentioned in the synopsis, but I would not have requested this on NetGalley if I had known that little detail. I know I am not alone in this—some of us just don't wanna read things set in 2020. The covid talk was a bit much for me. I know this is literally no big deal to some people, and that's great, but just in case you are like me, know that this book is very much set during lockdown and mentions covid and isolation quite a bit.

All in all, there is absolutely an audience for this kind of middle grade story. I hope the target demographic enjoys this one! Also, the cover is 10/10 😍

✨ Thanks so much to NetGalley and Harper Collin's CB for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for my honest review ✨

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories is an imaginative retelling told with so many morals throughout it. Reading this took me through such an incredible and unique journey. I got to learn so much about Malaysian culture and identity. Thank you for writing such a beautiful story.

Another good addition to world cultures and mythology. Maylaysia this time with the jungle right out your doorstep and tigers, oh my. I think it is especially good that this book points out that Hamra is very much a part of this modern world (television, cell phones, and sadly dementia) but yet also a different culture with tigers, fairies, and foods.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. Reading this post-Covid, the reader can appreciate the differences in life and tourism. The magical adventure is unlike typical stories, taking a lot of mystical qualities from Malaysian folklore. I enjoyed the beautiful descriptions of nature and food. The themes of power, friendship, and family can all be discussed. I appreciate that this a clean novel, and while not the focal point of the book, the Muslim characters are acceptable. The ending, while leaving me feeling a little unsatisfied, does give the reader closure. I would gladly keep a copy of this on my classroom shelf.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a complimentary advance DRC and the chance to review!

An exciting upcoming read by Hanna Alkaf, “Hamra and the Jungle of Memories” is a loose retelling of Little Red Riding Hood set in the gorgeous and spiritual island(s) of Langkawi. Hamra has just turned 13, it’s the height of COVID-19, and she is stuck at home babysitting her elderly grandparents. One fateful day Hamra enters the jungle to pick herbs for her grandmother, and in a fit of adolescent pique she breaks the rules of the jungle and attracts the attention of a powerful and dangerous weretiger. By folly or by fate, she is set on a quest with her best friend Ilyas to help the weretiger break free of his animal state and return to his true self. In the process, Hamra learns about herself and how her behavior and decisions molds her fate and affects those she loves. New and returning readers of Hanna Alkaf will be immediately drawn into the lush and colorful depiction of the spiritual and fey world of the Malaysian jungle. We are introduced to many characters from Malaysian folklore whose intentions are not always clear as Hamra seeks to fulfill her quest. For those who love Studio Ghibli and fairytale retellings, this must go on your TBR!!

Hanna Alkaf has a fantastic method of introducing us to her characters and making us love them all, and the funny, irrelevant dialogue was a great way to lighten some of the more serious aspects of the story. Her use of imagery continues to bring great joy. The setting of this novel and it’s fairytale/folklore genre is a wonderful addition to Hanna Alkaf’s collection of novels, which range from poignant historical fiction, to murder mystery, to ghost story. As a part of the Malaysian diaspora, I found it especially nice to see the author continue the tradition of inserting words and phrases of Malay throughout the book. And of course, the descriptions of food!! So nostalgic.

I would have loved to have given this novel a resounding five stars, but I felt that the author, in her vision for a middle-grade level novel, opted for a more linear plot style that made the quest and struggles of Hamra seem like a game piece moving in one direction across the board. While this storytelling decision might make the book more digestible for younger readers, I also felt the lack of complexity took away from Hamra’s quest, and I felt that the story lost some of its impact by being somewhat predictable. There were many characters who just happened to know the exact thing Hamra would need to do next, or where she would need to go, and their suggestions were rarely reconsidered. Overcoming certain challenges felt a bit too easy and convenient at times. Hanna Alkaf's story development in her other novels, which are YA and middle-grade, to me seemed less linear and predictable, so I was surprised with the direction she took here. I And my last critique is about the ending. I felt that it was quite abrupt and perhaps I didn’t catch the hints towards the last third of the book, but it felt a bit out of place for the progression and wrapping up of the story.

