Chapter Books – Social Themes – Immigration, Emmigration & Refuges – Religious – Muslim – Ages 6-9

Published: 5/20/2025

Meet Amina Banana! Shes a determined and clever third grader, and star of a new chapter book series with a STEM twist. Perfect for readers of The Questioneers and Junie B. Jones!

Amina loves bananas, science, and all things yellow! Her family recently arrived from Syria to Indiana, and she’s starting at a brand-new school in a brand-new country. Shes excited but also nervous, especially about making friends! But she develops the perfect formula to get everything just right:

Speak English + wear a perfect outfit + be a good student + eat American food = Make American Friends!

When the first few days are harder than Amina imagined, shes left worrying: why doesn’t her formula add up?

AUTHOR BIO:

SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADIis the National Book Award winning author ofKareem Between, the Amina Banana series, and several picture books, includingThe Gift of Eid. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, is a former English teacher, and is passionate about spreading her love of reading and writing through school visits and story-times. Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. She lives near Chicago with her husband and four children.

Visit Shifa online at ShifaSafadi.com and on Instagram @ShifaSaltagiSafadi

ILLUSTRATOR BIO:

AALIYA JALEELis a Sri-Lankan American illustrator based in Dallas, Texas, who loves illustrating bright, bold color palettes, Islamic and South-Asian inspired patterns, and floral motifs. Some of her past works include the booksUnder My HijabandMuslim Girls Rise. In addition to being an illustrator, Aaliya also works as a designer for animation. Visit Aaliya online at www.aaliyamj.com.

Review Quotes:
“A winning series starter with layers of depth.”–Kirkus, starred review

“National Book Award winner Safadi and illustrator Jaleel (The Gift of Eid) reteam to compassionately capture the whirlwind first days of Amina’s life in the U.S. in this heartfelt and purpose-driven chapter book series opener.”–Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Amid a fast-paced, humorous, tender, and ultimately optimistic story, Safadi captures the family’s nostalgia for Syria while they find a place in a new community. A new series to look forward to.”–Booklist

“Full of hope and warmth, Amina Banana packs a heavy topic – the struggles of refugees starting over – into one light and easily digestible story, which highlights the power of small acts of kindness. Every reader will be able to put themselves into the shoes of a refugee whose whole life has been turned upside down. A surefire way to encourage empathy and compassion.”— Zanib Mian, author ofPlanet OmarandMeet the Maliks