SATA
ENTRY TYPE: new
WORK TITLE: Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship
WORK NOTES:
PSEUDONYM(S):
BIRTHDATE:
WEBSITE: https://shifasafadi.com/
CITY:
STATE:
COUNTRY:
NATIONALITY:
LAST VOLUME:
RESEARCHER NOTES:
PERSONAL
ADDRESS
CAREER
WRITINGS
SIDELIGHTS
BIOCRIT
PERIODICALS
Kirkus Reviews July 1, 2024, review of Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: KAREEM BETWEEN.
School Library Journal vol. 70 no. 10 Oct., 2024. Youssif, Carol. , “SAFADI, Shifa Saltagi. Kareem Between.”.
School Library Journal vol. 70 no. 12 Dec., 2024. Bohan, Maria. , “SAFADI, Shifa Saltagi. The Gift of Eid.”. p. 106.
Kirkus Reviews Jan. 15, 2025, , “Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: THE GIFT OF EID.”.
Publishers Weekly vol. 272 no. 9 Mar. 3, 2025, , “Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship (Amina Banana # 1) Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel.”. p. 58.
Kirkus Reviews Apr. 1, 2025, , “Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR FRIENDSHIP.”.
Kirkus Reviews Apr. 15, 2025, , “Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR WINNING.”.
Shifa Saltagi Safadi is the National Book Award Winning author of Kareem Between, the Amina Banana series, and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid.
Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents when she was a young girl. She is a bilingual Arabic/English speaker, and is very familiar with the challenges of learning English and navigating two languages.
You can learn more about all her books here.
Shifa has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, is a former English teacher, and is a former reviewer of Muslim books on her blog, Muslim Mommy Blog.
She is super passionate about spreading a love of reading to children through fun storytimes and engaging school visits.
Visit Shifa online at ShifaSafadi.com and on Instagram @shifasaltagisafadi
Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Winner, 2024 National Book Awards
Shifa Saltagi Safadi
Shifa Saltagi Safadi is the author of Kareem Between and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid. She has a bachelor’s degree in English Literature, teaches English Language Arts at a local middle school, and reviews Muslim books on her blog, Muslim Mommy Blog. Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. She lives near Chicago with her husband and four children.
Interview with author Shifa Saltagi Safadi on her book Kareem Between
Summary
Interview with author Shifa Saltagi Safadi on her book Kareem Between
Welcome to Mixed-Up Files Contributer Shifa Safadi!
It is my extreme pleasure to interview Shifa Safadi for the blog today. Shifa is a regular contributer to the blog. Her sunny-bright disposition and optimistic attitude are infectious. She exhibits a continual commitment to her culture, her community, and children. I couldn’t have asked for a better partner on this journey to highlight fiction for middle graders by diverse authors, and I am honored to talk to her about her new release KAREEM BETWEEN!
All about Shifa
Shifa started off in the kidlit book space as a Muslim Book Reviewer. As a new mother, she wanted her kids to be proud of their Arab American and Muslim identity. She believed that books were the best way to connect with them at bedtime and help them feel seen.
All the beautiful books she collected and adored wok eup her childhood dream of writing books. After a little soul-searching and a lot of hard woork, here she is, writing her own books for young children, seeing her dreams come true, and loving every minute of it!
Kareem Between
What has been your favorite reaction to the book so far?
Oh my gosh, I love every single review I have seen of KAREEM BETWEEN. I am so so flattered to have my words read and loved. I have been getting a lot of positive reviews and reactions, and a memorable moment was getting a Kirkus star! I jumped up and down like a kid again!
And also, I love when readers appreciate the football! I want kids who love sports to just adore the football aspects and geek out at all the references and NFL facts.
What is your biggest motivator?
Writing for Muslim kids is my biggest motivation as a writer. Growing up as a Muslim American, I honestly felt so out of place for so long. I wondered how to find my place in my world, and it made me doubt if I would ever belong. Add rising islamophobia into it, a Muslim ban in 2017, and prevalent stereotypes- I feel even more impassioned to provide books for Muslim kids to see themselves in, and books that provide a window for all readers to peek into what it’s like to be a Muslim kid.
