Amina Banana and the Formula for Making Money

Gr 1-3–Amina returns in the third book of this illustrated series as a third grader determined to help her family with their financial stress. When she overhears her parents discussing budget concerns, Amina decides to assist them by making money. Unfortunately, her plans go awry and cause problems rather than solving them. Readers will laugh at the mishaps and groan in sympathy when she is called to the principal’s office and ­relate to her desire to improve things for her family. Amina’s family moved from Syria and now attend masjid in their new neighborhood, where she finds a true solution to the budget crisis. Some instances at the grocery store call attention to attitudes that immigrant families may face, such as being told to speak ­English or hearing complaints about foreigners. ­Amina speaks up the second time it happens, and her mother and older brother praise her bravery and intelligence. Grayscale illustrations throughout capture scenes at school, home, or out in the community.