Today's read... Drawing Deena by Hena Khan

Today's read comes from an author, whose works I've been enjoying for several years. She always mixes culture with everyday life so smoothly, and I appreciate her tales. So, I'm expecting quite a bit with this one, too. But then, the cover has already won me over. My favorite color just happens to be yellow, and I adore sunflowers....plus, its so artsy and dreamy. 

This one doesn't come out until February, but it's always great to have an up-and-coming list, right?

 

DRAWING DEENA

by Hena Khan

Salaam Reads

Middle Grade Contemporary

240 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

FEBRUARY 6th, 2024!!!

From the award-winning author of Amina’s Voice and Amina’s Song comes a tenderhearted middle grade novel about a young Pakistani American artist determined to manage her anxiety and forge her own creative path.

Deena’s never given a name to the familiar knot in her stomach that appears when her parents argue about money, when it’s time to go to school, or when she struggles to find the right words. She manages to make it through each day with the help of her friends and the art she loves to make.

While her parents’ money troubles cause more and more stress, Deena wonders if she can use her artistic talents to ease their burden. She creates a logo and social media account to promote her mom’s home-based business selling clothes from Pakistan to the local community. With her cousin and friends modeling the outfits and lending their social media know-how, business picks up.

But the success and attention make Deena’s cousin and best friend, Parisa, start to act funny. Suddenly Deena’s latest creative outlet becomes another thing that makes her feel nauseated and unsure of herself. After Deena reaches a breaking point, both she and her mother learn the importance of asking for help and that, with the right support, Deena can create something truly beautiful.

GOODREADS

MY TIDBITS

Middle school and family hit naturally with all the smiles and hurdles to touch the heart from beginning to end.

Deena's stressed. At least, that's what the dentist claims. Between no one understanding her love for art, her grades, her friends, and, more importantly, her family and their money struggles, life isn't easy. But there might be a chance to ease both the art and family ends. Determined to help her mother sell her created clothes more efficiently, Deena gets together with her cousin and best friend to set up a few social marketing endeavors. And it's a success! But it's getting to her cousin's and friend's head, which is causing Deena more stress than before. If only there were a way to fix everything.

Deena comes across as an average, middle school girl with very normal problems. She's kind, unsure, and tries her best to cope. Everything about her comes across naturally and spot-on age-wise, making her very easy to connect with, like, and cheer for. Her family is loving and kind but not perfect...just like every family. The back-and-forth between home life, school life, and friends rings with true-to-life problems and situations, while still remembering to bring enough humor to draw those needed smiles of relief. There are more than a few things readers will identify with and see in their own lives, and that in an entertaining and wholesome way.

I appreciate that the author allows Deena to tackle issues in a larger way. In other words, her mother (although not in all aspects) listens to her suggestions and lets her tackle the social media marketing, showing readers that they can accomplish even 'big' projects with determination and work (inspiring). Yet, it stays in reality and shows the borders, and in this case, that help isn't a bad thing. Of course, nothing is easy, and that's also a great message for today's readers.

Then, there's the cultural aspects. These weave in so seamlessly and add a wonderful touch. Deena never thinks about the differences really, but rather, the food, dresses, details and more are simply part of life. Readers learn about the culture...and even more, with art history and such...and that without ever feeling as if there's something to learn. It creates a smooth read with depth in many ways, which is enjoyable to read.

And here she is...

Hena Khan is a Pakistani American writer. She is the author of the middle grade novels Amina’s Voice, Amina’s Song, More to the Story, Drawing Deena, and the Zara’s Rules series and picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It’s Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family. You can learn more about Hena and her books by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com or connecting with her @HenaKhanBooks.

Review: Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun by Hena Khan

Today's read comes from an author, whose works I've read and enjoyed before, but it was the title and the girl on the cover, which made me want to really take a peek. Doesn't she sound and look like a girl with tons of spunk and ideas? 

So, let's see how fun this one gets. 

