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Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream #1
Power Forward
From the critically acclaimed author of Amina’s Voice comes the first book in an exciting new middle grade series about a fourth-grader with big dreams of basketball stardom.
Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He’s not just going to be a professional basketball player. He’s going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It’s his destiny. There are only a few small things in his way.
For starters, Zayd’s only on the D-team. (D stands for developmental, but to Zayd it’s always felt like a bad grade or something.) Not to mention, he’s a bit on the scrawny side, even for the fourth grade team. But his best friend Adam is on the Gold Team, and it’s Zayd’s dream for the two of them to play together.
His mom and dad don’t get it. They want him to practice his violin way more than his jump shot. When he gets caught blowing off his violin lessons to practice, Zayd’s parents lay down the ultimate he has to hang up his high tops and isn’t allowed to play basketball anymore.
As tryouts for the Gold Team approach, Zayd has to find the courage to stand up for himself and chase his dream.
Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He’s not just going to be a professional basketball player. He’s going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It’s his destiny. There are only a few small things in his way.
For starters, Zayd’s only on the D-team. (D stands for developmental, but to Zayd it’s always felt like a bad grade or something.) Not to mention, he’s a bit on the scrawny side, even for the fourth grade team. But his best friend Adam is on the Gold Team, and it’s Zayd’s dream for the two of them to play together.
His mom and dad don’t get it. They want him to practice his violin way more than his jump shot. When he gets caught blowing off his violin lessons to practice, Zayd’s parents lay down the ultimate he has to hang up his high tops and isn’t allowed to play basketball anymore.
As tryouts for the Gold Team approach, Zayd has to find the courage to stand up for himself and chase his dream.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2018
71 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Hena Khan
51 books527 followersHena Khan writes books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences and culture. Hena’s novels include AMINA'S VOICE, MORE TO THE STORY, and DRAWING DEENA. She is the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s picture books include GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS, UNDER MY HIJAB, and IT'S RAMADAN, CURIOUS GEORGE, among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 22, 2018
A promising start to an exciting new series by Hena Khan. Whether they’re basketball-lovers or not, kids will relate to Zayd’s hopes, dreams, difficulties, and frustrations, and the large cast of deftly drawn characters helps ensure future books will be just as gripping and fun.
May 15, 2018
There are numerous reasons to love the first installment of Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream, Power Forward! It's a perfect series for elementary students all the way to middle schoolers. I highly recommend you pick this book up! Also book two: On Point comes out at the end of May!
July 12, 2019
There is nothing like the comfort that comes from knowing that the character you have just met in a book will be back in subsequent books. One of our favorite series is the Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream trilogy by Hena Khan. These three chapter books are wonderful sports stories that are ideal for kids ready to move on from easy readers to longer, more complex stories, or even for reluctant early middle school readers. They are clearly written, narrated in the first person by the protagonist, the issues are age appropriate, and they are diverse. Yes, the Pakistani American Saleems - Baba, Mama, older sister Zara, Naano (grandmother), Nana Abu (grandfather), and Jamal Mamoo (uncle) - are a Muslim family, but this is also a basketball story. The Saleem's culture and religion are a big part of Zayd's family life, and readers are given a nice window into what that is like, but most of the conflicts and challenges he faces are the kind that any kid might be confronted with at that age, both within the family and in the outside world.
In Book 1, readers meet Zayd. He's a fourth grader who loves basketball way more than he loves playing the violin in the school orchestra. And all he really wants is a chance to tryout again for the winning gold team and play his favorite game with his best friend Adam. So when Adam encourages him to skip orchestra practice and practice basketball in the gym instead, Zayd is all for it...until his mother finds out and he is grounded from anything basketball related for two weeks. And that includes the gold team tryouts. Zayd learns an important lesson in this book, but it's not the one you might think it should be. It's even better. There's also a nice story line about Zayd's favorite uncle beginning to think about marriage, an event Zayd has no interest in, but it does present a dilemma for him. If Jamal Mamoo gets married, he'll probably be too busy to hang out, shoot baskets or play basketball video games with Zayd. How can Zayd find the courage to let his family know how he really feels about playing the violin, playing basketball, and possible abandonment by Jamal Mamoo?
