Review: The Secret Amongst the Olives, by Maariyah Mathir
It’s been a while since I’ve posted here, and I’m glad to finally be back. Life has been beautifully busy with AMWASA work – helping authors find their direction (while trying not to lose mine in the process!)
I first came across the author, Maariyah Mathir, in the most unexpected way – as a judge at the AMS Science Expo. Her Grade 6 exhibit immediately caught my attention, and we struck up a conversation. When I mentioned that she had followed AMWASA on Instagram, her smile said it all – she knew exactly who I was!
Fast forward to reading her book The Secret Amongst the Olives, and I found myself genuinely impressed by her storytelling ability.
The story follows Salma, a young adventurer whose curiosity while climbing trees leads her to discover excitement and a mystery to solve.
What makes the tale especially engaging is its setting – a modern village where Google classrooms and online meetings sit comfortably alongside everyday life, making it both familiar and accessible to today’s readers. The olive trees, which play a quiet role in the book, lend a subtle nod towards a larger cause without ever feeling heavy-handed.
What struck me most, however, is that this thoughtful, well-paced story was written by an 11-year-old. It’s a quick read that children – and even adults – can enjoy. It’s perfectly suited to classroom reading and will no doubt inspire young learners to chase after their own passions, whether in writing or in other ways of bringing benefit to the world.
Kudos to Maariyah for courageously sharing her creativity with us. I am truly grateful to her – and to her mum – for sending me a copy to review.
That’s all from me for now. Stay tuned for more… and remember: ‘Just Dua It.’
Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi
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P.P.S. My book, Kismet – For roses to blossom is available locally and on Kindle Unlimited.
