Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms

Sejal Sinha #1

by Maya Prasad, Abira Das (Illustrator)

The Magic School Bus meets Over the Moon in this first book in a new chapter book series about a young Indian American girl who loves science and has a big imagination!

Sejal Sinha is looking forward to celebrating Diwali with her family. But when a hurricane appears, Sejal and her cousin Mira learn that the house is in danger from the imminent storm. With the help of Sejal’s favorite stuffed animal, Professor Cheetah, the two girls use Cardboard Box Magic to build their own Hurricane Hunter and fly into the eye of the hurricane!

They learn about a project from the 1960s called Project Stormfury, where a team actually tried to stop hurricanes. Can Sejal and Mira do what the previous Stormfury team couldn’t and battle the superstorm?

Genres: Middle Grade, Chapter Books, Magic, Childrens, Urban Fantasy, Stem, Science

128 pages, Paperback

First published May 2, 2023

About the author

Maya Prasad is a South Asian American writer, a Caltech graduate, and a former software engineer. She currently resides in the Pacific Northwest, where she enjoys hiking, kayaking, and raising her budding bookworm kiddo.

Her YA novels include Drizzle, Dreams, and Lovestruck Things, a 2023 Children’s Book Council Young Adult and Librarian Favorite. Her STEM chapter book series starts with Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms, an OWL Awards shortlist title and a NECBA Windows & Mirrors pick. She’s passionate about creating joyful representation for kids and teens across genres.

Reviews

[Fanna]

March 13, 2021: "first in a new series that follows an Indian American girl with an active imagination and a love of STEM, who uses science to save her family's Diwali celebration on the night of a storm." Young POC going on science-y adventures is exactly what everyone needs, I don't make the rules.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great early chapter book that explores fantastical themes and STEM based elements. If you have a younger reader that's interested in sci-fi/fantasy this is definitely a series that I would recommend checking out.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the mixture of science, Diwali, imagination, and kid magic in this book! Plus my husband’s name is Ravi and my daughter and I enjoyed seeing his name in a book! Sejal loves science and loves Diwali, but will a Hurricane Ruin Everything?

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wish it had just a few more illustrations, but I did learn a lot about hurricanes!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great combination of reading level and science content for age 5 / 2nd grade. My only quibble is that the younger brother in the story was age 5 and quite babyish. Slightly off-putting for a 5-year-old reader.

[Brittney Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

My girls and I were very excited to pick up this new series. My girls are 3 & 4 and we pick out early reader books to read a chapter or two a day from and this one we quickly went through due to the excitement and adventure on the pages.

The books MC Sejal makes me want to be young and imaginative again. My girls loved the idea of using cardboard boxes to set off on an adventure. The science information surrounding hurricane formation and the research done to try and stop a hurricane came across very simple to follow and I learned a thing or two while my girls, more my four year old asked great questions.

Another fun part of the book was the celebration of Diwali the descriptions of food and traditions gave us a glimpse into the beautiful festival.

We are very excited to continue in Sejal’s next adventure in book 2!

Thank you Simon Kids!

[Kirsten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Frizzle and the Magic School Bus meet a plucky Indian-American girl and her cardboard box. Very fun and informative. Sejal (Say-Jull,) and her slightly older cousin Mira, battle to save their Diwali celebration from the superstorm hurricane. Great for 2nd, 3rd, 4th grade readers. Lots of sciency-science stuff.

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Sejal Sinha series promises to be one full of imagination and science information and that’s a great pairing for the younger elementary aged readers. At just 100 pages, it is perfect for the 2nd-4th grade student, but the cardboard box imaginative play may come across as too young for the top end of that group. Strong 1st grade readers will absolutely enjoy Sejal, her boxes that can take her wherever her imagination leads, as well as her loyal sidekick/stuffie Professor Cheetah. In this series opener, it’s Diwali and family is coming over but a hurricane may turn this into an evacuation instead of a celebration. Fortunately, Sejal knows what to do and convinces her older cousin to come along on a cardboard box/plane ride into a hurricane and to a research facility to try and stop this hurricane from becoming a superstorm. Along with solid facts on hurricane formation and the research into that natural disaster is a sweet story about two cousins realizing that they still enjoy being together and some exposure to a culture that may be unfamiliar. Solid choice for libraries with readers of STEM books such as Astrid the Astronaut or Kate the Chemist and would be a step up for the Kayla and King crowd. Would make a great read aloud for the science minded kinder-1st grade student.