Impacting Perception
Muslim and Catholic
How do you hope your work can impact the Muslim community? How do you hope your work can impact perceptions of Muslims?
Words are so powerful.
I know for myself, the first time I ever read a Muslim book, I was an adult. I remember crying- like I could not believe that I was seeing a main character who was a Muslim who was NOT A VILLAIN. Unfortunately, popular media for so long has shown Muslims and Arabs as terrorists and inhumane and oppressed, that to see them shown as normal humans for me was so unexpected.
I want it to be expected.
A diverse group of children on a white ...I want it to be the norm.
I want young readers now to grow up normalizing that Muslims and Arabs are human- that they have stories and voices and words worth listening to. And I want Muslim readers to feel seen and worthy, knowing that they matter.
For readers who aren’t Muslim or Arab, I want them to really examine the inner stereotypes that society has popularized about us. Do hijabi women seem oppressed? Do Arabs seem uneducated? Do Muslim men with beards scare people? Do we all live in deserts?
The answer is no, obviously, because generalizations and boxes are wrong.
Need Diversity in Children's Literature ...
I want stereotypes challenged.
I want people to re-examine their own inner implicit biases and challenge their own selves to think beyond the boxes. And to meet my characters and realize that Muslims and Arabs have stories and lives and emotions and lived experiences that are similar and relatable to ANY reader.
Writing from the Heart
Do you try to be original or to deliver tried and true stories?
How to Write a Great Story in 5 Steps | GrammarlyI write from my heart- and because of that, I always have to dig deep into a part of myself to bring stories to life. There’s a piece of me in each book I make- and even though fiction is not true, there is an element of truth in the stories I tell. These are stories that feel real because they CAN be real. And I want that to be inspiring to readers by making them feel completely immersed in the story.
Inspiration
What author inspired you?
One of my biggest author inspirations is S. K. Ali.
Q & A with S.K. Ali
That Muslim book I read as an adult? It was by her. I love how she writes such beautiful Muslim stories and devotes her time to making sure they feel loved by the Muslim community.
I hope my stories are received well too!
As an author, what would you choose as a mascot/avatar?
I would probably choose a football for this book KAREEM BETWEEN.
a touchdown mean in American football ...
But as a whole, with all my books, maybe a mosaic heart box. I pour Islamic representation into my books and I love Islamic art- and of course mosaic is so reminiscent of Islamic architecture in my birth country, Syria.
Handmade 6-inch Mosaic Heart - Mixed Media
The heart is because I write from my heart and I hope to touch reader’s hearts too!
You can keep up with Shifa and all her exciting projects here.
Apr
29
INTERVIEW with AUTHOR SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI about her upcoming book KAREEM BETWEEN
Posted on April 29, 2024 by islamicschoollibrarian
Standard
INTERVIEW with AUTHOR SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI about her upcoming book KAREEM BETWEEN
435393991_260556667139276_2666634549169627275_n
Assalamualaikum,
It is with great joy that I was able to ask my dear friend, and favorite author Shifa Saltagi Safadi a few questions about her upcoming book KAREEM BETWEEN and offer her answers, insights, and wisdom with all of you. To sweeten the deal we also have an ARC to give away to one lucky US reader.
100,000 Bismillah Vector Images | Depositphotos
KIRIN: Kareem Between is a middle grade novel in verse that tugs at your heart without compromising action, relatability, and joy. It is in simple terms, a coming-of-age story of a boy between, as it says on the back of the book: “Between countries. Between friends. Between football, between family- and between right and wrong.” Yet, somehow it is so much more than all of that, what do you want readers to take away from the book?
SHIFA: What a great question.
There is absolutely so much for readers to find in Kareem in terms of themes, but the one that probably means the most to me is the one about belonging. I think we all have felt a little lost in this world at times, both as tweens in Middle School, and even as adults! And I want readers to know that it’s okay to not always fit in this perfect box- that being in the middle, being in between, can be a position of strength. The world seeks to categorize people into labels, and especially marginalized people- and in Kareem’s and my own case, Muslims and Syrians, can be put in this box of “outsider” and “foreigner”, and honestly, many times even “terrorist”. And I wanted to challenge these labels. Both in terms of what it means to be Arab, as in the character Fadi’s case, he is a Christian Syrian- and in terms of being American- what does it mean to be a citizen of this country.