Overall, I absolutely encourage everyone to read this book! Despite my own thoughts about the plot progression, this is a beautiful novel that brings you into a bright and colorful world of fairytale hijinks, coupled with the very real and serious themes of growing up and becoming an adult, and learning how to let go.

Hamra and the Jungle of Memories is an incredible middle grade book that teaches us how powerful emotions can sometimes get the best of us, but that we alway have the choice to do what is right. This is a tale of Hamra, her best friend Ilyas, a weretiger, and the journey to bring back what has been lost. It takes place on the Malaysian Islands and does an excellent job of transporting the reader right into the scenery. It's a daring adventure story that I know my middle schoolers would love to read! I highly recommend it!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for letting me review this book. This book was a great read and I like the different take of the Little Red Ridinghood tale. It turned the take on its head. I like how Hamra and her friends pushed on to help the tiger regardless of the outcome.

Alkaf’s ability to capture young readers with her imaginative and engaging stories is incredible. I’m a huge fan of The Girl and the Ghost so I was very excited to read her latest middle grade. I wasn’t disappointed. I particularly loved how the Covid pandemic was subtly weaved into the story. Recommended!

Author Hanna Alkaf has woven an amazing enchanting land of mystery and magic in this middle-grade book - Hamra and the Jungle of Memories.

Descriptive and powerful, the book felt as if I was watching a movie. Language is beautiful, intricately patterned with local Malaysian customs, culture and traditions.

The beginning felt a tad bit slow but then suddenly, it just drew me into the mysterious Lungkawi forest where danger loomed at every step for the lead characters - Hamra, Ilyas and the Tiger.

There are fanciful characters in the book reminding me of old forgotten grandma tales.

This book brought back a jungle of memories from my own childhood. Must Read. Five stars.

Thank you #Netgalley and #HarperCollins for the Advanced Reader Copy.

“Hamra and the Jungle of Memories” is a great venture into a magical world filled with fun, eclectic, and unique characters. You never know when a character is going to be a help or a hindrance. Just when you think Hamra and her companions will solve a problem and move forward in their quest, something impossible happens that forces them to cooperate and trust, something hard for Hamra.
Hamra is an interesting personality. She always wants to do the right thing, but also allows her emotions, especially her anger, to boil up and get her in trouble. Needless to say, when her birthday is forgotten, she enters the forest, breaking all the rules. Soon she learns that she has to accept the consequences of that rule-breaking. She sets out on a quest with her best friend, Ilyas, and a weretiger, entering an interesting mix of magical and real worlds.
Alkaf does an amazing job with this imaginary world. The idea of taking and taking from the forest versus preserving and nurturing is a lesson well learned. Her descriptions are interesting and to the point (Chapter 5, location 551: “…the air felt like a sponge that hadn’t been properly wrung out; it was heavy, and hot…” and Chapter 20, location 2529 “A prayer is a wish.”).
“Hamra” contains references to the pandemic, with which many people will be able to identify. The scene (Chapter 24, location 2915) that references “ridiculous conspiracy theorists” is a bold statement and may offend some people—which may be a good thing. This, along with another “lesson” in the book are almost like a moral: Chapter 29, Location 3449 “…power is a tool best wielded by those with a foundation strong enough to withstand temptation. And those people are few.”
I enjoyed reading this book. I believe it would make a wonderful read aloud for students. The chapters end in such a way that the reader wants to find out what happens next! It is definitely a page-turner and difficult to put down. It may be helpful if there is a glossary at the end of the book to help with some of the language and cultural terms with which the reader might be unfamiliar.

A fun retelling of Little Red Riding Hood with a Malaysian twist. It was an epic story with an incredible quest which I absolutely adored.

I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.