Aminah Mae Safi Books in Order

Where to Start with Aminah Mae Safi

Aminah Mae Safi writes beautifully layered, character-driven young adult fiction featuring multicultural protagonists, complicated female friendships, and cinematic storylines. Because all of Safi's books are written as standalones, there is no strict narrative continuity to worry about. You can pick up any of her novels in any order you choose.

However, we recommend two primary starting paths depending on your personal reading tastes:

• For Contemporary YA Fans: Start with Safi's debut novel, Not the Girls You're Looking For (2018), or her popular queer hate-to-love romance, Tell Me How You Really Feel (2019). Both books offer a wonderful introduction to her sharp wit and authentic exploration of identity.
• For Historical & Classic Retelling Fans: Dive straight into Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix (2022). It is a fast-paced, diverse reimagining of the classic outlaw tale set during the Third Crusade.

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

If you prefer to follow the progression of Safi's writing, reading her standalone contemporary novels in publication order is a great approach. Each of these books explores unique settings in Southern California and Texas, capturing the complex realities of modern teenagers.

1. Not the Girls You're Looking For (2018)
2. Tell Me How You Really Feel (2019)
3. This Is All Your Fault (2020)

The Remixed Classics Series (Shared Universe)

Aminah Mae Safi contributed the third volume to Feiwel & Friends' Remixed Classics series. This is a collection of young adult novels written by different authors, each reimagining a classic piece of literature with diverse characters. Because these retellings are written by different authors and focus on entirely separate literary classics, they do not share a plot, characters, or setting. You can read Safi's contribution, Travelers Along the Way, as a complete standalone without reading any of the other books in the project.

For readers interested in the complete thematic series, here is the publication order of the Remixed Classics collection:

1. A Clash of Steel: A Treasure Island Remix by C.B. Lee (2021)
2. So Many Beginnings: A Little Women Remix by Bethany C. Morrow (2021)
3. Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix by Aminah Mae Safi (2022)
4. What Souls Are Made Of: A Wuthering Heights Remix by Tasha Suri (2022)
5. Self-Made Boys: A Great Gatsby Remix by Anna-Marie McLemore (2022)
6. My Dear Henry: A Jekyll & Hyde Remix by Kalynn Bayron (2023)
7. Teach the Torches to Burn: A Romeo & Juliet Remix by Keah Brown (2023)
8. Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline (2023)

Detailed Breakdown of Safi's Novels

Not the Girls You're Looking For (2018)

Safi's debut novel centers on Lulu Saad, a biracial Muslim teen navigating family expectations, messy high school friendships, and self-destructive tendencies during the month of Ramadan in Houston, Texas. It is a raw, honest look at identity and the friction of growing up between multiple cultures.

Tell Me How You Really Feel (2019)

Inspired by classic romantic comedies and Sofia Coppola films, this story follows two ambitious girls at a Los Angeles private school. Sana Khan is a cheerleader with her future planned out, and Rachel Recht is a budding, headstrong filmmaker. When they are forced to collaborate on Rachel's senior film project, their long-standing rivalry transforms into a sweet and complex romance.

This Is All Your Fault (2020)

Set over the course of a single, chaotic day, this novel follows three girls—Rinn, Dani, and Imogen—who work at a beloved local indie bookstore, Wild Nights Books. When they discover the shop is closing, they must put aside their personal differences and secrets to stage a creative campaign to save it. It is a fantastic pick for lovers of contemporary ensemble stories.

Travelers Along the Way: A Robin Hood Remix (2022)

Set in 1192 during the Third Crusade, this historical adventure follows Rahma al-Adil and her sister Zeinab as they join forces with a band of outlaws, including a disinherited English lord, to execute a daring heist and save their homeland. It is a rich, action-packed reimagining that puts Middle Eastern history and diverse perspectives at the forefront.

Anthology Contributions

In addition to her full-length novels, Safi has written short stories for several notable young adult anthologies. These are great entry points if you want to sample her short fiction:

• "Be Cool, For Once" in Fresh Ink: An Anthology (2018) – A sweet story about an introverted teen who runs into her school crush at a concert, inspired by the classic Persian love story of Shirin and Khosrow. This story won the We Need Diverse Books short story contest.
• "Three Minutes" in Out of Our League (2024) – A story focused on a competitive boxing match, exploring the determination and physical struggles of young female athletes.
• "Wayfinding" in First-Year Orientation (2023) – A story capturing the transitional anxiety and excitement of starting the first days of college.

What to Know Before You Start

Safi's novels frequently focus on flawed, ambitious young women who make mistakes but grow through their relationships. Her academic background in Islamic art history shines through in the rich cultural and visual details of her settings. While her books deal with serious topics like systemic prejudice, identity crises, and family struggles, they maintain an optimistic, heartwarming, and friendly tone that makes them highly accessible and engaging.