440341113_2133090993721514_84614182741726886_nUltimately, I want young readers to know that they can embrace the full complicated different facets of who they are without having to conform to peer pressure or labels. That even if it seems easier to step away from parts of yourself to fit in, it isn’t worth it when you erase your feelings. That pride in yourself and confidence in using your unique voice and story will be your asset in this world. And just as Kareem uses his voice at a protest in the O’Hare Airport against the Muslim Ban, and to speak on his local news outlet- I hope young readers use their own voices to stand up for justice, and stand up for themselves.
KIRIN: Many OWN voice writers often say they write the books they wish they had when they were younger, is this your motivation as well? What does authentic, OWN voice, unapologetic representation mean to you?
SHIFA: Oh absolutely! Kareem contains so many different parts of me. I genuinely open up my own heart and pour my emotions onto the page when I write- it is very much an emotional experience and I cried while writing Kareem. And honestly, even every reread- I feel like I go through his character arc with him, especially with the recent news dehumanizing Palestinian lives and how it has become so controversial in some spaces to even call for a ceasefire!
Own voice representation is so important to me. As a reviewer, I often find myself flipping to read the Author’s note to check that the book is authentic. And as a reader- I find myself being moved so much more when the book is written from a writer’s heart.
But also, as a writer- I honestly think I was just tired of the same narrative I have seen my whole life as a Muslim growing up in America- the tired trope of “Islamist terrorist” that makes its way unto movies and media TO THIS day. Of this label that somehow being a practicing Muslim means you are dangerous, strict, mean, inhumane.
I want readers to meet Kareem. To see our humanity. To see how much peace Islam brings me. To take a pause- and maybe even cause a transformation inside of them on how they perceive Muslims and Arabs. To see that we are all connected in our humanity- that laws like the “Muslim Ban” are harmful because not only does it other a whole group of humans, but it strips part of the very principles that America claims to be founded upon.
unnamed
KIRIN: This is your first middle grade novel, what made you decide to write it in verse, and what was the process like? What was the most challenging part of the process?
SHIFA: Interestingly enough- I didn’t start writing KAREEM in verse. It was very much a story in prose, about a kid who wants to make the football team and faces school bullies. I was taking a mentorship with Storyteller Academy (I am a huge fan of writing courses!) when my mentor Sage Blackwood told me the voice of my prose wasn’t working. And suggested trying another format.
I have always adored verse, but I honestly did not think I was talented enough to try it! But I attempted a few pages, interestingly enough, from the middle of the book- and Sage immediately told me they clicked into place! (Thank you Sage). And so then I rewrote the whole book into verse!
The most challenging part was to probably believe in myself- that I could actually write poetry- and once I got over that hurdle, the words just flowed!!
I feel like the verse format was also helpful for me in crafting the emotional arc. I remember being SO SCARED when Trump won the 2016 elections. Being terrified for myself and my kids’ future. And I remember the devastation of the Muslim Ban and how it affected our communities, both here and abroad. And verse helped me with using language, as well as the empty space on the page, to really show these deep emotions of emptiness and loss, but in a way that wasn’t too heavy for children.
The sparse verse on the page helps kids be able to digest these very real themes in a way that they can still find hope and life, and the lyrical language and words of poetry helped me infuse beauty even in the darkest moments of the book. And I wanted to be able to offer that lifeline to readers- that even when things get tough and difficult- the hope in those moments is in finding your words.
KIRIN: Kareem is confident in his Muslim identity, praying at school is normalized, and while he loves his Syrian and American cultures, he does try and find his footing in being both. Why was the distinction between faith and cultural identity important in the story and why is it important to you?
SHIFA: Thank you for this question!
Faith is so important for me. Islam has been my lifeline, my rope of hope in this world, my very heartbeat that I live with. And being Muslim for me is very much a full complete experience, one I embrace with every facet of my being.
And I think part of the reason that Islam is so very important to me is probably a result of my feeling so between two cultures.