ZARA'S RULES FOR RECORD-BREAKING FUN

by Hena Khan

Illustrated by Wastana Haikal

Salaam Reads

Middle Grade Contemporary

144 pages

ages 4 to 8

COMING...

APRIL 19th!!!

From the beloved author of Amina’s Voice comes the first book in a humor-filled middle grade series starring a young Muslim girl with an endless list of hobbies who searches for ways to maximize fun for her family and neighborhood friends.

Meet Zara Saleem, the queen of the neighborhood.

Zara’s in charge of it all: she organizes the games, picks the teams, and makes sure everyone has a good time…and they always do.

When a new family moves in across the street, suddenly Zara’​s reign is threatened by Naomi, who has big ideas of her own about how the neighborhood kids can have fun. To get everyone to notice her again, Zara decides she’s going to break a Guinness World Record—if her little brother Zayd doesn’t mess things up.

But when she finds herself increasingly alone in her record-breaking quest, Zara starts to wonder if sharing the crown and making a new friend might end up being the best rule of all.

GOODREADS   /    B&N    /    BOOK DEPOSITORY    /    AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

New neighbors, old friends, a little jealousy, and tons of ideas come together to create a fun read.

The nicest man in the world has moved away, leaving Zara and her family wondering who will move into the house across the street next. When the moving van pulls up and two kids appear, Zara and her neighborhood friends are a bit nervous. Being the Queen of the Neighborhood, Zara forces courage and brings cookies to greet the newcomers. What she doesn't expect is that the new girl is gaining quite a bit of attention from everyone. Soon, Zara feels a little ignored, but it's nothing she can't handle. She has a new goal and plans to breaking a world record. She just has to figure out which one it will be...and keep her eye on that new neighbor so she doesn't steal her 'Queen' position completely.

Especially lower middle graders will effortlessly slide into this tale. The writing fits the age group very well, and the tale flows smoothly. Each character comes across naturally and could be the kid next door. The situations are familiar and readers will have no trouble identifying with the insecurities involved when a new person joins a group of friends. It's a wholesome read with tons of heart, circling around neighbors, family, and friendships.

The author allows various cultures and traditions to weave into an everyday neighborhood. Zara's family holds their traditions dear, especially when it comes to foods, and the other kids aren't any different. While the reader is introduced to the various details, these flow right into the story without an extra wink or blink. Even when the new family brings their own traditions with them, no true attention is given or comments made from the other characters. It just flows together naturally.

This is great for fans of real life stories with characters to befriend. There's a bit of tension, and a gentle message or two. It will be fun to see what Zara and her friends will experience next.

And here she is...

Hena Khan is a Pakistani American writer. She is the author of the middle grade novels Amina’s Voice, Amina’s Song, More to the Story, and the Zara’s Rules series and picture books Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns, Under My Hijab, and It’s Ramadan, Curious George, among others. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her family. You can learn more about Hena and her books by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com or connecting with her @HenaKhanBooks.

Review: More to the Story by Hena Khan

MORE TO THE STORY

by Hena Khan

Salaam Reads

Middle Grade Contemporary

272 pages

ages 8 to 12

From the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes a new story inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, Little Women, featuring four sisters from a modern American Muslim family living in Georgia.

When Jameela Mirza is picked to be feature editor of her middle school newspaper, she’s one step closer to being an award-winning journalist like her late grandfather. The problem is her editor-in-chief keeps shooting down her article ideas. Jameela’s assigned to write about the new boy in school, who has a cool British accent but doesn’t share much, and wonders how she’ll make his story gripping enough to enter into a national media contest.

Jameela, along with her three sisters, is devastated when their father needs to take a job overseas, away from their cozy Georgia home for six months. Missing him makes Jameela determined to write an epic article—one to make her dad extra proud. But when her younger sister gets seriously ill, Jameela’s world turns upside down. And as her hunger for fame looks like it might cost her a blossoming friendship, Jameela questions what matters most, and whether she’s cut out to be a journalist at all... 

BOOK DEPOSITORY / GOODREADS / AMAZON / B&N  / KOBO

MY TIDBITS

This is a lovely read about family, friends, siblings, first love interests, and chasing your dreams.

