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Zara's Rules #1
Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun
From the beloved author of Amina’s Voice comes the first book in a humor-filled middle grade series starring a young Muslim girl with an endless list of hobbies who searches for ways to maximize fun for her family and neighborhood friends.
Meet Zara Saleem, the queen of the neighborhood.
Zara’s in charge of it she organizes the games, picks the teams, and makes sure everyone has a good time…and they always do.
When a new family moves in across the street, suddenly Zara’s reign is threatened by Naomi, who has big ideas of her own about how the neighborhood kids can have fun. To get everyone to notice her again, Zara decides she’s going to break a Guinness World Record—if her little brother Zayd doesn’t mess things up.
But when she finds herself increasingly alone in her record-breaking quest, Zara starts to wonder if sharing the crown and making a new friend might end up being the best rule of all.
Meet Zara Saleem, the queen of the neighborhood.
Zara’s in charge of it she organizes the games, picks the teams, and makes sure everyone has a good time…and they always do.
When a new family moves in across the street, suddenly Zara’s reign is threatened by Naomi, who has big ideas of her own about how the neighborhood kids can have fun. To get everyone to notice her again, Zara decides she’s going to break a Guinness World Record—if her little brother Zayd doesn’t mess things up.
But when she finds herself increasingly alone in her record-breaking quest, Zara starts to wonder if sharing the crown and making a new friend might end up being the best rule of all.
144 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2022
About the author
Hena Khan
50 books495 followersHena Khan writes books in a multitude of formats, including picture books, middle grade fiction, pick-your-path adventures, and graphic novels. Her stories are often centered around community, friendship, and family, and draw from her own experiences and culture. Hena’s novels include AMINA'S VOICE, MORE TO THE STORY, and DRAWING DEENA. She is the author of the Zayd Saleem Chasing the Dream, Zara’s Rules, and Super You! series. Hena’s picture books include GOLDEN DOMES AND SILVER LANTERNS, UNDER MY HIJAB, and IT'S RAMADAN, CURIOUS GEORGE, among others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
July 27, 2022
This book followed Zara,10 as she's outside with her younger brother Zayd, 7 playing games with their friends in the neighborhood. They were anticipating who will move into the house their old neighbor just vacated. They hope for a neighbor with kids so they would have more friends to play. Zara is currently the activity leader in the neighborhood. Unexpectedly, when the new neighbor came, she thought of ideas that were more interesting to do than Zara and the neighborhood kids decided to go with the new ideas. Zara was unhappy so she avoided everyone and turned to obsessing over breaking world records. Zara only went back to playing with the group when the new neighbor suggested that they think of something all of the neighborhood friends can do together. A great book for kids. There's siblings troubles and family favorites. My first Pakistan read with its language. Zara is a bit like my niece. Only want to be the boss. And if things don't go her way, she stop playing. The last page is fun and I would have preferred more of it within the story instead of just one page at the end of the story.
Thank you SimonKids for the opportunity to read and review.
Thank you SimonKids for the opportunity to read and review.
April 5, 2022
Zara is a neighborhood activity coordinator extraordinaire!
She's fun, but gets a little carried away trying to do too much. A few feelings get hurt from taking too much control, but her creativity helps spark some friendships.
The best part that my 3rd grader liked was Zara trying to break a Guiness World Record!
This was a quick book about not giving up and friendship. The quirky colorful cover will definitely draw kids in to want to read this book!
We were glad to have won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
She's fun, but gets a little carried away trying to do too much. A few feelings get hurt from taking too much control, but her creativity helps spark some friendships.
The best part that my 3rd grader liked was Zara trying to break a Guiness World Record!
This was a quick book about not giving up and friendship. The quirky colorful cover will definitely draw kids in to want to read this book!
We were glad to have won this book in a Goodreads giveaway!
January 3, 2023
Zara is the queen of her neighborhood, she rules over it. fun and games are mandatory!
but competition appears when the new neighbors move in. Zara tries to make herself more relevant by trying to break a Guinness world record ? will she really get the attention of her friends back like that ..?
that was adorable! Hena Khan never misses for me.
i love all her characters and the stories she creates. Zara's family is everything i love about Khan's stories. it's heart warming.
will dive in the other books in the series asap !
but competition appears when the new neighbors move in. Zara tries to make herself more relevant by trying to break a Guinness world record ? will she really get the attention of her friends back like that ..?
that was adorable! Hena Khan never misses for me.
i love all her characters and the stories she creates. Zara's family is everything i love about Khan's stories. it's heart warming.
will dive in the other books in the series asap !