Thanks for sharing the print arc with #BookAllies, Maya Prasad.

[Kirsten Caldwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sejal is supposed to celebrate Diwali with her older cousin Mira, but a hurricane is coming in and threatening to ruin everything. Luckily, Sejal has her cardboard box and Professor Cheetah who can do anything with a little imagination magic. They turn the cardboard box into a hurricane-hunting aircraft and fly straight into the eye of the hurricane. In doing so, they learn about a scientist named Ross Herman who has tried to stop hurricanes before. He tells them that hurricanes lose strength when there is enough cold water/air that goes into the hurricane, but they can't lift an iceberg big enough to drop in the hurricane. The imagination magic can though! The cousins go get a massive iceberg and deliver it straight into the eye of the hurricane and manage to subdue it. Their Diwali celebrations were more fun than ever and they got to go on an awesome adventure, too.
This series is really fun and is a mixture of fantasy and STEM education. Fans of the Magic School Bus will love it!

[Waka Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are so many things I love about this chapter book! When my sons were the age of the protagonists (8 and 9), we struggled to find books that were at the appropriate reading level that satisfied their interests in science and desire for a good adventure story. This book has so much that will intrigue young readers, and also the adults who might be reading along with them (I certainly learned a lot)! Children at this age are often interested in (and somewhat anxious about) natural disasters, and through Sejal's adventures, young readers can learn more about them through a fun and exciting story. All children will find something that they can relate to in SEJAL SINHA BATTLES SUPERSTORMS, whether it's characters who look like them, the shared anxiety that accompanies severe weather, imaginative play, and changing friendship dynamics. Most of all, I think children will feel empowered after reading Sejal Sinha's story. Highly recommend!

[McKenzie Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

For more bookish opinions, visit my blog: Craft-Cycle

A fun adventure that nicely blends magic and science.

Sejal loves science. With the help of some cardboard box magic, she's always ready for adventure. When a big storm threatens the Diwali celebration, Sejal teams up with her cousin, Mira, her little brother, Abu, and her sidekick, Professor Cheetah, to go in search of the hurricane before it ruins the day.

Adventure, humor, and science! Well written. Plenty of adventure. The characters were really fun. Has a similar style to the Magic Tree House books, working in real science and history with entertaining magic.

Nice, short chapters. Cute artwork that helps break up the text. Touches on information such as why hurricanes form, hurricane hunters, and Project STORMFURY. An entertaining way to learn about weather.

A fun start to a series celebrating science and a love of adventure.

[Sara Thompson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sejal Sinha is an 8 year old girl with a vivid imagination. Sejal, along with her cousin, little brother, dog and best stuffie go on a mission to save Diwali. When a hurricane threatens their Diwali celebration, Sejal strikes out to save the day. Will the family have to evacuate because of Hurricane Ruin-Everything, or will Sejal and the rest of the crew save the day?

There is so much to love about Sejal. She’s gutsy and creative. I like the fact that she didn’t let her older cousin Mira’s disbelief stop her from having her adventure. This is such an approachable book for young readers. Prasad explains the science in such a way that young children (or old teachers) can follow it. I love that the focus is females in STEM. It’s a much needed series. I can’t wait to read the next adventure!

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This chapter book for readers needing white space on a page of text and picture support is wonderful. Sejal is so excited about Diwali and celebrating with family all the traditions of the holiday. A storm warning has occurred, though, and Sejal must take a trip with her stuffed animal and cousin to stop the hurricane from ruining the holiday. Even though her cousin no longer believes in the magic of a cardboard box to take adventures, Sejal is happy to have her along for the ride.

Very Magic Tree House feel of this story allows the fantasy to work well. The additional cultural connections to a holiday and the main character being of Indian heritage is just lovely. I see this series as one I need in both of my elementary school collections even though only one of my school has many students from India.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

This was a fun early chapter book showing that imagination and science can work together to find a solution. The story itself can interest kids who still play pretend while also teaching them about real world situations and science. I'm glad that Prasad made her main character an Indian American girl. In children's books, most of the time scientists are cued as white and male, while this title has multiple female POC in scientific roles. I also liked that the crux of the conflict revolved around the Sejal and her family's ability to celebrate Diwali, because it gives children who don't practice Hindism a chance to see how the holiday is celebrated.

