Starred review from December 1, 2022
Gr 1-4-This series sequel continues the adventures of gutsy third grader Marya Khan. This time, Marya wants to prove that she isn't a baby by taking up a big responsibility as garden leader at their school's first-ever community garden. Also competing for that spot? Rich girl nemesis Alexa. The spirited heroine soon learns that gardening requires a lot of work and being a leader isn't always what it's cracked up to be. She also learns that people aren't always who they seem, and hard work is made lighter when you're together. Along for the hijinks are Marya's close friends and supportive family. The characters are well-developed and feel like a well-integrated part of Marya's universe. The humor is genuine, and warmth exudes from the dialogue and prose. Faruqi continues to create relatable protagonists with age-relevant and real-kid struggles and triumphs while offering an authentic portrayal of a Muslim, Pakistani family. Those who haven't read the first installment will be brought up to speed quickly and familiarity with the first book isn't necessary. Words of the Day precede each chapter, which will delight word lovers and give astute readers clues as to what awaits Marya. Bushry's black-and-white illustrations help ground the narrative and give burgeoning readers extra clues to help discern Marya's goings-on. VERDICT Authentic friendships, layered family dynamics, and the adventures of an intrepid heroine make this a must-have series that should be shelved next to Ren�e Watson's "Ryan Hart" books.-Shelley M. Diaz
Copyright 2022 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
February 15, 2023
Grades 2-4 With a brother in fifth grade and a sister in middle school, eight-year-old Marya finds it hard to be the youngest child, particularly when her father affectionately calls her "my baby girl." At school, her class is given responsibility for creating a school garden, and she volunteers to lead the project. So does her next-door neighbor Alexa, who continually tries to befriend Marya but succeeds only in annoying her. Then their teacher appoints them as coleaders. While the garden project has its ups and downs, Marya can't help noticing Alexa's strengths, and, gradually, she lets go of her long-standing hostility. Through interactions with her teacher, classmates, and family members, Marya learns that leadership is "more than just bossing everyone around." In this sequel to Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (2022), Faruqi continues her portrayal of an appealing Pakistani American girl who makes understandable mistakes but is willing to learn by observing others. Lively and opinionated, Marya's first-person narrative is consistently entertaining, and the many attractive grayscale illustrations add another dimension to this transitional chapter book.
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June 1, 2023
Jealousy takes root when Marya Khan's third grade class creates a community garden. Marya loves big words, math, and being in charge--the latter of which brings her into conflict with her classmate and neighbor Alexa R. ("the most annoying person on the planet"). Both girls want to be the garden leader, and they try to one-up each other as they jockey for the role. Marya may be the youngest in her family, but she's determined to show her teacher she has what it takes as she launches Operation Be a Leader. When Marya and Alexa are both appointed garden leader, they're forced to work together, but being in charge turns out to be a lot more work than Marya anticipated--and she bristles when Alexa seems to have better leadership skills than her. Faruqi is keenly aware of the little jealousies and big hurts that often seem larger than life to children, and she weaves these and other themes, such as friendship and family drama, into her charming, lighthearted narrative. References to the Khan family's Pakistani heritage are effectively incorporated; the family is Muslim, and Marya's mother wears hijab. Alexa presents White. There's plenty of humor here, and, as in the first series installment, every chapter starts with an excerpt from Marya's Word of the Day diary sure to delight word lovers. Final illustrations not seen. Another enjoyable outing with a protagonist sure to win readers over. (Chapter book. 6-9)
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