Alina in a Pinch

After moving to Calgary, aspiring chef Alina has difficulties making friends at her new school in Nanji’s (Ring of Remembrance) contemplative contemporary novel. To circumvent potential bullying, she tries to fit in by wearing jeans and T-shirts instead of her traditional salwar kameez, but lunchtime is always the worst. Her classmates disparage her Indian cuisine and pass her notes that say things like “Hey, where do you buy your food from? Pet store? Ruff, ruff.” When Alina’s parents go to Kenya to visit a sick relative, Alina’s grandmother, Nani, arrives to care for her while they’re away. Nani advises Alina through school’s challenges, while helping her prepare an entry for an under-10 Junior Chef competition. Every dish Nani makes has a story behind it, and through these tales Alina learns to take pride in her Indo-African culture. Though dialogue sometimes reads as overworked (“Huh, easier said than done,” Alina thinks about parental advice), Alina’s relationship with Nani is heartfelt, and the protagonist’s growing self-assuredness and perseverance will be a comfort for fellow new kids who see themselves in her struggles. Ages 6–8. (May)