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Nadia Islam, on the Record
In this illustrated middle grade novel by bestselling author Adiba Jaigirdar, a curious and competitive girl travels to celebrate Ramadan with her family in Bangladesh, where she learns about the country’s climate crisis—and the true meaning of her favorite holiday. A must-read for fans of Saadia Faruqi and Kelly Yang!
Even though Nadia Islam is excited to meet her cousins on her summer trip to Bangladesh, she is disappointed not to be celebrating her first Ramadan fasting alongside her best friend, Yasmin. Then again, she just might find the news story that will get her picked to be her school paper’s editor-in-chief!
As soon as she lands, Nadia realizes she has a lot to learn about Bangladesh. Fortunately, her favorite aunt (and fellow journalist) is spending the summer researching the disastrous flooding in the region—and she just might need Nadia’s help to get the inside scoop about the country’s climate dangers.
Meanwhile, Nadia’s cousins are almost as competitive as she is, and suggest a contest to see who can keep the most fasts. Between her journalism and her determination to win the Ramadan Race, Nadia is sure to have the best Ramadan ever—right?
Adiba Jaigirdar’s middle grade debut, with lovely interior artwork by Avani Dwivedi, celebrates family, faith, and community, and will inspire young readers looking to make their own difference in the world.
Even though Nadia Islam is excited to meet her cousins on her summer trip to Bangladesh, she is disappointed not to be celebrating her first Ramadan fasting alongside her best friend, Yasmin. Then again, she just might find the news story that will get her picked to be her school paper’s editor-in-chief!
As soon as she lands, Nadia realizes she has a lot to learn about Bangladesh. Fortunately, her favorite aunt (and fellow journalist) is spending the summer researching the disastrous flooding in the region—and she just might need Nadia’s help to get the inside scoop about the country’s climate dangers.
Meanwhile, Nadia’s cousins are almost as competitive as she is, and suggest a contest to see who can keep the most fasts. Between her journalism and her determination to win the Ramadan Race, Nadia is sure to have the best Ramadan ever—right?
Adiba Jaigirdar’s middle grade debut, with lovely interior artwork by Avani Dwivedi, celebrates family, faith, and community, and will inspire young readers looking to make their own difference in the world.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published January 13, 2026
About the author
Adiba Jaigirdar
16 books3,451 followersAdiba Jaigirdar was born in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and has been living in Dublin, Ireland from the age of ten. She has a BA in English and History, and an MA in Postcolonial Studies. She is a contributor for Bookriot. All of her writing is aided by tea, and a healthy dose of Janelle Monáe and Hayley Kiyoko. When not writing, she can be found ranting about the ills of colonialism, playing video games, and expanding her overflowing lipstick collection.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 1, 2025
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Eight year old Nadia is excited for Ramadan. She and her best friend, Yasmin, are going to fast for the first time, and plan on supporting each other. When her family plans a trip to visit relatives in Bangladesh, Nadia is not happy. She is very interested in being the editor in chief of her elementary school newspaper after summer break is over, and thinks that the current editor, Millie, is “the coolest fifth grader”. She confers with Yasmin, and the two decide that the article Nadia submits in the fall can be about her visit. Nadia’s Aunt Khalamoni is a reporter for a big national newspaper, and is also going to Bangladesh. She hopes to write an article about how climate change is affecting the country, and wants to start doing more freelance writing about issues that affect her deeply. Nadia and her older brother, Adam, meet their three cousins, and decide that they will have a “Ramadan Race” to see who can fast the most days. They make a bet that the winner can have everyone’s Eid money. The adults don’t know about this, and encourage the children to only fast every other day, but Nadia is still focused on her goal. She accompanies Khalamoni to a shelter that has been set up by Reem, who is just a bit older than Nadia. Flooding has driven many people out of their homes, and Reem’s shelter for victims is very helpful. Nadia is excited about the writing, but she is at odds with Yasmin, who doesn’t agree with the direction Nadia wants to take with their article for school, and is definitely against the fasting race. The race escalates, with the girls trying to trick Adam into breaking his fast by giving him sweet treats, and with the cousins putting a glass of water by Nadia’s bedside. When the adults find out, they put an end to it, and encourage the children to learn the true meaning of Ramadan. When Khalamoni’s article is cut by the outlet that was going to run it, Nadia makes a video with Reem so that her story is not ignored. She also reconciles with Yasmin.
