Nadia Islam, on the Record

While on a trip to Bangladesh, a tween journalist uncovers new facets of her cultural heritage in this socially conscious novel. Rising fourth grader Nadia Islam plans to spend the summer writing an article that she hopes will win her a spot on the school newspaper staff; she’s also for the first time fasting during Ramadan. When she learns that she and her family will additionally be visiting relatives in Bangladesh, Nadia is downcast until she realizes that her journalist aunt, Khalamoni, will be visiting, too, and intending to write about the effects of climate change in Bangladesh. Nadia is eager to help her aunt, believing the experience will teach her how to craft the best piece ever. But she struggles to endure the heat and humidity and her own lack of energy from fasting, made worse by her cousins’ insistence that the children compete to see who can fast the longest. Still, Khalamoni allows the youth to accompany her on her research, which opens Nadia’s eyes to how Bangladesh is uniquely threatened by climate change. Through Nadia’s burgeoning understanding of the spiritual aspects of Ramadan, Jaigirdar (Rani Choudhury Must Die) deftly conveys one child’s determination to be taken seriously. Detailed b&w illustrations by Dwivedi (Momo Sees the Sea) offer glimpses into Bangladeshi culture. Ages 8–12. Author’s agent: Uwe Stender, Triada US. Illustrator’s agent: Shadra Strickland, Painted Words. (Jan.)