I was always between Syrian and American growing up- but I knew my faith and my Creator had space for my whole self, my imperfect, between, flawed heart. And that’s why Islam for me has always been a non-negotiable part of my identity. I am a Muslim. It is my life. I have never considered removing my hijab- even when it gets tough and I get stares. I have never considered not praying, even when I used to get weird stares at sticking my foot in sinks at school or praying in public view. This is me.
And Kareem is the same way. He prays, goes to Jummah, reads Quran, turns to Allah in duaa- and not for one second does he ever consider letting go of being Muslim. Because its who he is, and it’s the rope he holds onto in navigating his two cultures.
It is very important for me to distinguish culture and faith for another reason. There is this common misconception that Muslims and Arabs are the same. But this is not true! So many Arabs are Christians, Jews, Druze, Armenian- and so many Muslims are South Asian, Eastern European, and even white!! The country with the most Muslim population is not even an Arab country. And I also have many white American friends who embraced Islam who tell me how much it hurts for them to feel like the world erases their own identity as Muslims as well.
I wanted to challenge these labels, and especially when Kareem tells his dad that the Muslim ban doesn’t only affect Muslims, but would have affected Fadi, I wanted the reader to pause. To think.
And to realize that othering and stereotyping is in its very essence flawed.
KIRIN: Most western middle grade readers in 2024 probably don’t spend much time thinking about Executive Order 13769, “The Muslim Ban” what do you hope Kareem and his family provide for readers in understanding how it impacted families.
SHIFA: When I started writing this book, I remember having one wish for it. That it gets published in 2024. And there was one reason for that- I wanted it out before the elections this year.
And the reason for my wish is because I want my book to make a difference. The closer we get to elections, the more this book feels so important for people to read. This year’s elections somehow feel just as stressful as the 2016-year elections, and the same issues of Islamophobia and Anti-Arab racism are propping up again everywhere on media and campaign speeches. And I want readers to really think on the very real effects of how American elections can impact marginalized groups in the world.
I really wanted the book to be a peek into what it was like to be Muslim and Syrian in America in 2016/2017 to inspire readers to feel compassion, to think about how politics are automatically part of your identity when you are marginalized.
I also wanted to take back the narrative. I want readers to be brave. Don’t feel silenced anymore- refuse the fear or helplessness of not being able to control who will be President. Because as 2017 showed us, when unfair laws based on racism are signed- WE DO HAVE POWER as citizens. We resisted the Muslim ban, we protested, Americans stood up for justice- and it proved that we can make change.
And more than anything- that’s what I want readers to think about when it comes to the Muslim ban. It is about SO MUCH MORE than Executive Order 13769. It is about standing up for justice, whether that is against systemic racism, against book banning, against border deportations, against funding wars with our tax dollars.
It is about using our voice. I want young readers to know they are powerful, and to use their privileges to make change.
435276196_1518720458992981_8937728857071026337_n
KIRIN: Is this the end for Kareem? Do you see him making a cameo in future books perhaps? My kids read the book, and really want to know what Kareem is like in high school? Where he is going to college, what his future looks like.
SHIFA: As of now, I don’t have any future plans, but hey, if my editor and publisher request more, I would jump on that immediately!!
As for Kareem’s future- he was actually born the day of the Superbowl in 2004 (obviously lol) – so February 1st. He’s now 20 years old in 2024!
He’s in football training in college, in Chicago of course. And although he wanted to be the youngest player ever drafted to the NFL, he got beat by another former Chicago Bears player- Amobi Okoye, who played at 19!!
But it’s okay- life might not be perfect, but Kareem is still persevering towards his dream. And when he’s not organizing his MSA’s Jummah prayers or practicing football (or reading the latest books at his library), he’s at a downtown Chicago protest for ine, holding up posters and using his voice to call for a ceasefire!
KIRIN: What are you currently working on, and what future books can we look forward to seeing from you?
SHIFA: I have more books lined up in 2025- a picture book titled Gift of Eid coming in February, and a whole chapter book series titled Amina Banana coming mid-year! I cannot wait to share my sweet Yasmine (Gift of Eid) and my spunky, sassy Amina! I have a feeling readers are going to adore these books!
