 | Amina Banana and the formula for friendship (Amina Banana) Author: Safadi, Shifa Saltagi | |
| Price: $5.73 | ||
Summary:
After moving from Syria to Indiana, third-grade science enthusiast Amina tries to find the perfect formula to make friends at her new school.
| Illustrator: | Jaleel, Aaliya |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (04/01/25)
Booklist (04/01/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 04/01/2025 Amina’s family have been adjusting to all sorts of differences since they arrived from Syria. Amina’s top priority is making friends, and being scientifically inclined, she has a formula that she is sure will work. But on her first day of school, it becomes clear that it won’t be that easy. Wherever she turns, she is beset by a new challenge: being misunderstood because of her accent, the confusion caused by strange American idioms, disgusting school lunches, and people mispronouncing her name. Fortunately, her teachers are kind, and Amina quickly finds a group of girls who appreciate her differences and share their own, even while one mean girl teases her. Amina’s vulnerability is coupled with tenacity, and soon enough she has everyone eating the ful that she makes to accompany her science report. Amid a fast-paced, humorous, tender, and ultimately optimistic story, Safadi captures the family’s nostalgia for Syria while they find a place in a new community. Back-matter recipes and a note about the Syrian conflict add important context. A new series to look forward to. - Copyright 2025 Booklist.