Strengths: Reading about children who go to visit relatives outside of the US is always interesting, and a good way for students to learn about different ways of life. Including information about climate change adds another level of interest to this, and Reem’s shelter is a great example of how even younger people can help make the world a better place. Many of my Muslim students face similar struggles with fasting for Ramadan, especially when there are not as many of their friends who are fasting, so reading about Nadia’s experiences with it is interesting, especially since she has friends, cousins, and family who are right there to support her.
Weaknesses: There have been a number of books about children who want to write news articles, but they don’t circulate well with my students, perhaps because none of the K-8 schools in my district produce any newspapers. The tone of this veered often into the didactic, which middle schoolers won’t like, but which might not bother younger ones.
What I really think: This is a good choice for elementary school readers who enjoyed Ramadan stories like Algarmi’s Almost Sunset or Zia’s The Garden of My Imaan, or newspaper stories like Dassori’s Greta Ever After or Lobenstine and Na’s The Barking Puppy.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
Eight year old Nadia is excited for Ramadan. She and her best friend, Yasmin, are going to fast for the first time, and plan on supporting each other. When her family plans a trip to visit relatives in Bangladesh, Nadia is not happy. She is very interested in being the editor in chief of her elementary school newspaper after summer break is over, and thinks that the current editor, Millie, is “the coolest fifth grader”. She confers with Yasmin, and the two decide that the article Nadia submits in the fall can be about her visit. Nadia’s Aunt Khalamoni is a reporter for a big national newspaper, and is also going to Bangladesh. She hopes to write an article about how climate change is affecting the country, and wants to start doing more freelance writing about issues that affect her deeply. Nadia and her older brother, Adam, meet their three cousins, and decide that they will have a “Ramadan Race” to see who can fast the most days. They make a bet that the winner can have everyone’s Eid money. The adults don’t know about this, and encourage the children to only fast every other day, but Nadia is still focused on her goal. She accompanies Khalamoni to a shelter that has been set up by Reem, who is just a bit older than Nadia. Flooding has driven many people out of their homes, and Reem’s shelter for victims is very helpful. Nadia is excited about the writing, but she is at odds with Yasmin, who doesn’t agree with the direction Nadia wants to take with their article for school, and is definitely against the fasting race. The race escalates, with the girls trying to trick Adam into breaking his fast by giving him sweet treats, and with the cousins putting a glass of water by Nadia’s bedside. When the adults find out, they put an end to it, and encourage the children to learn the true meaning of Ramadan. When Khalamoni’s article is cut by the outlet that was going to run it, Nadia makes a video with Reem so that her story is not ignored. She also reconciles with Yasmin.
Strengths: Reading about children who go to visit relatives outside of the US is always interesting, and a good way for students to learn about different ways of life. Including information about climate change adds another level of interest to this, and Reem’s shelter is a great example of how even younger people can help make the world a better place. Many of my Muslim students face similar struggles with fasting for Ramadan, especially when there are not as many of their friends who are fasting, so reading about Nadia’s experiences with it is interesting, especially since she has friends, cousins, and family who are right there to support her.
Weaknesses: There have been a number of books about children who want to write news articles, but they don’t circulate well with my students, perhaps because none of the K-8 schools in my district produce any newspapers. The tone of this veered often into the didactic, which middle schoolers won’t like, but which might not bother younger ones.
What I really think: This is a good choice for elementary school readers who enjoyed Ramadan stories like Algarmi’s Almost Sunset or Zia’s The Garden of My Imaan, or newspaper stories like Dassori’s Greta Ever After or Lobenstine and Na’s The Barking Puppy.
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
https://msyinglingreads.blogspot.com/...
February 20, 2026
This was a cute read that explores the spirit of Ramadan as the characters learn about self-control, having good intentions, and helping others. I also enjoyed the inclusion of a climate change story that impacted on a group of people that are not known to an American audience. Though this reads much younger than a middle grade novel, it offers its readers a glimpse into Bangladeshi culture and adds to the growing number of books about Ramadan.