Jameela is a seventh grade girl, who has a loving family and a good head on her shoulders. But that doesn't mean life is simple. Her father is having trouble finding a job and must head across seas, leaving the rest of them alone. A boy her age, and family friend, moves to their town from Britain, with troubles of her own. While she's becoming good friends with him, her ambitions to because a great reporter for the school paper have her chasing him for an inclusive. And that might not go as planned. Add troubles with the head of the newspaper, regular life with her siblings (which isn't always smooth) and she's in for quite the time.

The author does a terrific job at introducing a wholesome family and bringing their situation to life in such a way that readers of this age group will easily identify with. Jameela is a girl with energy, determination, a big heart but that doesn't mean she feels secure in every situation or always knows what to do. The problems she faces are the type readers will recognize and sympathize with, and the solutions are realistic as well as nicely laid.

While the tale follows every day problems (more or less), it's never boring. Jameela has her plate full and not every problem is easy to solve. Her insecurities make her easy to like and fun to root for. Even her mistakes are simple to understand. The Muslim life weaves in seamlessly. This allows readers not only to learn more about the religion and culture, but doesn't take over the story. Readers from other religions and cultures can still identify with the characters and their issues without ever feeling pushed. It's simply well done. There are surprising twists and turns as well as humor built in, making it a fun read from start to finish, too. This is a read kids ages 8 to 12 are sure to enjoy and identify with.
 

Review: Amina's Song by Hena Khan

 

AMINA'S SONG

by Hena Khan

Salaam Reads

Middle Grade Contemporary

288 pages

ages 8 to 12

COMING...

MARCH 9th, 2021!!!

In the companion novel to the beloved and award-winning Amina’s Voice, Amina once again uses her voice to bridge the places, people, and communities she loves—this time across continents.

It’s the last few days of her vacation in Pakistan, and Amina has loved every minute of it. The food, the shops, the time she’s spent with her family—all of it holds a special place in Amina’s heart. Now that the school year is starting again, she’s sad to leave, but also excited to share the wonders of Pakistan with her friends back in Greendale.

After she’s home, though, her friends don’t seem overly interested in her trip. And when she decides to do a presentation on Pakistani hero Malala Yousafzai, her classmates focus on the worst parts of the story. How can Amina share the beauty of Pakistan when no one wants to listen? 

BOOK DEPOSITORY / GOODREADS / B&N / AMAZON

MY TIDBITS

With tons of heart and a touch of bitter-sweetness, this tale illustrates the push and pull when stuck between cultures and the struggle to find balance when no one truly understands.

Amina spends time in Pakistan, visiting her relatives and soaking up the moments with them as much as she can before returning to her home in the US. Of course, she's sad to go but excited to return to her friends at home, too. Over bubbling with the joys of the trip, she tries to share it with her friends at home, but they aren't as interested. When she decides it might be great to give a presentation on her home country, especially on a historical figure, things don't go quite as planned.

This is simply a well done book and set perfectly for middle grade readers. Amina is a wonderful character with tons of heart, lots of room for love, and yet, unbalanced in her own state of being thanks to her stretch between two 'worlds'. I really enjoyed how naturally she comes across. Every moment, exchange, and scene flows smoothly and let me sink in. Amina is the kind of girl, anyone wants to be friends with, and when she has problems, it's hard not to feel for her and want to help her figure out how to handle things. In that way, this read does a marvelous job at awakening empathy and, at least, begins to show what problems people like Amina face.

While many books, which tackle this sort of topic, tend to be dry and preachy, this one has a lovely pacing and keeps the reader in the pages. The author allows scenes and descriptions to open up Pakistan without becoming long-drawn or boring. So, kudos on this end!

With my own family strapped between countries and cultures, I was really looking forward to seeing how the author handled this. And I can give it a two thumbs up! My own kids have been repeatedly asked if they are related to Hitler or support his ideas and such...and while they were at first offended, they now roll their eyes. Usually, explanations fall flat on other kids because they really aren't interested in learning anything outside of whatever they've heard. So, this hits home and, obviously, gives us a special view on Amina's tale. 