I loved this trilogy and was sorry to say goodbye to Zayd and his family. Khan did a great job of seamlessly weaving in so many details about Zayd's life as a member of a Muslim family, while also showing that other aspects of their lives are similar to all families. I especially like how Zayd's budding maturity over the three books was depicted by his ability to incorporate the lessons he learned about good sportsmanship into his life off the court.
In Book 1, readers meet Zayd. He's a fourth grader who loves basketball way more than he loves playing the violin in the school orchestra. And all he really wants is a chance to tryout again for the winning gold team and play his favorite game with his best friend Adam. So when Adam encourages him to skip orchestra practice and practice basketball in the gym instead, Zayd is all for it...until his mother finds out and he is grounded from anything basketball related for two weeks. And that includes the gold team tryouts. Zayd learns an important lesson in this book, but it's not the one you might think it should be. It's even better. There's also a nice story line about Zayd's favorite uncle beginning to think about marriage, an event Zayd has no interest in, but it does present a dilemma for him. If Jamal Mamoo gets married, he'll probably be too busy to hang out, shoot baskets or play basketball video games with Zayd. How can Zayd find the courage to let his family know how he really feels about playing the violin, playing basketball, and possible abandonment by Jamal Mamoo?
I loved this trilogy and was sorry to say goodbye to Zayd and his family. Khan did a great job of seamlessly weaving in so many details about Zayd's life as a member of a Muslim family, while also showing that other aspects of their lives are similar to all families. I especially like how Zayd's budding maturity over the three books was depicted by his ability to incorporate the lessons he learned about good sportsmanship into his life off the court.
May 12, 2018
Thanks so much to Simon & Schuster for sending an ARC of Power Forward to our #bookexcursion group. It publishes on May 8, 2018.
Date/Time: May 5, 2018 11:25 a.m.
What I Read: Power Forward is the first book in a new chapter book series about fourth-grader Zayd Saleem. Zayd lives for basketball, not the violin. He is determined to move up from the D league to the gold team playing along side his best friend Adam. Zayd knows that practicing basketball is crucial to achieving his dream; therefore, he decides to skip his morning advanced orchestra practice to play basketball with Adam and other members of the gold team. All is well until Zayd forgets his violin in the car, and his mother discovers his lie. As a result, he is grounded from basketball. Will Zayd be able to convince his parents how important basketball is to him in order to make try outs?
How I Feel: Sports have never been my thing but Power Forward is so much more than a basketball story. Zayd is such a relatable character and can be a mirror for young readers. He is underweight for his age which makes him work harder to prove he is gold team material. Things come more easily to his sister Zara, which is frustrating for him. His parents wish that he had the same passion for violin that he has for basketball. What I truly love about Zayd’s story is that it can also be a window. Zayd and his family are Pakistani American and throughout the book, their culture is seamlessly interwoven into the story from language to food to sports. As a reading specialist, I am always on the lookout for new #ownvoices titles to share with students as well as share with my media specialist to order for our school library.
Date/Time: May 5, 2018 11:25 a.m.
What I Read: Power Forward is the first book in a new chapter book series about fourth-grader Zayd Saleem. Zayd lives for basketball, not the violin. He is determined to move up from the D league to the gold team playing along side his best friend Adam. Zayd knows that practicing basketball is crucial to achieving his dream; therefore, he decides to skip his morning advanced orchestra practice to play basketball with Adam and other members of the gold team. All is well until Zayd forgets his violin in the car, and his mother discovers his lie. As a result, he is grounded from basketball. Will Zayd be able to convince his parents how important basketball is to him in order to make try outs?
How I Feel: Sports have never been my thing but Power Forward is so much more than a basketball story. Zayd is such a relatable character and can be a mirror for young readers. He is underweight for his age which makes him work harder to prove he is gold team material. Things come more easily to his sister Zara, which is frustrating for him. His parents wish that he had the same passion for violin that he has for basketball. What I truly love about Zayd’s story is that it can also be a window. Zayd and his family are Pakistani American and throughout the book, their culture is seamlessly interwoven into the story from language to food to sports. As a reading specialist, I am always on the lookout for new #ownvoices titles to share with students as well as share with my media specialist to order for our school library.
Currently reading
May 21, 2019(Goodreads blurb)
Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He’s not just going to be a professional basketball player. He’s going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It’s his destiny. There are only a few small things in his way.
