Amina’s Song

Gr 4-7–Amina loved the month of summer she spent visiting family in Pakistan, though there were moments she didn’t feel quite Pakistani enough and struggled with having to go home, not knowing when she would see her family again. She’s also trying to figure out how her experiences have changed her view of herself and the world. Her Thaya Jaan (beloved uncle) has challenged her to show her friends back home the beauty of Pakistan. The protagonist is nervous about how her classmates perceive Pakistan and wants them to understand that it’s not as dangerous as they believe it to be. After befriending a new student, Nico, who shares her love of music and a talent for mixing it, Amina finds the opportunity to present the many facets of her heritage through song. A lovely sequel that does not require familiarity with the first book, this is an uplifting story about relationships, especially those that strengthen us and help us grow. Readers really get to know and understand Amina’s perspective, but secondary characters are also fleshed out, making the narrative relatable and engaging.