“Based on my years of living in Karachi, a city in Pakistan, the story ‘Hamza overcomes’ seems so true to life. I met so many young boys among my students who were full of hopes and dreams, but their ambitions were being shattered in so many ways. In this story, the local bully and his gang, encouraged by Hamza’s apparent weakness and inability to retaliate, become increasingly oppressive and dangerous. By contrast, Hamza’s home is a place of refuge and wisdom and there he is being schooled in a different set of values. How will Hamza respond? The story takes a surprising turn at the end.

The offer of certain forgiveness and a response of unlimited grace are some of Jesus’ unique contributions to the religious context of his time and ours. This delightful story, brilliantly illustrated, is a wonderful way to present key aspects of the Christ’s gospel of love in Muslim contexts.”