For starters, Zayd’s only on the D-team. (D stands for developmental, but to Zayd it’s always felt like a bad grade or something.) Not to mention, he’s a bit on the scrawny side, even for the fourth grade team. But his best friend Adam is on the Gold Team, and it’s Zayd’s dream for the two of them to play together.
His mom and dad don’t get it. They want him to practice his violin way more than his jump shot. When he gets caught blowing off his violin lessons to practice, Zayd’s parents lay down the ultimate punishment: he has to hang up his high tops and isn’t allowed to play basketball anymore.
As tryouts for the Gold Team approach, Zayd has to find the courage to stand up for himself and chase his dream.
Fourth grader Zayd Saleem has some serious hoop dreams. He’s not just going to be a professional basketball player. He’s going to be a star. A legend. The first Pakistani-American kid to make it to the NBA. He knows this deep in his soul. It’s his destiny. There are only a few small things in his way.
For starters, Zayd’s only on the D-team. (D stands for developmental, but to Zayd it’s always felt like a bad grade or something.) Not to mention, he’s a bit on the scrawny side, even for the fourth grade team. But his best friend Adam is on the Gold Team, and it’s Zayd’s dream for the two of them to play together.
His mom and dad don’t get it. They want him to practice his violin way more than his jump shot. When he gets caught blowing off his violin lessons to practice, Zayd’s parents lay down the ultimate punishment: he has to hang up his high tops and isn’t allowed to play basketball anymore.
As tryouts for the Gold Team approach, Zayd has to find the courage to stand up for himself and chase his dream.
February 6, 2019
I can not stress enough how much my 4-6 grade boys love these books. These are kids who rarely complete a book and never read the second book in a series. They can relate to Zayd and his realistic friendships and problems. He wants to be a basketball star but the journey is not without obstacles.
January 22, 2019
Zayd just wants to follow his dream and play basketball for the gold team, but his parents want him to play the violin.
I LOVED this story. For a short book, there's enough going on that rounds out Zayd's character as well as his school and family life. It's a great setup for what's to come in the next installment. I have a 9-year-old brother who loves sports (football, but with the same level of enthusiasm as Zayd's passion for basketball) and I bought this series for him. I couldn't resist reading them first. Glad I did! It's not often we get to see a brown Muslim boy taking the spotlight in his own story.
I LOVED this story. For a short book, there's enough going on that rounds out Zayd's character as well as his school and family life. It's a great setup for what's to come in the next installment. I have a 9-year-old brother who loves sports (football, but with the same level of enthusiasm as Zayd's passion for basketball) and I bought this series for him. I couldn't resist reading them first. Glad I did! It's not often we get to see a brown Muslim boy taking the spotlight in his own story.
January 13, 2019
Zayd must decide between doing what will make his parents proud and what will make him happy.
June 9, 2018
Of all the sport fiction for middle graders I've read so far this year, this one makes the slam dunk. SIZZLE.
Zayd is a fourth-grader who dreams of becoming famous, preferrably as an NBA basketball player. But right now, he's on the D-league, which means he's going to have to move up to the gold team first. He's determined and actually has the chance to shine at the next tryouts, but his parents and their dream of him playing the violin is getting in the way. Somehow, Zayd's going to have to work things out if he wants a prayer of achieving his goals.
The author does a fantastic job at bringing Zayd and his problems across naturally, and has a real talent for getting into kids' heads. Zayd is a good boy with a big dream, and he is willing to put in the work and time to make it. His attitude and occasional slip-up are completely understandable and human. He's a lot of fun, has heart and is a joy to cheer for the whole way through.
The writing flows smoothly and at the right level for the intended audience, making this an easy read. It's not too long and the occasional illustrations make it perfect for even more reluctant readers, who'd rather hit the court than hold their nose in a book. Considering it's the beginning of a series, it will be fun to see where each book takes Zayd on his journey toward basketball dreams.
There's a wonderful balance between the basketball scenes and Zayd's everyday life. When he touches that ball, the scenes hit as a real practice. The movements, thoughts and terms are true to life and allow the reader to sink in and feel at home in the game. But this is also true of Zayd's family life. His family has Pakistani origins, which is never forced but flows with the story while keeping the cultural uniqueness in an American setting. Zayd's grandparents still carry their slight accent and influences from the culture sit in his everyday life. It's a great balance and very natural.