In any case, this is well done and definitely worth a read.

And here's the first book in the series...

AMINA'S VOICE

208 pages

Amina has never been comfortable in the spotlight. She is happy just hanging out with her best friend, Soojin. Except now that she’s in middle school everything feels different. Soojin is suddenly hanging out with Emily, one of the “cool” girls in the class, and even talking about changing her name to something more “American.” Does Amina need to start changing too? Or hiding who she is to fit in? While Amina grapples with these questions, she is devastated when her local mosque is vandalized.

GOODREADS  /    AMAZON

This is a wonderfully done tale, whose family is from Pakistan, finding her way through the difficulties of middle school...especially when it means expanding beyond the tighter community she harbored in before.

I enjoyed the realistic setting and how the author really brings the middle school realm to life. Readers won't have any trouble recognizing the various situations and snuggling right in with Amina. While this book does expand the awareness that foreigners have with sliding into society (and all the prejudice issues that go with it), the problems still aren't anything completely unknown to middle grader readers. They'll be able to identify with Amina, find her to be a wonderful friend, and even learn more about the world around them along the way.

Review: More to the Story by Hena Khan

MORE TO THE STORY

by Hena Khan

SALAAM Reads

Middle Grade Contemporary

ages 8 to 12

272 pages

COMING...

SEPTEMBER 3rd, 2019!!!

From the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes a new story inspired by Louisa May Alcott’s beloved classic, Little Women, featuring four sisters from a modern American Muslim family living in Georgia.

When Jameela Mirza is picked to be feature editor of her middle school newspaper, she’s one step closer to being an award-winning journalist like her late grandfather. The problem is her editor-in-chief keeps shooting down her article ideas. Jameela’s assigned to write about the new boy in school, who has a cool British accent but doesn’t share much, and wonders how she’ll make his story gripping enough to enter into a national media contest.

Jameela, along with her three sisters, is devastated when their father needs to take a job overseas, away from their cozy Georgia home for six months. Missing him makes Jameela determined to write an epic article—one to make her dad extra proud. But when her younger sister gets seriously ill, Jameela’s world turns upside down. And as her hunger for fame looks like it might cost her a blossoming friendship, Jameela questions what matters most, and whether she’s cut out to be a journalist at all...

 MY TIDBITS

This is a lovely read about family, friends, siblings, first love interests, and chasing your dreams.

Jameela is a seventh grade girl, who has a loving family and a good head on her shoulders. But that doesn't mean life is simple. Her father is having trouble finding a job and must head across seas, leaving the rest of them alone. A boy her age, and family friend, moves to their town from Britain, with troubles of her own. While she's becoming good friends with him, her ambitions to because a great reporter for the school paper have her chasing him for an inclusive. And that might not go as planned. Add troubles with the head of the newspaper, regular life with her siblings (which isn't always smooth) and she's in for quite the time.

The author does a terrific job at introducing a wholesome family and bringing their situation to life in such a way that readers of this age group will easily identify with. Jameela is a girl with energy, determination, a big heart but that doesn't mean she feels secure in every situation or always knows what to do. The problems she faces are the type readers will recognize and sympathize with, and the solutions are realistic as well as nicely laid.

While the tale follows every day problems (more or less), it's never boring. Jameela has her plate full and not every problem is easy to solve. Her insecurities make her easy to like and fun to root for. Even her mistakes are simple to understand. The Muslim life weaves in seamlessly. This allows readers not only to learn more about the religion and culture, but doesn't take over the story. Readers from other religions and cultures can still identify with the characters and their issues without ever feeling pushed. It's simply well done. There are surprising twists and turns as well as humor built in, making it a fun read from start to finish, too. This is a read kids ages 8 to 12 are sure to enjoy and identify with.

And here she is...