As for Middle Grade:
I love writing novels in verse, and I am actually currently finishing up writing my second one, eeek- this one is a bit wild and fun, but still containing emotion and heart as well. And of course, using verse language and lyrical words on the page to create art.
I don’t want to spoil it, but it’s been such an experience to write and revise my second book, and I am excited and slightly scared about how it’s turning out. Will I ever kick imposter syndrome to the curb?
It’s still not ready to share, so I won’t say anything more- but I am hoping I can share it with the world someday insha Allah!
JAK Kirin for interviewing me! Thank you so much for reading KAREEM over and over, your beautiful review, and all your support!
Be sure and check out Shifa’s website and sign up for her newsletter https://shifasafadi.com/
For GIVEAWAY details head over to INSTAGRAM @muslimmommyblog and @islamicschoollibrarian
439223131_953031783226797_4732317873116172341_n
Giveaway ends and winner will be chosen and announced on Friday, Jummah May 3, 2024! Click here to enter.
KAREEM BETWEEN RELEASES SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
Safadi, Shifa Saltagi KAREEM BETWEEN Putnam (Children's None) $18.99 9, 10 ISBN: 9780593699263
A football-loving, Syrian American Muslim boy must find the courage to confront feelings of being stuck in between the worlds of home, school, and wider society.
The start of seventh grade couldn't have gone worse for Kareem: His best friend moved away, and Kareem was cut from the football team. His integrity is challenged when a chance for a spot on next year's team comes with strings attached--helping Austin, the coach's son, cheat by writing an essay for him. Kareem's desire to fit in also affects Fadi, the Syrian Christian refugee classmate his mom has asked him to help. Tensions rise when Kareem's mom is stranded in war-torn Syria as she tries to bring his grandparents to the U.S. Now Kareem must find confidence at school (where xenophobic Austin bullies Fadi) and at home (where Mama's absence is keenly felt). Safadi's verse novel is set during the 2016-17 school year, amid the build-up to then-President Donald Trump's executive order affecting travel from seven Muslim-majority countries, including Syria. The author uses line breaks, concrete poetry, and changes in the alignment of the text to powerfully and evocatively convey conflict between senses of identity and self and to accentuate the story's action. She seamlessly integrates football, literary, Islamic, and Arabic language references into the plot. The book's messages of finding the confidence to stand up against injustice and be true to one's heritage is critically expressed without feeling contrived.
A masterfully written, deeply resonant tale. (author's note) (Verse fiction. 8-12)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: KAREEM BETWEEN." Kirkus Reviews, 1 July 2024. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A799332886/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=16f3a2cb. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
* SAFADI, Shifa Saltagi. Kareem Between. 336p. Putnam. Sept. 2024. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780593699263.
Gr 5 Up--Stuck between his Syrian heritage and his American citizenship, a boy looks for meaning in this powerful novel inverse. It's the end of 2016's summer, and huge Chicago Bears fan Kareem has lost the chance to play quarterback for the school team. When the coach's son and reigning bully strikes a sketchy deal with him, Kareem is stuck lying and cheating in hopes of securing a spot during spring training. His parents welcome a new Syrian family into their community and start pushing for a friendship between their son and Kareem, and it becomes apparent how reluctant he is to embrace where he comes from. His mom travels to Syria to aid her ailing parents but is prevented from returning by the executive order known as the "Muslim Ban," upending their household and leaving Kareem feeling even more lost. Kareem finds meaning in fighting against prejudice and ignorance; however, he'll have to look inward to straighten his own moral compass. This novel seamlessly merges all-American football and NFL terms with Arabic language and Syrian culture. The nonlinear text makes the story dynamic and engaging, drawing readers in from page one. Safadi weaves a story of identity, growing up, standing up for what's right, and boyhood. VERDICT A first purchase for middle school libraries, especially where fresh approaches to sports fiction are in high demand.--Carol Youssif
KEY: * Excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject or in the same genre | Tr Hardcover trade binding | Board Board book | pap. Paperback | BL Bilingual | SP Spanish
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Youssif, Carol. "SAFADI, Shifa Saltagi. Kareem Between." School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 10, Oct. 2024, pp. 72+. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A836879233/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=64c661f6. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
SAFADI, Shifa Saltagi. The Gift of Eid. illus. by Aaliya Jaleel. 40p. Holiday House. Feb. 2025. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780823455652.