November 23, 2025
Thank you to netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book was amazing to read, it’s rich in culture and family and it was just lovely to read. Nadia is a main character who wants to prove herself with her article and fasting, I think she’ll be relatable to a lot of kids I certainly saw my younger self in her.
A really special part of this book is the relationships Nadia has with her family and friends. The way she looks up to her khalamoni (aunty) who is a journalist is so sweet. I loved her friendships with Reem and Yasmin, I think representations of good relationships is so important. Nadia’s rivalry with her brother and cousins felt so real and it was a good balance to have Reem see Nadia as capable.
I think this book does educating well in the way that it teaches about climate change in a way that’s still interesting to kids. I loved learning new facts along with Nadia. This book is also great for kids that celebrate Ramadan and those that don’t because they learn about it alongside Nadia. I will admit I did get a bit stressed out by the kids trying to break each others fasts but that is something a kid would do and I think the way the adults handled it was well and the children really do learn from it.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to kids that are curious about the world around them. The ending was also really heartfelt.
This book was amazing to read, it’s rich in culture and family and it was just lovely to read. Nadia is a main character who wants to prove herself with her article and fasting, I think she’ll be relatable to a lot of kids I certainly saw my younger self in her.
A really special part of this book is the relationships Nadia has with her family and friends. The way she looks up to her khalamoni (aunty) who is a journalist is so sweet. I loved her friendships with Reem and Yasmin, I think representations of good relationships is so important. Nadia’s rivalry with her brother and cousins felt so real and it was a good balance to have Reem see Nadia as capable.
I think this book does educating well in the way that it teaches about climate change in a way that’s still interesting to kids. I loved learning new facts along with Nadia. This book is also great for kids that celebrate Ramadan and those that don’t because they learn about it alongside Nadia. I will admit I did get a bit stressed out by the kids trying to break each others fasts but that is something a kid would do and I think the way the adults handled it was well and the children really do learn from it.
Overall I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it to kids that are curious about the world around them. The ending was also really heartfelt.
December 6, 2025
It's been a while since I've read a kids' book. My expectations were low. They shouldn't have been. This book was charming, informative, and inspiring. I loved the characters. They felt like people we all know. I learned so much about Ramadan and the spirit of self-control, sacrifice, generosity, and community that comes with it. There's a lot about journalism and how it can influence people and help them. There's a lot about how kids can make a big difference, so they shouldn't think themselves too small or insignificant to change things. We learn about how global warming is affecting people we might not hear about. There are also excellent examples of how to apologize to people we love. I would recommend this to anyone, but especially kids. There's so much that we can learn from Nadia and her family.
February 27, 2026
3.5
Having not liked the author's YA books, I was on the fence about reading this, but when I saw it at the library I could hardly resist a Ramadan book about a girl visiting Bangladesh, wanting to be a journalist, and learning about climate challenges. And alhumdulillah, the 304 page middle grade book is clean, Islam centered, and flag free. Not so great though for me was the story craft itself. I think it tried to do too much from a 3rd grade protagonist voice which resulted in a lot of telling, very little showing, and no connection to the characters. My 10 year old read a few chapters, but couldn't be persuaded to pick it up again as the plot is rather weak, journalism isn't an exciting field to kids these days, there is no back matter explaining climate concerns, or flooding, or even a map of Bangladesh, and even he couldn't understand why the book kept using the phrase, "first Ramadan," even though it was just her first time fasting. I wanted to cheer Nadia on in her endeavors and her growth, the arc was there, I just never felt I got to know her. Unfortunately, her voice and characterization were underdeveloped, resulting in her not being particularly relatable and likeable.
