Faruqi, Reem. Anisa’s International Day. Reem Faruqi, Illus. Harper, 10/2022. 102pp. Fiction. GRADES 2 – 4. $16.99. 978-0-06-320623-6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Anisa, of Pakistani descent, wears a new Pakistani outfit
to school, inspiring her third grade teacher to organize an International Day for her class. Students are
tasked with presenting something from their own culture or country for the rest of the class to learn
about. While Anisa frets about what to do for International Day, she also learns how to be a better
friend to her BFF Katie. This short, fast-paced title is a similar reading level as Junie B. Jones or Magic
Tree House and is great for early elementary readers searching out a diverse cast of characters. The
author is of Pakistani descent, and the story includes many ethnicities and cultures in Anisa’s classroom,
along with a scattering of b&w illustrations of Anisa and her classmates. A detailed glossary explains
words that readers may be unfamiliar with, and recipes and activity instructions from the story are also
included.
Joshua Rees—Daly City Public Library