Raidah Shah Idil was born in Singapore; grew up in Sydney, Australia; worked in Amman, Jordan; and now lives in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia, with her husband, three children, and mother-in-law. Raidah earned her BA in English and BSc in psychology from the University of New South Wales and her Diploma of Counselling from the Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors. Raidah loves ginger tea and noodle soup and dreams of uninterrupted sleep. How to Free a Jinn is her first book.
“How to Free a Jinn has all the qualities that make it an action-packed, adventurous classic, with spirits and magic lurking around the corner, complex family dynamics, and newfound friendships. Readers will love seeing the sweet Insyirah’s growth as a magic-user and a person as she battles anxiety and encounters all sorts of mythical creatures.”
—Deeba Z., Senior Editor, on How to Free a Jin
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A SLJ BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
"In her fast-paced and thrilling debut, Idil has crafted a delightful tale of discovering one’s family destiny, righting generations of wrongs, and fighting for freedom. Hand to fans of Rick Riordan, Maleeha Siddiqui, or Saadia Faruqi...A fresh, fantastical debut steeped in mythology and beautiful storytelling; a recommended first purchase for public and school libraries." —School Library Journal
"The thrilling story immerses readers in the Malaysian setting through sumptuous descriptions and vivid world building, skillfully weaving Islamic tenets and Malay folklore." —Booklist
"A Malay Muslim tween contends with the consequences of a generational connection with spirits in Idil’s energetic debut...Syirah’s relationship with Malaysian culture, as well as her desire to overcome her perceived limitations to protect herself and her loved ones, adds dimensionality to this bustling mythological adventure." —Publishers Weekly
This delightful coming-of-age tale weaves humor, deep family bonds, steadfast faith, and mythology into a wholly believable narrative...An intriguing exploration of mysticism and religion, centering on a strong and deeply relatable girl. —Kirkus Reviews
A SLJ BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR
"In her fast-paced and thrilling debut, Idil has crafted a delightful tale of discovering one’s family destiny, righting generations of wrongs, and fighting for freedom. Hand to fans of Rick Riordan, Maleeha Siddiqui, or Saadia Faruqi...A fresh, fantastical debut steeped in mythology and beautiful storytelling; a recommended first purchase for public and school libraries." —School Library Journal
"The thrilling story immerses readers in the Malaysian setting through sumptuous descriptions and vivid world building, skillfully weaving Islamic tenets and Malay folklore." —Booklist
"A Malay Muslim tween contends with the consequences of a generational connection with spirits in Idil’s energetic debut...Syirah’s relationship with Malaysian culture, as well as her desire to overcome her perceived limitations to protect herself and her loved ones, adds dimensionality to this bustling mythological adventure." —Publishers Weekly
This delightful coming-of-age tale weaves humor, deep family bonds, steadfast faith, and mythology into a wholly believable narrative...An intriguing exploration of mysticism and religion, centering on a strong and deeply relatable girl. —Kirkus Reviews
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