PreS-Gr 3--Inspired by the classic O. Henry story "Gift of the Magi," this sweet picture book offers a glimpse into daily life in Syria and a lesson on the importance of family. A young girl named Yasmine is shopping at the market with her mother on the eve of their first Eid holiday since Yasmine's father died. When Yasmine's mom asks what she wants for an Eid gift, Yasmine thinks, "I'd rather hear Mama's tinkling laugh than the jingle of jewelry." In poetic language that captures the emotion of the moment and the love between mother and daughter, Safadi portrays Yasmine's journey through the market to find the perfect gift to make her mother smile again. The tale offers glimpses into daily life in Syria, including the various souq vendors and call to prayer at the masjid. The digital illustrations also faithfully capture the characteristic architecture of these settings in warm browns and blues. Ultimately, the story is less about Eid traditions and more about the spirit of family mattering more than material items. Hence, this book has wide appeal outside the bounds of library holiday collections. VERDICT A solid choice for libraries, especially those looking to expand their Arab heritage representation.--Maria Bohan
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2024 A wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
Bohan, Maria. "SAFADI, Shifa Saltagi. The Gift of Eid." School Library Journal, vol. 70, no. 12, Dec. 2024, p. 106. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A836879408/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ca83ab72. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Safadi, Shifa Saltagi THE GIFT OF EID Holiday House (Children's None) $18.99 2, 11 ISBN: 9780823455652
In this retelling of O. Henry's "The Gift of the Magi," a child searches for the perfect Eid present.
Yasmine is preoccupied as Mama shops for za'atar and sfeeha at Souq al-Hamidiyeh in Damascus. The marketplace's arched ceiling reminds Yasmine of Baba, who used to pretend the openings were twinkling stars; he traced constellations while Mama shopped. But now that Baba's no longer here, "they look like empty holes." Yasmine muses on the perfect gift to make Mama smile again--and decides upon a heart-shaped jewelry box, just big enough for Mama to store her bracelet in. Unfortunately, Yasmine doesn't have enough money, so the child sells a beloved gold chain. After prayers at the Masjid al-Umawi, Yasmine excitedly hands Mama the gift; Mama in turn gives Yasmine a heart-shaped locket. Just as Yasmine sold the chain to buy the jewelry box, Mama sold her bracelet to buy Yasmine's present. They realize that their love for each other is the greatest gift of all. Incorporating the sights and sounds of a bustling Syrian market, this charming tale is rich in cultural details. Relying on repeated references to hearts, Safadi tells a story of loss, woven with the healing power of love. Jaleel's arabesque illustrations showcase a lively marketplace that contrasts with the simplicity and tranquility of the mosque.
A tender tale of love, sacrifice, and hope. (author's note)(Picture book. 4-8)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: THE GIFT OF EID." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Jan. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A823102362/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=468df345. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship (Amina Banana # 1) Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel.
Putnam, $16.99 hardcover (128p); $6.99 paper
ISBN 978-0-593-69922-5;
ISBN 978-0-5936-9914-0
* Optimistic about her family's move from Syria to Indiana, science-minded third grader Amina creates a four-step formula for making friends. But students mock her English-speaking skills, and when potential new friend Crystal attempts to reassure her--"Don't worry, I don't bite"--Amina grows concerned: "Americans bite each other?" National Book Award winner Safadi and illustrator Jaleel (The Gift of Eid) reteam to compassionately capture the whirlwind first days of Amina's life in the U.S. in this heartfelt and purpose-driven chapter book series opener. Further incidents highlight how idiom-rich English is often confusing for Amina. When a student insists Amina "spill the beans" on ful--a Syrian fava-bean dish--Amina takes the phrase literally. Though she's embarrassed by her perceived faux pas, it leads to empathetic overtures of friendship: "It must be confusing for you to hear all these phrases," one classmate says, followed by Crystal's promise to meet Amina where she's at ("We'll try to explain better"). Animated b&w artwork depicts friendly-faced, visually diverse students. Back matter includes a taste experiment, recipe, and note about the Syrian refugee crisis. Publishing simultaneously: Amina Banana and the Formula for Winning. Ages 6-9. Author's agent: Janine Le, Janine Le Literary. (May)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 PWxyz, LLC
http://www.publishersweekly.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship (Amina Banana # 1) Shifa Saltagi Safadi, illus. by Aaliya Jaleel." Publishers Weekly, vol. 272, no. 9, 3 Mar. 2025, p. 58. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A829937798/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=257d78c5. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Safadi, Shifa Saltagi AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR FRIENDSHIP Putnam (Children's None) $16.99 5, 20 ISBN: 9780593699225
Amina has crafted the perfect formula for fitting in.