SYNOPSIS:
Nadia is planning to fast her first Ramadan with her best friend Yasmin, but a quickly decided trip to Bangladesh has her heading to her parents' homeland for the first time to meet family members over her summer holidays. Luckily her journalist aunt is going with them, and with Nadia's sights set on being the editor-and-chief of her school paper, she is looking forward to learning what she can. Her Khalamoni is working on a story about the flooding in the area, and Nadia tags along to interview a family that is helping care for the displaced families. When she sees that even a kid not much older than her can make a difference, she is determined to spread light on the unreported environmental problems happening and their devasting effects. All this is happening during Ramadan, and the heat of Bangladeshi summer, the length of the days, and the secret race Nadia and her cousins are battling in to fast the most amount of days, allows for Nadia and the reader to learn that Ramadan is more than just fasting.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT:
I really like that the story shows praying and reading Quran threaded in with the fasting, even if it is mostly just from the adults. The arc of Nadia learning about self control and intentions is also nice to see. It seems a little off that she has never even fasted a half day or part of a day before and that she has made being 8 years old and her first Ramadan such a landmark event. In insolation, all of the story lines and the rep (see the pictures I've enclosed), sound great, but for some reason it just felt like it was too much and thus nothing resonated. So many concepts meant surface level details were all that the pages could address, and if it went deeper it felt like info dumping, resulting in no character connection between the fictional characters, or with the reader.
FLAGS:
Clean
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book would be a solid teachable book so that the discussions could be fleshed out and understood with relation to climate change and the environment, geography, and news cycles. I would love to see a kid pick it up and see it through to the end, but ultimately I don't know what there is enough pull to keep most kids reading to see how the story pans out for Nadia if it wasn't a required assignment in a classroom.
Having not liked the author's YA books, I was on the fence about reading this, but when I saw it at the library I could hardly resist a Ramadan book about a girl visiting Bangladesh, wanting to be a journalist, and learning about climate challenges. And alhumdulillah, the 304 page middle grade book is clean, Islam centered, and flag free. Not so great though for me was the story craft itself. I think it tried to do too much from a 3rd grade protagonist voice which resulted in a lot of telling, very little showing, and no connection to the characters. My 10 year old read a few chapters, but couldn't be persuaded to pick it up again as the plot is rather weak, journalism isn't an exciting field to kids these days, there is no back matter explaining climate concerns, or flooding, or even a map of Bangladesh, and even he couldn't understand why the book kept using the phrase, "first Ramadan," even though it was just her first time fasting. I wanted to cheer Nadia on in her endeavors and her growth, the arc was there, I just never felt I got to know her. Unfortunately, her voice and characterization were underdeveloped, resulting in her not being particularly relatable and likeable.
SYNOPSIS:
Nadia is planning to fast her first Ramadan with her best friend Yasmin, but a quickly decided trip to Bangladesh has her heading to her parents' homeland for the first time to meet family members over her summer holidays. Luckily her journalist aunt is going with them, and with Nadia's sights set on being the editor-and-chief of her school paper, she is looking forward to learning what she can. Her Khalamoni is working on a story about the flooding in the area, and Nadia tags along to interview a family that is helping care for the displaced families. When she sees that even a kid not much older than her can make a difference, she is determined to spread light on the unreported environmental problems happening and their devasting effects. All this is happening during Ramadan, and the heat of Bangladeshi summer, the length of the days, and the secret race Nadia and her cousins are battling in to fast the most amount of days, allows for Nadia and the reader to learn that Ramadan is more than just fasting.
WHAT I LIKE ABOUT IT:
I really like that the story shows praying and reading Quran threaded in with the fasting, even if it is mostly just from the adults. The arc of Nadia learning about self control and intentions is also nice to see. It seems a little off that she has never even fasted a half day or part of a day before and that she has made being 8 years old and her first Ramadan such a landmark event. In insolation, all of the story lines and the rep (see the pictures I've enclosed), sound great, but for some reason it just felt like it was too much and thus nothing resonated. So many concepts meant surface level details were all that the pages could address, and if it went deeper it felt like info dumping, resulting in no character connection between the fictional characters, or with the reader.
FLAGS:
Clean
TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:
The book would be a solid teachable book so that the discussions could be fleshed out and understood with relation to climate change and the environment, geography, and news cycles. I would love to see a kid pick it up and see it through to the end, but ultimately I don't know what there is enough pull to keep most kids reading to see how the story pans out for Nadia if it wasn't a required assignment in a classroom.