Fans of basketball or sports will love following Zayd as he battles to achieve his dreams not only on the court but also takes on everyday life.
I received a complimentary copy and loved reading it so much that I'm more than happy to leave my honest thoughts.
Zayd is a fourth-grader who dreams of becoming famous, preferrably as an NBA basketball player. But right now, he's on the D-league, which means he's going to have to move up to the gold team first. He's determined and actually has the chance to shine at the next tryouts, but his parents and their dream of him playing the violin is getting in the way. Somehow, Zayd's going to have to work things out if he wants a prayer of achieving his goals.
The author does a fantastic job at bringing Zayd and his problems across naturally, and has a real talent for getting into kids' heads. Zayd is a good boy with a big dream, and he is willing to put in the work and time to make it. His attitude and occasional slip-up are completely understandable and human. He's a lot of fun, has heart and is a joy to cheer for the whole way through.
The writing flows smoothly and at the right level for the intended audience, making this an easy read. It's not too long and the occasional illustrations make it perfect for even more reluctant readers, who'd rather hit the court than hold their nose in a book. Considering it's the beginning of a series, it will be fun to see where each book takes Zayd on his journey toward basketball dreams.
There's a wonderful balance between the basketball scenes and Zayd's everyday life. When he touches that ball, the scenes hit as a real practice. The movements, thoughts and terms are true to life and allow the reader to sink in and feel at home in the game. But this is also true of Zayd's family life. His family has Pakistani origins, which is never forced but flows with the story while keeping the cultural uniqueness in an American setting. Zayd's grandparents still carry their slight accent and influences from the culture sit in his everyday life. It's a great balance and very natural.
Fans of basketball or sports will love following Zayd as he battles to achieve his dreams not only on the court but also takes on everyday life.
I received a complimentary copy and loved reading it so much that I'm more than happy to leave my honest thoughts.
August 12, 2018
Today’s book is about following basketball dreams. Zayd is obsessed with hoops, but his parents prefer the violin. When kids don’t have the time for everything, how does a family decide what to pursue? It isn’t always so easy to decide.
Don’t forget to follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don’t miss a single story where kid’s expectations and parent’s expectation clash. Sounds a lot like real life!
Title: Power Forward
Author: Hena Khan
Target: Grades 2-5
Series: Yes
What this book is about:
Zayd just wants to play basketball. His mom just wants him to play the violin. When he gets caught going to basketball practice instead of orchestra, his parents make him take a break from basketball. But Zayd knows what makes him happy. How can he get the message across to his parents?
Why I love this book:
First off this book is from the imprint Salaam Reads, a part of Simon & Schuster, which introduces kids to children of Muslim faith and lets Muslim kids see themselves in books. This book is wonderful in how it shows a Muslim boy who has the same hopes and dreams as his non-Muslim counterparts and parents with the same crazy set of expectations! His faith is not the center of the book, but simply an extension of his character.
Zayd’s dilemma is one that so many kids face. Should they do the thing they love or the thing their parents want them to do. Zayd realizes that his parent’s desire to see him play the violin comes from a good place, but it is just not something he enjoys. Sound familiar?
I really liked his uncle Mamoo. Every kid needs someone who isn’t their parent to help guide them and offer advice. And as it turns out, Zayd can help out Mamoo in the end too.
Who this book is for:
Great for kids who like sports stories. Kids who enjoy the Fred Bowen books or the Amare Stoudemire series will like this one.
Final thoughts:
Zayd is a great character and kids will be rooting for him.
Don’t forget to follow One Great Book on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or by email so that you don’t miss a single story where kid’s expectations and parent’s expectation clash. Sounds a lot like real life!
Title: Power Forward
Author: Hena Khan
Target: Grades 2-5
Series: Yes
What this book is about:
Zayd just wants to play basketball. His mom just wants him to play the violin. When he gets caught going to basketball practice instead of orchestra, his parents make him take a break from basketball. But Zayd knows what makes him happy. How can he get the message across to his parents?
