AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR MAKING MONEY (Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel)

For middle grade readers, there’s another book birthday this week that can’t be missed: Amina Banana and the Formula for Making Money by Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel, the third installment in the Amina Banana series! After the breakout success seen by the first two books when they were released last year, Amina … Continue reading AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR MAKING MONEY (Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel)

MY HEART SPEAKS KRIOLU (Stefanie Foster Brown, illus. by Keisha Morris)

Staying connected to one’s heritage can be challenging for third culture kids, especially when their place in the diaspora feels so far removed from its roots. For instance, in My Heart Speaks Kriolu by Stefanie Foster Brown, illustrated by Keisha Morris, the protagonist would love to feel more connected to her Cabo Verdean heritage. However, … Continue reading MY HEART SPEAKS KRIOLU (Stefanie Foster Brown, illus. by Keisha Morris)

MARYA KHAN AND THE ABOMINABLE SKI TRIP (Saadia Faruqi, illus. by Ani Bushry)

What’s not to love about a luxury ski trip? Well, if you’re Marya Khan and you hate cold, hanging out with your bossy older sister, and, you know, skiing, plenty. If your chapter book reader hasn’t yet checked out the endearing stories of Marya, this sixth installment in the series is a treat. Marya Khan … Continue reading MARYA KHAN AND THE ABOMINABLE SKI TRIP (Saadia Faruqi, illus. by Ani Bushry)