January 25, 2026
Wow—what an incredible debut middle grade novel by Adiba Jaigirdar! 💛
I absolutely loved following Nadia as she travels with her family to Bangladesh during Ramadan. This story is warm, thoughtful, and layered in the very best way.
What I loved most:
✨ Learning about Bangladesh
✨ Understanding the importance of fasting during Ramadan
✨ Seeing how actions in the U.S. can impact climate dangers in other parts of the world
✨ Getting a behind-the-scenes look at different types of writing and what it takes to become a journalist
There are so many meaningful layers here, yet it’s written in a way that’s perfect for younger middle grade readers. The story is uplifting and full of heart. Nadia makes mistakes (as we all do!), but her family gently guides her, helping her learn and grow. The themes of family, faith, and community shine throughout—and I love how the book encourages even the youngest readers to believe they can make a difference, no matter how small. 🌍
I especially enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Nikhaar Kishnani—so helpful with names and places I definitely would’ve struggled to pronounce. The interior artwork by Avani Dwivedi is absolutely adorable, and the notebook-style pages add such a fun touch to the story.
Perfect for readers who love Kelly Yang’s Front Desk series or Karina Yan Glaser’s The Vanderbeekers.
📚 Today, January 13, 2026, is publication day—Happy Pub Day! 🎉
Thank you to @harperkids, @quilltreebooks, @dibs_j for Nadia Islam on the Record, and to @NetGalley for the ALC.
I absolutely loved following Nadia as she travels with her family to Bangladesh during Ramadan. This story is warm, thoughtful, and layered in the very best way.
What I loved most:
✨ Learning about Bangladesh
✨ Understanding the importance of fasting during Ramadan
✨ Seeing how actions in the U.S. can impact climate dangers in other parts of the world
✨ Getting a behind-the-scenes look at different types of writing and what it takes to become a journalist
There are so many meaningful layers here, yet it’s written in a way that’s perfect for younger middle grade readers. The story is uplifting and full of heart. Nadia makes mistakes (as we all do!), but her family gently guides her, helping her learn and grow. The themes of family, faith, and community shine throughout—and I love how the book encourages even the youngest readers to believe they can make a difference, no matter how small. 🌍
I especially enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by Nikhaar Kishnani—so helpful with names and places I definitely would’ve struggled to pronounce. The interior artwork by Avani Dwivedi is absolutely adorable, and the notebook-style pages add such a fun touch to the story.
Perfect for readers who love Kelly Yang’s Front Desk series or Karina Yan Glaser’s The Vanderbeekers.
📚 Today, January 13, 2026, is publication day—Happy Pub Day! 🎉
Thank you to @harperkids, @quilltreebooks, @dibs_j for Nadia Islam on the Record, and to @NetGalley for the ALC.
May 14, 2026
Eight-year-old Nadia Islam's summer plans have changed. Instead of fasting for the first time during Ramadan with the support of her best friend, her whole family is spending the summer with relatives she's never met in Bangladesh. At least her aunt, a journalist Nadia looks up to, is also going to be there, working on a feature about recent flooding. Nadia's loving extended family is a true highlight of this narrative. As a budding journalist herself, Nadia documents her observations about her first Ramadan fast, her experiences in getting to know Bangladesh, and her awareness that facing climate change means more than reduce, reuse, recycle. There's normal teasing among Nadia, her brother, and her cousins, but most of the family dynamics are caring and supportive. Readers who are unfamiliar will be introduced to the challenges and purpose of a Ramadan fast, as well as other customs, clothing, games, and food that reflect the religion and culture of Nadia's Muslim family. After learning about how Bangladesh is impacted by flooding, Nadia is inspired by a local 12-year-old who worked with her family to help those who'd been displaced. The novel explores the very real impacts of climate change in a way that should be mentally manageable for elementary age readers. Those old enough to read the novel independently may scoff at an eight-year-old narrator, but it would be wonderful as a class or family read-aloud.
Recommended for readers in grades 3-5.
Recommended for readers in grades 3-5.