Hena Khan is the author of several books including Amina's Voice; Power Forward; On Point; Bounce Back; It's Ramadon, Curious George; Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns; and The Night of the Moon. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her husband and two sons. You can learn  more about Hena by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com

Review: Bounce Back by Hena Khan

BOUNCE BACK

Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream

Book Three

by Hena Khan

Salaam Reads

Middle Grade Sports

114 pages

ages 8 to 12

From the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes the third book in an exciting middle grade series about a scrawny fourth-grader with big dreams of basketball stardom.

Zayd has a plan. He’s ready to take the reins as team captain of the Gold Team.

But when an injury leaves him on the sidelines, his plans get derailed. Can Zayd learn what it means to be a leader if he’s not the one calling the shots?

MY TIDBITS

This is the third book in the series and while it is more fun to follow Zayd from the very beginning, these can be read as stand-alones.

Zayd's basketball life is looking up. He has a brand new, straight hoop at home to practice with, and he has a real shot at becoming team captain. But when a misstep during practice ends with a sprained ankle four weeks of sitting out might be more than he can handle. To add to his troubles, his grandfather suffers a heart-attack and his entire family is on edge.

I'm liking this series more and more as it progresses. Zayd is a normal kid who loves basketball. It's his dream to become a star player, and he's doing everything he can to achieve it even though it's not an easy path. His disappointment at the injury is understandable and his frustration believable. The only thing which bugged me here was that he didn't attend practices during this period but sat on the couch. For those kids who were that interested in their team and the sport, this is unusual as they would still be on the sidelines following everything as much as possible. (The coach would even insist on it). But this is only a small issues which doesn't hurt the story.

The author does a great job of balancing Zayd's interest and troubles with basketball with real life. His family is close knit and adds a wonderful note to the court troubles. Zayd's care and concern for his grandparents and his way of handling it are heart-warming and very natural. It's a mix which makes him easy to identify with and a story which draws in book after book. The addition of his family's cultural difference also adds a nice dash of spice. The author builds these small details in so smoothly and naturally. I'm excited to see what happens to Zayd next.

And here she is...
Hena Khan is author of several books including Amina's Voice; Power Forward: On Point; Bounce Back; It's Ramadan, Curious George; Golden Domes and Silver Lanterns; and The Night of the Moon. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her husband and two sons. You can learn more about Hena by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com.

Review: On Point by Hena Khan

ON POINT

Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream

Book Two

by Hena Khan

Salaam Reads

Middle Grade Sports

ages 7 to 10

144 pages

From the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes the second book in an exciting new middle grade series about a scrawny fourth-grader with big dreams of basketball stardom.

Now that Zayd has made the Gold Team, he’s hustling hard and loving every minute of the season.

But when team starts to struggle, Zayd can’t help wondering if it has something to do with him. Even worse, his best friend Adam suddenly starts acting like he doesn’t care about basketball anymore, even though they are finally teammates. He stops playing basketball with Zayd at recess and starts hanging out with other kids. Then, Adam up and quits the Gold Team to play football instead.

While his uncle’s wedding preparations turn life into a circus at home, Zayd is left on his own to figure things out. He has to decide how to still be friends with Adam and step up to fill the empty shoes he left on the court. Does Zayd have what it takes to be on point and lead his team back to victory?

MY TIDBITS

Basketball on and off the court take on exciting twists in a novel for sport fans.

Zayd is now on the team, just where he always hoped to be. But nothing's going quite like he expected it would. The team's unbeatable season the year before seems like a forgotten dream as they lose game after game. To make matters worse, Adam, the team captain and best player, is thinking about switching to football. Zayd finds himself lost as all others begin to look to him for direction. But then, even his family seems to be doing odd things with the wedding coming up.

I did read the first book in the series and suggest starting with it before hitting this one, since much of the character grounding happens in book one.

Zayd's enthusiasm dies quickly in this book and his disappointment is tangible. He never comes across as a whiner either. Zayd is simply at a loss and insecure now that the coach expects more from him. The emotions are real without being over-emphasized, and it's something kids will easily identify with. Especially when it comes to the problems with his best friend, as Adam chooses a different road. There's a lot changing, and it's exactly this which the book looks at.

