by Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
5 stars
Amina and her family have just moved to Indian from Syria. A lot of thing are different, but Amina has the perfect formula for making friends in America. Her plan gets off to a rocky start, so Amina has to switch gears and try something new.
Fantastically written. I loved meeting Amina and watching her figure things out. Great STEM themes in the story, including how to carry out the scientific method.
There is some bullying, but Amina also meets kids who stand up for her and listen when she corrects them. Encourages readers to be themselves, correct others when they make mistakes (like mispronouncing names), and share their culture and learn about other cultures.
Lovely black-and-white illustrations pair nicely and help break up the text.
At the back is information about the scientific method and the smell/taste experiment, a ful recipe, and information about the Syrian refugee crisis.
A great start to the series. Looking forward to more adventures with Amina and her new friends.