January 22, 2026
Nadia Islam, on the Record
Adiba Jaigirdar
Release date: 1/13/26
"In this illustrated middle grade novel by bestselling author Adiba Jaigirdar, a curious and competitive girl travels to celebrate Ramadan with her family in Bangladesh, where she learns about the country’s climate crisis—and the true meaning of her favorite holiday."
Nadia is an eight-year-old aspiring journalist traveling to Bangladesh to visit family. While on her trip, Nadia is exposed to the current climate crisis threatening the region. Along with her aunt, she works to raise awareness of the threat. Nadia also observes her first Ramadan fast after some hijinks with her cousins.
Jaigirdar writes a thought-provoking middle-grade novel covering many important topics for kids and adults!
Culture/Religion/Respect
Strong women mentors
Valued friendships
Curiousity
Compassion/Empathy
Commitment
Raised in a suburban Catholic school system, I did not learn about other cultural experiences. I am loving the education my young kids are now exposed to through a diverse school system and wonderful books like this.
Gifted copy provided by @harperkids as part of @tlcbooktours tour stop. All opinions are my own.
Adiba Jaigirdar
Release date: 1/13/26
"In this illustrated middle grade novel by bestselling author Adiba Jaigirdar, a curious and competitive girl travels to celebrate Ramadan with her family in Bangladesh, where she learns about the country’s climate crisis—and the true meaning of her favorite holiday."
Nadia is an eight-year-old aspiring journalist traveling to Bangladesh to visit family. While on her trip, Nadia is exposed to the current climate crisis threatening the region. Along with her aunt, she works to raise awareness of the threat. Nadia also observes her first Ramadan fast after some hijinks with her cousins.
Jaigirdar writes a thought-provoking middle-grade novel covering many important topics for kids and adults!
Culture/Religion/Respect
Strong women mentors
Valued friendships
Curiousity
Compassion/Empathy
Commitment
Raised in a suburban Catholic school system, I did not learn about other cultural experiences. I am loving the education my young kids are now exposed to through a diverse school system and wonderful books like this.
Gifted copy provided by @harperkids as part of @tlcbooktours tour stop. All opinions are my own.
February 24, 2026
A fun middle grade about the meaning of Ramadan, the charms of Bangladesh, and the impact of climate change.
Our main character is 8 year old Nadia, an aspiring journalist who dreams of joining her school newspaper. When her family set off to stay with their wider family back home in Bangladesh, Nadia is nervous - she's never met these family members before, and she won't get to spend her first proper Ramadan with her best friend back home. But once she gets there, Nadia gets to help her Khalamoni, a professional journalist, with an article she's writing about Reem, a young Bangladeshi girl who is helping climate change victims. Through this encounter, Nadia learns a lot about the impact of climate change on her family's hometown.
This was definitely a younger leaning middle grade, but I found the Bangladesh setting fascinating, and I loved hearing about Ramadan from the perspective of a child - both are things I knew very little about on a personal level, so I feel like I've learned a lot too. A great novel to introduce younger readers to other countries and religions in a very accessible and personable way.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
Our main character is 8 year old Nadia, an aspiring journalist who dreams of joining her school newspaper. When her family set off to stay with their wider family back home in Bangladesh, Nadia is nervous - she's never met these family members before, and she won't get to spend her first proper Ramadan with her best friend back home. But once she gets there, Nadia gets to help her Khalamoni, a professional journalist, with an article she's writing about Reem, a young Bangladeshi girl who is helping climate change victims. Through this encounter, Nadia learns a lot about the impact of climate change on her family's hometown.
This was definitely a younger leaning middle grade, but I found the Bangladesh setting fascinating, and I loved hearing about Ramadan from the perspective of a child - both are things I knew very little about on a personal level, so I feel like I've learned a lot too. A great novel to introduce younger readers to other countries and religions in a very accessible and personable way.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the eArc!
April 19, 2026
While the age of the protagonist is a bit younger than I typically read (I would categorize this book's target audience as upper elementary school), I still really appreciate what Jaigirdar did with the story. In the story, Nadia travels to her family's home in Bangladesh, something she does not look forward to because she had anticipated spending her summer, as well as her first Ramadan fasts with her best friend at home in the United States. Now she faces the challenge of the oppressive Bangladeshi heat, competition with her cousins about who can fast for the most amount of days, as well as attempting to write a spectacular article so that she can become the editor-in-chief of the school newspaper when she returns to the United States for the start of fifth grade. I love the normal representation of Ramadan, the age appropriate explanations of how Muslims partake in this religious tradition as well as how Jaigirdar uses the typical competitive behavior of children to teach Nadia about the meaning of her religious traditions.
