I really enjoyed this. I like the practical, emotional lessons with the lessons about how to properly tend a garden. I thought it was also a great lesson in learning from your mistakes.

This enjoyable 144 page early chapter book is the second in the series, but can be read as a standalone as well. I enjoyed the mix of Pakistani American representation in an unapologetic way and the inclusion of salam and hijab regularly woven in. I personally was thrilled to see the young protagonist sketching the Shalimar Gardens. As a child my mother made me research Shah Jahan's gardens before visiting in Lahore, and then made my brother and I sketch the plant layouts from different angles in the hot summer heat while confused gardeners looked on. I know the book is meant for early elementary readers, but it seemed like it could have dug a little deeper at points to be more than just another mildly whiney girl story, thinking: Junie B. Jones, Clementine, Amber Brown, etc.. Some gardening tidbits, cultural foods, and snark was included, but the back and forth tolerance between Marya and Alexa was more enjoyable in the first book, same with the sibling banter. I also felt there were a few tangents that didn't add much to the story: Dadi's mystery book, the netting to keep the plants safe that was there and then not, the birdhouse, but I am clearly an adult reading a children's book, so I doubt any kids will mind. I just wish at the end of the book readers might have subtly learned a little about gardening, been inspired to plant something of their own, been curious to smell jasmine in real life, or look up pictures of Shalimar Gardens, my target aged children were not. I had to ask them about it specifically and guide the interest, and I hope adults that share this book will do the same.

I tried reading this one with my 11 year old daughter. Neither of us could get into the story. I applaud the goals of the book but the writing didn’t engage us.

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy. Once again the author wrote a loveable children’s story! Even though the characters are Muslim, this book isn’t religious, and the family wholesomeness does paint a favorable image. Students who like non-fiction would enjoy the gardening and descriptions. The themes of friendship and leadership can also be discussed. I like how the main characters are girls, but I don’t see younger boys enjoying the story as much. The new vocabulary at the beginning of each chapter is an extra special touch that teachers will enjoy. Even though the ARC illustrations weren’t final, they added a lot to the story as well. I would definitely keep this in my classroom library and recommend it to students.

Children are going to love the stories of Marya Khan. This was a cute story and it made me happy to see positive Muslim representation.

I love Saadia Faruqi’s writing and this middle grade book is absolutely adorable. It’s refreshing to see a Muslim kid in a middle grade book. I also loved to see the rivalry between Marya & Alexa. It’s a feel good kind of book.