Why I love this book:
First off this book is from the imprint Salaam Reads, a part of Simon & Schuster, which introduces kids to children of Muslim faith and lets Muslim kids see themselves in books. This book is wonderful in how it shows a Muslim boy who has the same hopes and dreams as his non-Muslim counterparts and parents with the same crazy set of expectations! His faith is not the center of the book, but simply an extension of his character.
Zayd’s dilemma is one that so many kids face. Should they do the thing they love or the thing their parents want them to do. Zayd realizes that his parent’s desire to see him play the violin comes from a good place, but it is just not something he enjoys. Sound familiar?
I really liked his uncle Mamoo. Every kid needs someone who isn’t their parent to help guide them and offer advice. And as it turns out, Zayd can help out Mamoo in the end too.
Who this book is for:
Great for kids who like sports stories. Kids who enjoy the Fred Bowen books or the Amare Stoudemire series will like this one.
Final thoughts:
Zayd is a great character and kids will be rooting for him.
April 20, 2018
Power Forward
I put this book into the hands of one of my fourth grade boys to read before me over a long weekend. When we returned to school, he had finished the book and offered a book talk during the share portion of Morning Meeting. I will paraphrase his review below.
I can’t really say his name, I think it’s Zayd (tries a bunch of different pronunciations before settling on the one he likes best.) He really likes basketball, but he’s kind of small (like me) and he wants to be on the best team. His parents make him play the violin which he doesn’t really want to do, but he plays it anyways.
So his friend Adam plays basketball, too, but he’s on the better team, the Gold team, and Zayd really wants to play with Adam and make the Gold team. He works really hard and tries to show the coach what he can do in practices. Tryouts are coming up and that makes Zayd a little nervous. He ends up skipping violin lessons to play basketball with his friends at the same time, but his mom catches him and he gets in big trouble. His parents kind of ground him from playing basketball, watching it, talking about it, pretty much don’t allow him to do anything related to basketball.
His uncle tells him he will get him the pair of sneakers he really wants if he makes the team. But now, he may not even get the chance to try out. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens at the end!
This first book in a wonderful new chapter book series by Hena Khan is available in May, 2018.
I put this book into the hands of one of my fourth grade boys to read before me over a long weekend. When we returned to school, he had finished the book and offered a book talk during the share portion of Morning Meeting. I will paraphrase his review below.
I can’t really say his name, I think it’s Zayd (tries a bunch of different pronunciations before settling on the one he likes best.) He really likes basketball, but he’s kind of small (like me) and he wants to be on the best team. His parents make him play the violin which he doesn’t really want to do, but he plays it anyways.
So his friend Adam plays basketball, too, but he’s on the better team, the Gold team, and Zayd really wants to play with Adam and make the Gold team. He works really hard and tries to show the coach what he can do in practices. Tryouts are coming up and that makes Zayd a little nervous. He ends up skipping violin lessons to play basketball with his friends at the same time, but his mom catches him and he gets in big trouble. His parents kind of ground him from playing basketball, watching it, talking about it, pretty much don’t allow him to do anything related to basketball.
His uncle tells him he will get him the pair of sneakers he really wants if he makes the team. But now, he may not even get the chance to try out. You’ll have to read the book to find out what happens at the end!
This first book in a wonderful new chapter book series by Hena Khan is available in May, 2018.
July 2, 2018
Fourth grader Zayd Saleem wants to make the gold basketball team and play with his best friend Adam. His mother and father want him to keep playing the violin in the youth orchestra. He wants to be a star, a legend, the first Pakistani-American kid in the NBA. To achieve his goal, he begins skipping early morning violin practice and starts hitting the courts to practice.
When his mom finds out, watch out! He is not only grounded from playing basketball, but from watching it on TV or even speaking about it. Instead he has to double down on his violin. His grounding last through the try-outs, so he needs to somehow show his parents that his quest to play basketball is worthwhile, and gather the courage to stand up for his dreams.
My Thoughts-
This is a great, easy read for middle graders. It is the first part in a series of books about Zayd and his quest to become a famous basketball player. He lives a typical life, full of family and school. The reader gets a peek at the closeness of his Muslim family and how they love and work together.
I enjoyed reading the story and watching Zayd struggle with the typical problem of achieving his dreams versus his parents ideas. Kids will relate to his struggles, his friendships and social problems. This book will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn about another culture, who loves basketball, or who is eight years old or older. 4 stars!
