Anisa's International Day

July 4, 2022
In Atlanta, spirited third grader narrator Anisa Zakaria, who is Pakistani American, enjoys drawing; baking with first grader sister Zineera, with whom she runs a small bakery for family; and laughing with jokester best friend Katie, who reads as white. When Anisa wears a new kurta that her Nani sends from Pakistan, it gives her beloved teacher the idea to hold an International Day, for which each student will choose a state or country to which they have a connection. Looking for an “ingenious” idea for the celebration, the occasion of Anisa’s beloved aunt’s pre-wedding dholki inspires her to plan on bringing mehndi for International Day. But after Katie seems to laugh at Anisa’s decorated palms, Anisa surveys classmates about the ingredients required of a good friend, determining that Katie no longer measures up—and resulting in a fallout. Exploring a cross-cultural friendship alongside interpersonal dynamics at home and school, Faruqi (Unsettled) uses a light touch to articulate one student’s multifaceted struggles around sharing an intersection of her identity in a slice-of-life chapter book that deftly portrays elements of Pakistani culture. Final art not seen by PW. A glossary, recipes, and activities conclude. Ages 8–12. Agent: Rena Rossner, Deborah Harris Agency.

October 1, 2022
A celebration of culture and cuisine. An "All About Anisa" page introduces readers to the titular character, Atlanta-based third grader Anisa Zakaria, whose parents are from Pakistan and who loves baking, the color turquoise, and art. Though this section feels like a bit of an infodump, the pace quickly picks up as readers learn that Anisa's class is planning to host an International Day. Her teacher explains that many students are from different places, some from the United States, others from around the world, so the students will celebrate these places through food and activities. Anisa wants to bring samosas in, but when she learns that another student, whose parents are from India, has already signed up for samosas, Anisa decides to find something different--a tough task given that there's so much to choose from when it comes to Pakistan. But inspiration strikes when Anisa gets her hands decorated with mehndi patterns in preparation for her aunt's wedding. This illustrated chapter book is a deep dive into different cultures in a classroom as well as family and friendships--Anisa encounters friendship woes when she wrongly assumes that her best friend, Katie, is making fun of the mehndi. A relatable character, Anisa employs innovative problem-solving when backed in a corner. Katie presents White; the other classmates are diverse. A winsome tale starring a determined young protagonist. (glossary, recipes for samosas and thumbprint cookies, activities, author's note) (Fiction. 6-10)

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