Inspired by the author's real life experiences, this rollicking, charming novel follows sixth grade Egyptian immigrant Nadia as she navigates the ups and downs of friendships, racism, and some magic, too!
Nadia loves fun facts. Here are a few about her:
• She collects bobbleheads -- she has 77 so far.
• She moved from Egypt to America when she was six years old.
• The hippo amulet she wears is ancient... as in it's literally from ancient Egypt.
• She's going to win the contest to design a new exhibit at the local museum. Because how cool would that be?!
(Okay, so that last one isn't a fact just yet, but Nadia has plans to make it one.)
But then a new kid shows up and teases Nadia about her Egyptian heritage. It's totally unexpected, and totally throws her off her game.
And something else happens that Nadia can't explain: Her amulet starts glowing! She soon discovers that the hippo is holding a hilarious -- and helpful -- secret. Can she use it to confront the new kid and win the contest?
From political satirist and comedian Bassem Youssef, aka The Jon Stewart of the Arab World, and author Catherine R. Daly comes a humorous and heartfelt story about prejudice, friendship, empathy, and courage.
Includes sections of black-and-white comics as well as lively black-and-white illustrations throughout.---from the publisher
176 pages 978-1338572285 Ages 8-12
Keywords: middle school, Arab American, immigrants, prejudice, racism, humor, courage, acceptance, accepting others, friends, friendship, empathy, magic, heritage, museum, diversity, diverse books, contest, girls and women, multicultural, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old, secret, bullying
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What happens when an Egyptian teacher is cursed to be trapped inside an amulet for two thousand years and the amulet is found by a modern student? Is there any way for a sixth grader to break the curse and free the prisoner? It isn't easy when that student is busy dealing with the challenges of middle school, a new kid who seems determined to tease her about her heritage, and working with her friends to win a contest sponsored by the local museum.
Nadia begins the school year full of enthusiasm for her classes, eager to reconnect with her friends after the summer, and proud of her cultural background. But the mocking of a new student, including an embarrassing scene at the carnival where he urges everyone to "walk like an Egyptian," has her trying to blend in and avoid being on his radar. Discovering that there is someone trapped inside the amulet just gives her one more thing to cope with, but maybe Titi can help her team design the winning idea for a new museum exhibit. And, just maybe, she can help Titi find a way to break his curse.
A great middle grade read about being true to yourself, the need for cultural sensitivity, and how friction can arise between even the best of friends (especially when they don't know what the other is going through). Shorter and more light-hearted than the Rick Riordan Presents titles that feature folklore from various cultures, Nadia's story reflects the real-life experiences of the author's family and others who have moved to the U.S. from Egypt. Titi's character has the humorous appeal of the genie in Disney's animated Aladdin, sure to generate laughter while passing along details about ancient Egyptian life.
Pass this book along to middle grade readers who enjoy stories that incorporate myths and tales from other cultures, humor, and school-based action.
Recommended by: Suzanne Costner, Librarian, Tennessee USA
See more of her recommendations: https://fveslibrary.blogspot.com/
