The Magical Reality of Nadia (The Magical Reality of Nadia #1) by Bassem Youssef, Catherine R. Daly, Douglas Holgate
Published by Scholastic Inc. on February 2, 2021
ISBN: 1338572288
Pages: 176
Genres: Fantasy, Humor
Format: Chapter Book Fiction
Goodreads

Sixth grader Nadia is an Egyptian American who loves facts, research and sharing it with whoever will listen.  Her resources take a giant leap forward when the elephant amulet she bought on her summer trip to Egypt begins glowing and Titi, a genie-like teacher from ancient Egypt, appears on her comic book.  He gives her a tour of ancient Egypt and shares stories and facts that help her during a group project with her friends that is testing her listening skills and her friendships, especially with her BFF. She also is challenged to figure out a way to call out the offensive comments and attitudes toward her culture that a new student continues to blatantly throw at her.  Nadia’s friends are from a variety of cultures, further normalizing Nadia’s immigrant experience in the school setting.   Holgate’s illustrates two of the travels to another time period using a graphic novel comic frame style which is a good vehicle to intersperse more information into this full tale and keeping the serious themes light- hearted and fun.   This chapter book, which hints at a sequel, is most suitable for readers in 4-6 grade.

Reviewed by Sheila Dube, Youth Services Librarian, Springvale Public Library