June 9, 2023
After a neighbor moves away and a new family moves in Zara is determined to make her mark on the neighborhood. And what better way to do that than to break a world record?
November 7, 2021
"Zara is a little bit older than me. Three years older. While trying to break a hula hooping record she made it to one hour before her brother ran into her with his bike while trying to dry off from swimming. It was kinda okay though because she didn't know about all the papers she had to fill out to break a record officially for the Guinness Book of World Records. Kids in my grade would like this book because it reminds us to read through the instructions, try and try again, and forgive our annoying brothers." -Cadee, age 9.
(April 2022 release. Thanks to SLJ for the copy they sent my mom)
(April 2022 release. Thanks to SLJ for the copy they sent my mom)
April 17, 2022
This early chapter book packs a lot of personality, growth, and fun into 127 pages. The writing quality is engaging and the characters relatable. If you have read the Zayd Saleem books you will recognize the family in this new stand alone series. Either way though, from the surprising Naano to the fun Mamoo, the neighborhood children and the desire to maintain her reign as Queen of the neighborhood, the book may be meant for 7-10 year olds, but based on the kids in my house, anyone that picked it up, read the entire book before putting it back down. The grandma covers her head, it mentions she reads Quran, there is a Salaam or two, an InshaAllah, and desi cultural foods mentioned. The focus is not on religion or culture, but the layer adds depth to the characters, and normalizes names and practices in a universal plot.
SYNOPSIS:
Zara's neighborhood has a lot of kids in it, and Zara has the reputation of being the leader who rules with grace and fairness. It is a position she takes very seriously. When Mr. Chapman moves out and a new family moves in, Zara fears losing her place. The new girl Naomi has a lot of ideas and everyone seems to like them. Zara has a grand idea to set a Guinness World Record, but with her little brother Zayd messing her up, nothing is going as planned for the summer.
As she finds her self alone a lot and not having much fun, she decides to change things up. She works to be less bossy, less controlling, more willing to to share her crown. With a lot of heart, internal growth, recognizing her strengths and weaknesses, the neighborhood kids just might have a record-breaking summer.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the story wasn't just surface level, it acknowledged some emotions and stresses and introspection, that I was pleasantly surprised to see played out in an early chapter book. I really just enjoy the family, they read relatable and fun. The Nanoo's surprise ability to hula hoop and her pettiness over a cooking competition genuinely made me smile. The neighborhood kids and the politics of the different aged children having to find ways to compromise reminds me a lot of my summers as a kid, and the nostalgia was sweet. I like the Islamic touchstones, I would have loved if they had to go in at sunset to pray or something of the like, but I was glad that at least that Nanoo reads Quran and an inshaAllah in the text made me feel seen.
SYNOPSIS:
Zara's neighborhood has a lot of kids in it, and Zara has the reputation of being the leader who rules with grace and fairness. It is a position she takes very seriously. When Mr. Chapman moves out and a new family moves in, Zara fears losing her place. The new girl Naomi has a lot of ideas and everyone seems to like them. Zara has a grand idea to set a Guinness World Record, but with her little brother Zayd messing her up, nothing is going as planned for the summer.
As she finds her self alone a lot and not having much fun, she decides to change things up. She works to be less bossy, less controlling, more willing to to share her crown. With a lot of heart, internal growth, recognizing her strengths and weaknesses, the neighborhood kids just might have a record-breaking summer.
WHY I LIKE IT:
I love that the story wasn't just surface level, it acknowledged some emotions and stresses and introspection, that I was pleasantly surprised to see played out in an early chapter book. I really just enjoy the family, they read relatable and fun. The Nanoo's surprise ability to hula hoop and her pettiness over a cooking competition genuinely made me smile. The neighborhood kids and the politics of the different aged children having to find ways to compromise reminds me a lot of my summers as a kid, and the nostalgia was sweet. I like the Islamic touchstones, I would have loved if they had to go in at sunset to pray or something of the like, but I was glad that at least that Nanoo reads Quran and an inshaAllah in the text made me feel seen.
May 4, 2022
Loved this book by @henakhanbooks !
Zara is a relatable kid who loves drama and rules the neighborhood as the Queen of the Neighborhood. I loved that she was 11 years old making her a great catch for my 11 and 9 year old!
Signature Hena Khan style, the family dynamic is warm and lovely and reading about Zara's family felt like I was reading about my own.
Zara's voice is one you will not want to miss! I loved reading about her attempts to beat a Guinness world record and how she unites the neighborhood through her attempts.
Loved wastana haikal illustrations!
I also loved the brother Zayd's series so was excited to get to spend more time with this beautiful family. I also enjoyed reading about Jamal Mamoo who was younger in this series as well!
