This article details a project that centered on perceptions of Islam, teacher development, and student engagement, all through the use of young adult (YA) texts containing characters that self-identify as Muslim. It created a space and opportunity to engage in discourse that has the potential to challenge and expand understandings held by students, teachers, faculty and staff, and community members. This article will focus on the implementation of this eight-week unit and ways educators might consider using YA literature featuring Muslim characters, or characters from an unfamiliar culture, to foster meaningful, engaging discussions about individual choices and society as a whole.