I enjoyed the quality of this book and the visual imagery. It was so touching and I grew to love the friendship between Mimi and Sakina. This book is so fun and a great read! I loved the diversity and the whole idea of this book. It's so precious. This book is perfect for readers ages 9-12.

Taking a vacation to Karachi, Pakistan to meet her grandparents while also attempting to accept her parents' divorce is not the way Mimi would like to spend the summer. Once she gets to Karachi, however, she becomes friends with Sakina, the daughter of her grandparents's cook. Navigating the changes that accompany her new knowledge about her mother's past, about Sakina's life in Pakistan, and the world in which the difference between cultures can seem both large and small, Mimi learns more about herself and her family in this charming middle grades novel that will open readers' eyes and hearts. Easily accessible with opportunities to learn more about Pakistan, readers will note the commonalities between Mimi and Sakina, regardless of what might seem to be obvious differences.

This was the first book I have read by Saadia Faruqi and I loved it! It tells the story of Mimi, who was born in American and travels to Pakistan to visit her grandparents for the first time and Sakina, who was born in Pakistan and works as a cook in Mimi's grandparents home. It is a beautifully written story that alternates between their two perspectives. Mimi is dealing with missing her father whom she hasn't seen or spoken to in years but finds out he is also in Pakistan. Sakina wants to go to school and learn but her family needs her income and her father is sick. These girls form a very strong friendship as they help each other. It is evident that Saadia has woven in her love for her culture. She addresses the need to understand ones own culture and the culture of others. She addresses poverty, lack of health care, classism, political unrest, divorce and lack of education in a very honest and appropriate way for middle grades. Through the book I felt connected to both girls. It was well written, engaging and I can't wait to share with my students.

I was so excited to read this book by the author of the Yasmin series! I am a teacher moving into an upper grade from a lower one, and I knew the Yasmin books were probably not going to be able to make the journey with me, so I was happy to find she had a middle grade book coming out.

This story about two girls, Mimi and Sakina, takes place in Pakistan. Mimi and her mother have come from the US to visit Mimi’s grandparents, while Sakina works in their kitchen as her father’s assistant.

Throughout the course of the book, both girls find reasons to envy each other while feeling lucky in their own lives. Mimi seems rich in Pakistan, but her mother seems to keep secrets and her father left her long ago. Sakina’s family is close but struggles with money.

I think many kids will be able to identify with both girls’ struggles. One aspect of the book that I especially enjoyed was that although the story took place in Pakistan, most of the girls’ problems were universal. Mimi learns about Pakistani culture while the reader does. There were also interesting parts about Pakistani politics sprinkled throughout.

Another great read from Saadia Faruqi!

This is my first time reading a book by author Saadia Faruqi, and wow, am I blown away! I think this book handles a lot of difficult topics including divorce, abandonment by a parent, poverty. class structure (and more) in a very relatable way for middle grade readers. I know my own two girls, ages 8 and 12, will enjoy reading this one and discussing which girl they identified with more. What a terrific book!

Mimi and her mom have traveled to Karachi, Pakistan for the summer. Until now, Mimi has only known her grandparents through Skype, and her mom has shared so little about growing up in Pakistan that Mimi is shocked to find out that her grandparents are rich and have numerous servants. One of the servants, Sakina, is her age.

Sakina helps her father with cooking and serving. She dreams of going to school but knows her family cannot afford to lose her salary, especially since her dad’s diabetes is getting worse, and they can’t afford the medication. However, she recently took a test to get into a school; if she can pass the English part of the test on the re-take, she might win a full scholarship to the school.

Through alternating viewpoints, the reader gets to know each girl, and sees the differing life experiences and perspectives. The events of this summer will have a lasting impact on both of them.

This book was enjoyable and hard to put down. It’s one that would be excellent for read alouds. It can serve as a mentor text as well. I felt as though I got to know each girl and understand the others through the girls’ perspectives. This is one I will read again, and I will share it in my children’s literature class as well.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy books about friendship, family, summer, and finding one’s strength. I also recommend it to teachers as a read aloud for fun and/or as a mentor text.