January 14, 2026
I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an audio ARC.
There haven't been many books that gave me that feeling of reading in elementary school, but this gave me that exact feeling, which Ihave a hard time describing. This book was excellent and very well written, definitely geared towards young readers. The children characters felt like children and I loved how they interacted with each other. I can definitely emphasize with Nadia with not wanting to be treated like a baby at that age because that was a big deal at her age. I definitely loved the depiction of Nadia's family and relationship with religion. This book portrays fasting in a way to allow the reader to learn more about it. I also loved the narrator who did an amazing job. She was able to provide good characterization without over acting.
There haven't been many books that gave me that feeling of reading in elementary school, but this gave me that exact feeling, which Ihave a hard time describing. This book was excellent and very well written, definitely geared towards young readers. The children characters felt like children and I loved how they interacted with each other. I can definitely emphasize with Nadia with not wanting to be treated like a baby at that age because that was a big deal at her age. I definitely loved the depiction of Nadia's family and relationship with religion. This book portrays fasting in a way to allow the reader to learn more about it. I also loved the narrator who did an amazing job. She was able to provide good characterization without over acting.
February 2, 2026
This is the story of a young girl who wants to be a reporter and editor of her elementary school newspaper. She is initially disappointed that her parents are taking her and her brother back to her parents' homeland of Bangladesh during summer vacation, coinciding with Ramadan. However, since her aunt the freelance reporter is going along and working on a story about the effect of flooding and other climate change on Bangladesh, Nadia is thrilled to help her aunt!
This sensitively told story shares with readers the impact climate change on the most vulnerable in a child- appropriate way, focussing on another young girl who has done something positive to help her neighbors. This is also an intimate family story of kids learning the inner meaning of Ramadan fasting and other practices.
I really enjoyed this book and think kids 8 and up will too.
This sensitively told story shares with readers the impact climate change on the most vulnerable in a child- appropriate way, focussing on another young girl who has done something positive to help her neighbors. This is also an intimate family story of kids learning the inner meaning of Ramadan fasting and other practices.
I really enjoyed this book and think kids 8 and up will too.
March 13, 2026
[4.5 ⭐]
what a cute yet extremely important little book this was! 🩷 adiba's middle grade debut was flawless!! i especially loved how this was lower middle grade and not upper middle grade because it emphasised the fact that no matter how young you are, you can still make a change in this world 🤍
i learned so much about ramadan and eid through this book but i was also educated on the huge problems that climate change has been causing to bangladesh; dangerous floodings and millions of people displaced. this book holds so much educational value and as a teacher myself, i would love to use it in my classroom one day 💚
if i didn't already stress this enough, pick this book up!!
p.s. the illustrations were soo pretty, nadia was so pookie 🥺🤍
what a cute yet extremely important little book this was! 🩷 adiba's middle grade debut was flawless!! i especially loved how this was lower middle grade and not upper middle grade because it emphasised the fact that no matter how young you are, you can still make a change in this world 🤍
i learned so much about ramadan and eid through this book but i was also educated on the huge problems that climate change has been causing to bangladesh; dangerous floodings and millions of people displaced. this book holds so much educational value and as a teacher myself, i would love to use it in my classroom one day 💚
if i didn't already stress this enough, pick this book up!!
p.s. the illustrations were soo pretty, nadia was so pookie 🥺🤍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This is a really cute and quick read about an 8-year-old girl who travels to Bangladesh for the summer where she celebrates Ramadan and learns about how climate change is affecting Bangladesh.
