This was a great early chapter book for elementary young readers. There is a need for more diverse early chapter books and this was perfect to fit that need. Readers of the Yasmin series that are ready for something a little more challenging will find this book the perfect step up.

I enjoyed this beginning chapter book because it not only touches on young children's issues about having this amazing party, but it also dives into different cultural aspects that I love seeing in children's books. I want more cultural representation in books especially for my children to be exposed to so I enjoyed this book. I also loved how each chapter started with a vocab word giving chapters a theme but also giving children more vocabulary exposure.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me access to the free advanced digital copy of this book.

"Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party (Marya Khan #1)" by Saadia Faruqi is a heartwarming and engaging children's fiction book that introduces young readers to the delightful adventures of Marya Khan. Faruqi's storytelling prowess shines as she crafts a tale of friendship, culture, and the excitement of growing up. The book's relatable characters and charming plot create an immersive reading experience that resonates with young readers. Faruqi skillfully explores themes of identity, tradition, and the importance of embracing one's heritage, adding depth to the narrative. "Marya Khan and the Incredible Henna Party" is a delightful reminder that embracing diversity and celebrating one's roots can lead to wonderful and unforgettable experiences, leaving readers with a sense of curiosity and the joy of joining Marya Khan on her vibrant journey.

I really enjoyed this! It’s such a great lesson in not letting jealousy get in the way of reason. You never know what someone else is going through or why they do certain things, so maybe don’t judge so harshly or make snap decisions out of jealousy.

Maria Khan, a third-grade character who handles life challenges with determination and heart, has quickly become a favorite among my students. Fans of Ivy and Bean and Zoey and Sassafras will fall in love with this new chapter book series..

Thank you Abrams-Amulet Books and NetGalley for the Arc.

I really liked Marya’s voice. Her character (and her birthday party obsession) were sympathetic and believable. The poor-little-rich-girl character of Alexa felt a bit cliche, but Marya's authentic family dynamic and social interactions are the main focus. The school interactions are realistic, and the family relationships are spot-on. All in all, a delightful book and a much-needed addition to the third grade chapter book selection.

Cute with a good message. Marya's determination will be a good point for discussions. This is a good title for opening conversations about what is truly valuable, and why we sometimes want things that may not be. Reads quickly and will be fun for younger readers.

Marya Khan has always had a small birthday party with just her best friend attending, but as her 8th birthday approaches and well-to-do neighbor and classmate Alexa hands out invitations to her own typically ostentatious birthday party, Marya finds herself bragging to Alexa that she is going to host an amazing henna party for her birthday this year.. The consequences of Marya's boast, both with her friends and her family, make for a really fun early chapter book. Marya is a spunky and sympathetic protagonist, and I love the Khan family. I think my young library patrons will enjoy Marya's story, especially the way she relates to her family and friends and how she copes with her desire to be more like a peer..

A wonderful start to a new series, this realistic fiction title will surely appeal to readers of Ivy and Bean, and those kids who grow up with Yasmin or Katie Woo. I'm so excited to add this to our collection!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this ultra cute book. A little bit of Pakistani culture shines through. The illustrations are cute and help young readers imagine the story better. The themes of family, growing up, and jealousy can be discussed as well. I will definitely order copies for our school and classroom libraries.

I absolutely adored this middle grade book! This is something I genuinely believe should be in every classroom library. It’s a beautiful heartfelt book and young readers will adore Marya!!

Saadia Faruqi never disappoints!! This is an excellent early chapter book—Marya Khan is a sympathetic and funny main character who grows over the course of the book (but she remains flawed and complex even at the end). Alexa was a very intriguing and three dimensional frenemy character and I’m eager to see how her friendship with Marya grows in subsequent books.

I also appreciated how the conflict in this book came not from out-right bullying but from more internal feelings triggered by the actions of others—for example, the main conflict of Marya being jealous of Alexa’s lavish parties, but also how Alexa only had those parties because her busy parents felt guilty for not being present in her life. Marya feels bad that Alexa’s parents aren’t around like hers are, and she recognizes that family is more important than big parties, but she’s still a kid and she still wants a big party, and that’s okay. I am glad that the book didn’t end with Marya being completely noble and selfless—it felt much more realistic to let her have her complicated feelings.

I look forward to recommending these books to library patrons who enjoyed the Yasmin series and are looking for something a bit more advanced!

I thoroughly enjoyed the voice and playfulness of this 144 page early chapter book.  Mary Khan is a hoot as she navigates third grade, her Pakistani-American family, and the politics of birthday parties.  There is not a lot of Islam sprinkled in, save a few salaams, but the mom and Dadi wear hijab which is mentioned in the text and in the illustrations. Culture is presented warmly and her current stresses are not tied to her faith or background.  There is mention of witches and churrails, and she calls her sister one too, some lying, and numerous over the top efforts to be helpful as "Operation Help the Khans" is put in to action.  Nothing a first or second grader won't be able to handle or understand, and a great series in between the author's Yasmin books and her Must Love Pets series.

SYNOPSIS:

Marya's birthday is two days after her neighbor Alexa's, her rich spoiled neighbor who is also in her class, and in her seating group.  The youngest of three kids Marya often feels that no one listens to her, and her wanting a birthday party this year, is met with the same dismissal in her eyes.  Aliya is a teenager and Salman, who she calls Sal to her grandmother's chagrin, is in 5th grade, so Marya often finds herself hiding out in her Dadi's room watching dramas in Urdu that she doesn't really understand.  When she sees a birthday on the screen with henna, a band, and an elephant, Marya doesn't want just any old party, she wants it all. 

Every year Marya's best friend Hana comes over for pizza, cake, and a sleepover, but when Alexa hands out beautiful invitations to everyone at school, Marya says she too is having a party, a henna party.  Hana knows something is up, but it is full steam ahead for Marya as she devises a plan to convince her family to allow it to happen. With her mom's flower shop busy with an upcoming wedding, there are lots of ways that Marya can help around the house, and then her family will have to let her, right? If only something could work out as Marya plans.  Then to top it all off, Marya starts to feel bad for the annoying Alexa and in a moment of kindness invites her to her party. It will just be boring pizza and cake, but if Marya can be nice to Alexa, perhaps anything is possible, and there might be more surprises in store for them all.

WHY I LIKE IT:

I love the vocabulary calendar words thrown in and the fertilizer smell that permeates all.  The story line might not be the most unique, but the silly disasters and the spunk of Marya make her endearing and the book enjoyable.  I love that the stress isn't her culture or religion, she is a Pakistani American Muslim and she has concerns that all kids have, everywhere.  I also love that the mom owns her own flower shop and is passionate and successful in her work.  

One thing I didn't quite get was why henna is called henna in the book and not mendhi? There are desi food names included, I wish it would have also maybe had a conversation in the book explaining that it is called mendhi in Urdu, but they are calling it henna.  I love that Dadi doesn't like Salman's name getting shortened and that mom's hijab is remarked upon in a normative way. 

I probably shouldn't like the comments that Marya makes about her sister, but I laughed, and yes she is cheeky, but it is funny and love filled, I hope. She also makes mean comments about Alexa, but the growth arc shows improvement and reads real.