Having recently settled in Indianapolis with her Syrian refugee family, Amina is starting third grade late in the term. She plans to "speak English perfectly, wear a perfect outfit, be a good student, [and] eat American food." But everything unravels when she mispronounces words and struggles to be understood--to the scorn of some of her classmates. When the students are told they must each give a presentation on a dish they've prepared, Amina is disheartened--how can she deliver a whole speech in English? But after talking with Egyptian American classmate Fatima, Amina finds a recipe for friendship and belonging. Safadi and Jaleel seamlessly weave Amina's Syrian and Muslim identities into both art and text. Safadi pinpoints experiences that many English language learners will recognize: the oddity of idioms, the often-frustrating gap between Amina's rich inner monologue and her less-than-fluent spoken dialogue, the loneliness that results from not being able to fully communicate, and the joys of forging connections as Amina becomes part of a warm, diverse group of friends. Her journey is realistically rocky but immensely rewarding, with teachable moments for readers young and old--for instance, a classmate correcting a teacher who mispronounces Amina's name. Children will be heartened by Amina's small triumphs, like when a new friend lovingly graces her with the nickname "Amina Banana."
A winning series starter with layers of depth. (scientific method steps, science experiment, recipe for ful mdamas [fava beans], author's note about the Syrian refugee crisis)(Chapter book. 7-10)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR FRIENDSHIP." Kirkus Reviews, 1 Apr. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A832991637/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=ee0908ea. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.
Safadi, Shifa Saltagi AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR WINNING Putnam (Children's None) $16.99 5, 20 ISBN: 9780593699232
Third grader Amina's efforts to grasp the intricacies of English threaten to overwhelm her.
Since moving to Indianapolis a few weeks ago, Syrian refugee Amina has been finding her footing at school. But after a series of demoralizing incidents, she begins internalizing her older brother Sami's defeatist attitude: "We're always going to struggle with learning English. We're always going to feel second place." ESL teacher Ms. Tanya shows her the insensitively titledTeaching Kids Spelling for Dummies, mean classmate Tara sneers when Amina scores poorly on a spelling test, and Amina overhears her doctor mother telling her father that she plans to postpone her professional exams because she still hasn't mastered English. Determined to prove herself by winning the upcoming spelling bee, science-loving Amina devises a formula for success, which includes studying hard, focusing, and keeping her strategy secret. But her preparations consume her--and, worst of all, isolate her from her new friends. Once more, Safadi plumbs Amina's anxieties with a mix of sensitivity and humor. Amina's insightful commentary on the strangeness of English idioms and her realizations about the spelling bee competition ("Winning is being with the people that matter the most") make her an empathetic protagonist whom readers will be eager to befriend. Her Syrian and Muslim identities are richly incorporated into the narrative; her community is diverse. Final art not seen.
A moving and thoughtful series addition. (author's note, spelling tips and tricks, recipe)(Chapter book. 7-10)
Copyright: COPYRIGHT 2025 Kirkus Media LLC
http://www.kirkusreviews.com/
Source Citation
Source Citation
MLA 9th Edition APA 7th Edition Chicago 17th Edition Harvard
"Safadi, Shifa Saltagi: AMINA BANANA AND THE FORMULA FOR WINNING." Kirkus Reviews, 15 Apr. 2025. Gale General OneFile, link.gale.com/apps/doc/A835106398/ITOF?u=schlager&sid=bookmark-ITOF&xid=e9387d4d. Accessed 6 Nov. 2025.