When his mom finds out, watch out! He is not only grounded from playing basketball, but from watching it on TV or even speaking about it. Instead he has to double down on his violin. His grounding last through the try-outs, so he needs to somehow show his parents that his quest to play basketball is worthwhile, and gather the courage to stand up for his dreams.
My Thoughts-
This is a great, easy read for middle graders. It is the first part in a series of books about Zayd and his quest to become a famous basketball player. He lives a typical life, full of family and school. The reader gets a peek at the closeness of his Muslim family and how they love and work together.
I enjoyed reading the story and watching Zayd struggle with the typical problem of achieving his dreams versus his parents ideas. Kids will relate to his struggles, his friendships and social problems. This book will be of interest to anyone who wants to learn about another culture, who loves basketball, or who is eight years old or older. 4 stars!
September 20, 2018
Realistic, simple story about a kid who wants to make it onto the next-level-up basketball team at school, while his parents want him to study violin - and the schedules conflict.
Although the C.I.P. says the main character, Zayd Saleem, is in fourth grade, everything about the scenario resembles middle school, not elementary; team sports and orchestra, focus on name-brand shoes, and lying to parents. For this reason, and because there isn't any mention (that I can recall) of the grade level within the text, this is perfect for hi-lo readers (people whose reading level is lower than their grade level or social maturity).
It's great to have a sports story that weaves in some Pakistani American cultural details, like his grandma's swear words, the young adult cousin's formal invitation to a potential girlfriend/spouse, and the family's cooking & eating habits.
I liked the photo-realistic b&w illustrations very much! I think they help connect readers to actual people, they look mature & respectful, not maudlin, yet they convey sufficient emotion. By the end, readers will feel they have met a real family.
Other than that, it's not a memorable story - I read it 4 days ago, and I've already forgotten all the details and had to scan the book again to write this brief review.
Although the C.I.P. says the main character, Zayd Saleem, is in fourth grade, everything about the scenario resembles middle school, not elementary; team sports and orchestra, focus on name-brand shoes, and lying to parents. For this reason, and because there isn't any mention (that I can recall) of the grade level within the text, this is perfect for hi-lo readers (people whose reading level is lower than their grade level or social maturity).
It's great to have a sports story that weaves in some Pakistani American cultural details, like his grandma's swear words, the young adult cousin's formal invitation to a potential girlfriend/spouse, and the family's cooking & eating habits.
I liked the photo-realistic b&w illustrations very much! I think they help connect readers to actual people, they look mature & respectful, not maudlin, yet they convey sufficient emotion. By the end, readers will feel they have met a real family.
Other than that, it's not a memorable story - I read it 4 days ago, and I've already forgotten all the details and had to scan the book again to write this brief review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 14, 2018
Zayd Saleem is a fourth grade boy who loves basketball. His goal is to make the school's gold basketball team. When he gets in trouble for blowing off violin lessons, it looks like his dream isn't going to happen. Will things turn around? You'll have to read the book to find out.
Power Forward is a well-written middle grade story. The dialogue between the characters has a good flow, and the story is one that a lot of young boys can relate to. Another nice feature is that the main character is of Pakistani heritage. There's a lot of interesting cultural references sprinkled throughout the book. Not only is it a story that kids can relate to, it has some good life lessons: One, that you should stand up for yourself and follow your dreams. Two, that you should work hard to accomplish your goals. Three, that you should be honest. The book isn't long, but that makes it ideal for reluctant readers. This is an excellent start for a series. Recommended for middle grade readers who are sports fans. -Sherry Ellis, author of Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig To China
Power Forward is a well-written middle grade story. The dialogue between the characters has a good flow, and the story is one that a lot of young boys can relate to. Another nice feature is that the main character is of Pakistani heritage. There's a lot of interesting cultural references sprinkled throughout the book. Not only is it a story that kids can relate to, it has some good life lessons: One, that you should stand up for yourself and follow your dreams. Two, that you should work hard to accomplish your goals. Three, that you should be honest. The book isn't long, but that makes it ideal for reluctant readers. This is an excellent start for a series. Recommended for middle grade readers who are sports fans. -Sherry Ellis, author of Bubba and Squirt's Big Dig To China
December 2, 2018
Zayd Saleem is a Pakistani-American 4th grader, who has a passion for basketball. Brought up in a loving culture with firm rules, Zayd must spend extra time practicing his violin in the morning to become the great violinist his parents envision for him. However Zayd has other plans, and when he decides to follow his own passion for practicing basketball instead of playing the violin, trouble erupts. This is a story so many young boys will relate to, however his Pakistani culture with special foods such as spicy chicken biryani, and chapli kabobs, with a jumbo glass of mango lassi, expose readers to tasty new dishes and a very different culture. Zayd's cool successful cousin Jamal, who is funny and supportive of Zayd, has to agree to meet a new girl his family wants him to marry. The entire family particpates in his introduction to this young girl, much to cousin Jamal's discomfort. This story is entertaining, leaving the reader routing for Sayd to learn how to communicate his own goals and passion to his kind but demanding family.
