A timid Mena Miraj waits for the bus on her first day at Henrietta Lacks Elementary School. Once on the bus, we meet Alani Kai. Alani doesn't like to blend in; she confidently begins chatting with Mena. Kara Couture, the most popular kid in the fourth grade, and also the nicest sits with the two girls on the bus. The three become bus friends immediately.
During a slumber party at Kara's house, the girls decide to enter a dance competition. They also make friendship bracelets with beads Kara purchased at a local festival. It isn't long before they notice their beads are powerful.
Readers will meet several characters who fill out the town of Denise. There are classmates and teachers, parents and siblings, and the energetic rhyming school bus driver, Juan. Readers will also meet one person that even the characters can't see.
This book is a fun and exciting read for kids and adults. The three characters, Mena, Alani, and Kara, are fun and happy 4th grade girls. Their friendship begins on the bus but it truly grows into something special during their sleepover.
The representation in this book of girls of different races and backgrounds is so important for kids. This is especially true for kids that see themselves in these characters.
I really enjoyed this book and can't wait to read more from Christina Burns!
I have no doubt that readers will be drawn to the three main characters as they become friends, navigate school and go on an incredible journey. This wonderful author describes their environment perfectly and the dialogue snaps, crackles AND pops! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.