The author does a nice job at balancing Zayd's family life with his sport one, while building in a wonderful parallel. While Zayd is having trouble in his new leading position, his uncle is having similar problems when it comes to the wedding organization. It's a clear message without feeling preachy.

Like in the first book, the basketball moments come across smoothly and spot on. Zayd is in the game as any boy his age would be. The traditions of the Pakistani wedding also fall subtly in along the sidelines, giving the story a nice flair while gently informing the reader about the culture.

In other words, this is again an interesting read sport fans are sure to enjoy, and the short length makes it easy to read.


And here she is...

Hena Khan is the author of several books including Amina's Voice; Power Forward; On Point; Bounce Back; It's Ramadan, Curious George; Golden Domes and  Silver Lanterns; and The Night of the Moon. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her husband and two sons. You can learn more about Hena by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com.

Review: Power Forward by Hena Khan

POWER FORWARD

Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream

by Hena Khan

Simon & Schuster

Middle Grade Contemporary / Sports

144 pages

ages 7 to 10

From the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes the first book in an exciting new middle grade series about a fourth-grader with big dreams of basketball stardom.

Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He’s not just going to be a professional basketball player. He’s going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It’s his destiny. There are only a few small things in his way.

For starters, Zayd’s only on the D-team. (D stands for developmental, but to Zayd it’s always felt like a bad grade or something.) Not to mention, he’s a bit on the scrawny side, even for the fourth grade team. But his best friend Adam is on the Gold Team, and it’s Zayd’s dream for the two of them to play together.

His mom and dad don’t get it. They want him to practice his violin way more than his jump shot. When he gets caught blowing off his violin lessons to practice, Zayd’s parents lay down the ultimate punishment: he has to hang up his high tops and isn’t allowed to play basketball anymore.

As tryouts for the Gold Team approach, Zayd has to find the courage to stand up for himself and chase his dream.

 MY TIDBITS

Of all the sport fiction for middle graders I've read so far this year, this one makes the slam dunk. SIZZLE.

Zayd is a fourth-grader who dreams of becoming famous, preferrably as an NBA basketball player. But right now, he's on the D-league, which means he's going to have to move up to the gold team first. He's determined and actually has the chance to shine at the next tryouts, but his parents and their dream of him playing the violin is getting in the way. Somehow, Zayd's going to have to work things out if he wants a prayer of achieving his goals.

The author does a fantastic job at bringing Zayd and his problems across naturally, and has a real talent for getting into kids' heads. Zayd is a good boy with a big dream, and he is willing to put in the work and time to make it. His attitude and occasional slip-up are completely understandable and human. He's a lot of fun, has heart and is a joy to cheer for the whole way through.

The writing flows smoothly and at the right level for the intended audience, making this an easy read. It's not too long and the occasional illustrations make it perfect for even more reluctant readers, who'd rather hit the court than hold their nose in a book. Considering it's the beginning of a series, it will be fun to see where each book takes Zayd on his journey toward basketball dreams.

There's a wonderful balance between the basketball scenes and Zayd's everyday life. When he touches that ball, the scenes hit as a real practice. The movements, thoughts and terms are true to life and allow the reader to sink in and feel at home in the game. But this is also true of Zayd's family life. His family has Pakistani origins, which is never forced but flows with the story while keeping the cultural uniqueness in an American setting. Zayd's grandparents still carry their slight accent and influences from the culture sit in his everyday life. It's a great balance and very natural.

Fans of basketball or sports will love following Zayd as he battles to achieve his dreams not only on the court but also takes on everyday life.

And here she is. . .

Hena Khan is the author of several books including Amina's Voice;Power Forward; On Point; Bounce Back; It's Ramadan, Curious George; Golden Dames and Silver Lanterns; and The Night of the Moon. Hena lives in her hometown of Rockville, Maryland, with her husband and two sons. You can learn more about Hena by visiting her website at HenaKhan.com.