June 24, 2019
This is the first in a series about a boy Zayd who has big dreams of becoming the first Pakastani-American NBA star. The problem is that Zayd’s mom wants Zayd eating healthy and playing his violin. Zayd would rather be playing basketball with his friends and eating what he wants to help put some size on his already scrawny frame. When Zayd skips orchestra practice for basketball with his friends his parents ground him from basketball. In the end things work out.
This book does a great job of addressing the things that are important for a kid and the desires of parents. Regardless of culture. It does however do a wonderful job of incorporating the mix of culture that can happen for a young boy raised by Pakistani immigrant parents and growing up in America, addressing the mix of culture and respect for one’s parents and grandparents while pursuing your own goals.
I would recommend this book for middle grade (or higher) students both girls and boys who are navigating their own passions while balancing their family’s culture and traditions.
This book does a great job of addressing the things that are important for a kid and the desires of parents. Regardless of culture. It does however do a wonderful job of incorporating the mix of culture that can happen for a young boy raised by Pakistani immigrant parents and growing up in America, addressing the mix of culture and respect for one’s parents and grandparents while pursuing your own goals.
I would recommend this book for middle grade (or higher) students both girls and boys who are navigating their own passions while balancing their family’s culture and traditions.
July 30, 2018
Original review as it appears on my blog, Boys to Books. ARC copy received from publisher.
Zayd knows he must practice hard and often to make the gold basketball team, especially since he's smaller than the other guys on the team. Unfortunately, skipping orchestra practice to sharpen his skills does nothing to advance his goals.
When his mother finds out Zayd has traded his violin for basketball, she grounds him for the two weeks leading to try outs. Not only is he not allowed to play basketball, he's not even allowed to talk about it. Even worse, his punishment doesn't end until after try outs, meaning he will have to miss them. Zayd's Pakistani-American family lends support in distinct generational ways but will their firm but loving stance be enough to get him through? In the end, honesty and understanding on both sides endears the reader to Zayd and his family.
A solid start for the series, Power Forward will have the young reader wondering what happens next.
Zayd knows he must practice hard and often to make the gold basketball team, especially since he's smaller than the other guys on the team. Unfortunately, skipping orchestra practice to sharpen his skills does nothing to advance his goals.
When his mother finds out Zayd has traded his violin for basketball, she grounds him for the two weeks leading to try outs. Not only is he not allowed to play basketball, he's not even allowed to talk about it. Even worse, his punishment doesn't end until after try outs, meaning he will have to miss them. Zayd's Pakistani-American family lends support in distinct generational ways but will their firm but loving stance be enough to get him through? In the end, honesty and understanding on both sides endears the reader to Zayd and his family.
A solid start for the series, Power Forward will have the young reader wondering what happens next.
September 2, 2018
9/2/2018 ~~ A chapter book with an "everyday kid" who loves basketball more than violin. Zayd, a fourth grader, struggles to convince his parents that he should be allowed to spend more time & energy improving his basketball skills & less on violin. Incidentally, his family is Muslim, so some traditions, phrases, and references to clothing are sprinkled into the story.
Author Hena Khan is herself Pakistani-American and has numerous books about her culture. This is an important book to include in an elementary library, as it serves as both a mirror for seeing one's own culture and window into other cultures.