[Chloe (Always Booked) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I liked this book for the science and educational aspect, but the engagement wasn't very high. The book is about a girl who goes into a cardboard box and pretends its a rocket ship. There is a hurricane going on during Diwali in real life so in her box she becomes a Hurricane hunter and attempts to stop the hurricane so they don't have to evacuate. I love that premise, but there wasn't the whimsy and imagination I would've expected from it. Characters were kind of weak and development overall could've used some help. That being said, I'm happy to pass this on to my daughter and hope she'll continue in the series.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute book for 2nd/3rd grade readers. It's a chapter book, but has short chapters. There are very few illustrations (I think I would have liked more for this age range) but the reading is at a level that is easy enough for these kids.

The concept is that a hurricane is coming and it may disrupt the family's Diwali celebration. So Sejal, who is still playing "pretend" with a cardboard box even though her "older" (by one year) cousin thinks its babyish, pretends to dismantle the hurricane. There is STEM stuff, science information and a lot of great representation in this book.

[Laura P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sejal is excited to celebrate Diwali with her family, but an oncoming hurricane is threatening to ruin everything. Luckily, Sejal has kid imagination and cardboard box magic. Though her older cousin, Mira, is reluctant to "play with a cardboard box," Sejal is on a mission—to stop a hurricane. And she'll help her cousin believe in magic again along the way. This book is full of action, adventure, and cool scientific facts for young readers. Looking forward to more in the series!

[K M · Rating 5 out of 5]

[K, age 7] I liked all the imagination. And how they believed in theirselves and each other. I liked how Abu had put Fluff Monster in his backpack and Fluff Monster went "ruff" and the person who was guiding them said "is that a dog?" and Sejal said, "My little brother Abu likes to pretend he's a dog sometimes," and then Abu said "Ruff!" And the person who was guiding them gave Abu and the other friends a cookie.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent start to a new chapter book series that celebrates the power of imagination! Loved how using their imaginations to play helped get the main characters through a frightening experience. Readers will also get to learn about the holiday of Diwali and some science topics. Highly recommend for kids who are ready for longer chapter books, but still want super fun illustrations. Looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Brinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love how this book is written. The balance of science, imagination, arts and crafts, history, and overall knowledge-dropping is perfect for any reader. The author's use of Indian culture and vocabulary (without italicizing!), simple explanation of scientific concepts, and child-like problem-solving fills a gap in children's literature. The second one in the series is already ready for me to pick up at my local bookstore!

[Jenna Daucunas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Been reading this series to my 5 year old and we're just waiting for the 3rd book to become available from the library. I LOVE these -- great adventure, true facts about science-y stuff, and very entertaining. I'm sure it'd be great for older kids already reading on their own, but I read it a month or so before my daughter turned 5 and she was really into it.

[Meredith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Magic cardboard box instead of a school bus. I liked all the facts about hurricanes being woven in, but I could not suspend my disbelief when they were flying around with the Hunters. Or when a scientist cheetah put a harness on an iceberg. And I was hoping Ross Herman was a real person. Extra star because we need more illustrated 100-page chapter books.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

At just about 100 pages, this was a quick read that will be accessible to younger readers. Would also make a great read-aloud. I love that I learned something new while reading this book - I had no idea that we fly airplanes into hurricanes to study them!

[Gayatri Sethi Desi Book Aunty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fabulous new addition to our early reader bookshelf!

This is a page turning kind of series. Full of magic, adventure and scientific learning. For me, the desi cultural details are especially endearing.

I’ve recommended it to several families with new readers.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

Yes, please! What a fun adventure as they use cardboard box magic to fly into a hurricane to stop it from ruining their Diwali celebration. So much great representation of women in STEM plus great science.

[AMY · Rating 3 out of 5]

108 pgs. This is an interesting fantasy book about a girl who has a great imagination and uses her cardboard box to fly and experience adventures. It is time for her family to celebrate Diwali but a powerful hurricane is coming. There are lots of sections that describe the Diwali food and details. It is a good series for diverse collections. Her cousin Mira is skeptical of Sejal's ability to use the cardboard box and consult with a stuffed animal cheetah. It was just ok for me but younger kids may enjoy the adventure part. Recommended for Grades 3-4.

[Jayashree · Rating 5 out of 5]

So wonderful!! Great story and adventure! Loved all the desi elements and the magic mixed with science! Great read for the whole family!

[Shae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book! Suggest to lovers of Magic School Bus!

[sayitwithasmile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such big imagination and great science facts. It was reminiscent of Magic School Bus which I loved.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful mix of imagination and science that kids will love. It has great details about the Diwali holiday and the descriptions of food made me hungry!