I love everything Adiba Jaigirdar writes, and this is no exception. Nadia is an adorable journalist in the making who makes mistakes and learns from them. Her family is kind and loving, and the work Reem is doing is inspiring. This book is perfect for kids fourth grade and up to gain insight on what it's like to celebrate Ramadan and learn about climate change in an accessible way.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
I love everything Adiba Jaigirdar writes, and this is no exception. Nadia is an adorable journalist in the making who makes mistakes and learns from them. Her family is kind and loving, and the work Reem is doing is inspiring. This book is perfect for kids fourth grade and up to gain insight on what it's like to celebrate Ramadan and learn about climate change in an accessible way.
Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An extremely cute and important book for children but also for everyone about an 8-year old who goes to Bangladesh for summer vacations. She's excited to finally be an adult and fast for Eid like the rest of her family. She's also excited to do some journalism so she can be the editor of her school's newspaper. She learns about climate change and climate refugees in Bangladesh and is excited to report on it while also meeting her extended family, and especially her cousins for the first time.
The illustrations are also very cute. Overall, there's a lot of warmth packed in here. A solid book Adiba Jaigirdar, as always.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
The illustrations are also very cute. Overall, there's a lot of warmth packed in here. A solid book Adiba Jaigirdar, as always.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
A heartfelt middle grade story about a young Muslim girl who travels with her family to Bangladesh over Ramadan and learns the true meaning behind fasting for Ramadan and more about the effect of climate change on Bangladesh. I loved learning more about both Bangladesh and Ramadan. This was good on audio and a great book for young readers to learn more about different cultures, countries and ways they can help fight against climate change. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review. Recommended for fans of authors like Uma Krishnaswami and Saadia Faruqi.
January 19, 2026
*4.5 stars*
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this one. It was a younger middle grade book, the main character was 8 but I loved seeing the world through her eyes. She was smart and witty and I feel like I was right with her while visiting Bengladesh and learning more about climate change and what being a journalist entails and ramadan.
I felt like this was such a complete story about many different things and I enjoyed it immensely. It was also a fast read and I felt glued to the page from start to finish. I can't wait for whatever Adiba writes next!
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this one. It was a younger middle grade book, the main character was 8 but I loved seeing the world through her eyes. She was smart and witty and I feel like I was right with her while visiting Bengladesh and learning more about climate change and what being a journalist entails and ramadan.
I felt like this was such a complete story about many different things and I enjoyed it immensely. It was also a fast read and I felt glued to the page from start to finish. I can't wait for whatever Adiba writes next!
October 9, 2025
Have you been searching for a middle grade read that tackles a pressing social issue while being relatable?
This is a page turner. Nadia is a curious, witty, and earnest character. Scanning the chapter titles alone will grip readers. Once they begin reading, the storytelling is skillful and instructive without being didactic.
Readers will learn many meaningful lessons about Bangladesh, Islam, and climate change without even realizing they’re grasping new knowledge!
Highly recommend.
This is a page turner. Nadia is a curious, witty, and earnest character. Scanning the chapter titles alone will grip readers. Once they begin reading, the storytelling is skillful and instructive without being didactic.
Readers will learn many meaningful lessons about Bangladesh, Islam, and climate change without even realizing they’re grasping new knowledge!
Highly recommend.
January 15, 2026
A great read that explains the meaning of Ramadan, and creates awareness around culture, community, and climate crisis.
Nadia is doing her first fasting during her visit to Bangladesh, where she learns about self control and the country’s climate crisis. Her aunt is a journalist researching a story about activism started by a 10 year old (with an idea to start a shelter for those displaced by floods). Nadia writes about these experiences to apply for the newspaper editor position at her school.
Nadia is doing her first fasting during her visit to Bangladesh, where she learns about self control and the country’s climate crisis. Her aunt is a journalist researching a story about activism started by a 10 year old (with an idea to start a shelter for those displaced by floods). Nadia writes about these experiences to apply for the newspaper editor position at her school.
January 28, 2026
A good middle grade Ramadan book. Hard to find chapter books about Ramadan so happy to see a well written and interesting one come out. Nadia is a relatable character and her family issues will resonate with many kids.
April 19, 2026
A great book about that combines topics of siblings, extended family, Ramadan, and climate change effortlessly and in an interesting way. Nadia is a well developed character. There were a lot of other characters that weren't as well developed but they kept the story moving along in a smooth way.
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