Author Hena Khan is herself Pakistani-American and has numerous books about her culture. This is an important book to include in an elementary library, as it serves as both a mirror for seeing one's own culture and window into other cultures.
January 5, 2023
Pretty straightforward basketball kid story. Main theme, being true to yourself and not lying. In the background an uncle thinking about a semi-arranged marriage and traditional Pakistani foods and games, casual mentions of Islam -- I love that this is a story that is clearly set in an immigrant family (at some point they were immigrants) but it isn't about that at all. It's about a kid who loves basketball, who missteps and has to make it up, and who has some underlying anxiety/food issues. Fast paced, easy to fall into.
May 31, 2018
A quick reading sports novel with an appealing narrator. Zayd Saleem loves basketball, so when Zayd sees an opportunity to practice to make the Gold team, he lets his parents believe he is practicing violin and not basketball. Caught and punished, it seems his dreams of making the team are dashed. How will he solve his problem? This book is a fairly straightforward sports book that is elevated by its focus on a Pakistani-American main character. Khan seamlessly integrates family and cultural elements into the story without making them the focus. Best for grades 3-5.
July 14, 2018
From the first chapter, when Zayd falls off the stage during an orchestra performance and is thrilled that his fall went almost-viral on YouTube, I loved this kid. He's super-relatable in that "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" kind of way. He's also good-hearted and a bit anxious. His family is loving and distinctly Pakistani-American, with each character well-defined (sister, uncle, mom, dad, grandma and grandpa). No small feat in such a short book.
Nice flow, easy to follow plot, good for basketball lovers age 7 - 11. Roughly guided reading level O/P (lexile 600).
Nice flow, easy to follow plot, good for basketball lovers age 7 - 11. Roughly guided reading level O/P (lexile 600).
October 1, 2018
This is a good look into the life of a boy whose parents are from Pakistan who cares more about basketball than about playing the violin—his parents’ idea. Zayd lets this passion overtake sense when he chooses to miss his private violin lessons so he can practice basketball with the hope of making the coveted Gold basketball team. When he gets caught and must face the consequences, Zayd learns the value of honesty with his parents and teachers.
Read
March 24, 2019A great contemporary sports story, perfect for elementary basketball fans. Zayd dreams of being an NBA superstar, but his commitment to playing violin in the orchestra is getting in the way of his practice time and he's a small kid. Can he make his dreams come true? Can he do it without getting himself in huge trouble for ditching violin? This series starter is a sure bet for readers of Jake Maddox or early chapter book sports series like MVP, etc.
May 25, 2018
A great first book in this series about a young boy who wants to follow his dream of making the basketball team while his parents dreams are more about playing the violin. Zayd will have to convince his parents that his small stature will not stop his big heart in reaching his goals. I’m looking forward to sharing with students.
February 18, 2019
This is a great intro to a new series about Zayd, whose passion in life is basketball. He's not afraid to stand up for what he wants, even when his family thinks he's too small to compete on the court and tries to get him to give up basketball and focus only on music. Power Forward is a great mix of humor, family drama, and basketball.
June 6, 2018
Zayd Saleem has been practicing basketball every spare minute, hoping to make the gold team with his best friend Adam. But when he skips orchestra rehearsals, his parents ground him from basketball. Will Zayd earn back his parent’s trust and make the team?
Reviewer 29
Reviewer 29
June 19, 2018
Great sports book for the Matt Christopher crowd. Zayd is Pakistani-American and loved basketball. Health food and the violin, not so much.
Family and honestly are to themes that take this beyond a simple sports book.
Family and honestly are to themes that take this beyond a simple sports book.
December 31, 2018
This is a GREAT book! It's the first in a series about a 4th-grade boy who LOVES basketball! Perfect for 2nd/3rd and up! I really liked Zayd as the main character and I can't wait to read more about him in the sequels.
February 15, 2019
Very solid 4th grade book starting a scrawny kid who wants to play basketball but his parents want him to play violin. And he’s Pakistani-American. The writing is pretty plain but that adds to the accessibility.
April 27, 2019
I love Hena Khan’s books! Zayd isn’t particularly good at basketball, and his parents would prefer that he play the violin, but he dreams of being the first Pakistani-American kid to play in the NBA. Great start to a series for readers ages 8 and up.
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