I can't wait to read the next one. The illustrations are joyful and this book was a treat!
Zara is a relatable kid who loves drama and rules the neighborhood as the Queen of the Neighborhood. I loved that she was 11 years old making her a great catch for my 11 and 9 year old!
Signature Hena Khan style, the family dynamic is warm and lovely and reading about Zara's family felt like I was reading about my own.
Zara's voice is one you will not want to miss! I loved reading about her attempts to beat a Guinness world record and how she unites the neighborhood through her attempts.
Loved wastana haikal illustrations!
I also loved the brother Zayd's series so was excited to get to spend more time with this beautiful family. I also enjoyed reading about Jamal Mamoo who was younger in this series as well!
I can't wait to read the next one. The illustrations are joyful and this book was a treat!
May 24, 2023
Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun is the start of a beautiful chapter book series about a young Pakistani-American heroine and her friends and family. This sweet chapter book from master storyteller Hena Khan contains lovely black and white illustrations and short chapters. Zara and her friends remind me of my childhood, of playing OUTSIDE and making up games and rules for friends. Full of family, love, joy, and poignant lessons, this is a great pick for readers ages 7 and up.
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/zaras-...
Full review: https://readingmiddlegrade.com/zaras-...
October 17, 2022
Hena Khan’s latest middle grade novel will be a quick read for most 4-6th graders and its main characters will be relatable to many. Zara is not the oldest child on her street, but she is the one with the ideas and the “rules” for fair play among the six long time friends as they play. When new neighbors move in, the leadership mantle shifts and Zara begins an effort to set a record for the latest Guinness Book of World records in the hopes that her title “Queen of the Neighborhood,” bestowed on her by a beloved older neighbor, will remain intact. Zara is exuberant and great at organizing, her brother Zayd is more quiet and less self-assured, and other friends are equally unique. Text is free of violence, profanity and sexual content. Representation: Zara’s family is of Middle Eastern descent and their culture is present in food, language, and some traditions. New neighbors Naomi and Michael are Jewish and several foods from that culture are included. Sisters Jade and Gloria are Black which is only identifiable because of a mid book illustration by Wastana Haikal.
Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster/Salaam Reads.
Thanks for the print arc, Simon & Schuster/Salaam Reads.
April 19, 2022
This was so cute!
June 13, 2022
Thank you so much to Salaam Reads for sending me a copy of this book!
You really know you’ve made it as a reviewer/influencer when you start getting unsolicited book mail, hmm?
This was adorable, and perfect for upper elementary school kids. Short, sweet, engaging, and with a good message (without being preachy).
I never would have picked this book up on my own, but I really enjoyed it and honestly, I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series as they release.
You really know you’ve made it as a reviewer/influencer when you start getting unsolicited book mail, hmm?
This was adorable, and perfect for upper elementary school kids. Short, sweet, engaging, and with a good message (without being preachy).
I never would have picked this book up on my own, but I really enjoyed it and honestly, I’ll definitely be reading the rest of the series as they release.
April 30, 2022
I was thrilled to hear we would be back with the Saleem family, this time focusing on Zara (Zayd's older sister). We know from the Zayd series that Zara is pretty good at the things she does. Now we get to see where her persistence comes from! Because when Zara sets her mind to something, she works at it!
December 24, 2022
Mostly skimmed this. Hena Khan is a great MG writer, and this book is quite cute. Not much Islam rep, with only a passing mention of the grandmother reading Qur’an. Even so, wholesome and sweet. Great for schools/ classrooms!
February 17, 2022
This is the book I wish I had when I was growing up!! Hena writes super relatable Muslim characters for middle grade readers. I loved reading about Zara and it’s an adorable book.
May 6, 2022
Such a fun start to a new series!! ❤️
April 4, 2024
4.5 Stars
May 17, 2022
SUPER cute. Loved the neighborhood feel of this, the mix of cultures and various kid ages. As usual, Khan has such a clear, expressive voice for children that readers can really connect with.
June 16, 2022
I really liked Zara as a main character. She really embodied the struggles of relationships as a young person in a Muslim American family and I love the dynamic of the neighborhood friends!
January 20, 2023
Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun is the first book in a series featuring Zara, the sister of Zayd from the "Chasing the Dream" series. Zara is about "ten and three-quarters" years old and is used to being the "Queen of the Neighborhood." But when a new girl named Naomi moves into the neighborhood and becomes popular, Zara feels threatened. So she decides to break a Guinness World Record to return her friends. But it doesn't go the way she plans.
I love how the neighborhood is culturally diverse. Scenes with Zara's Pakistani family give the book heart and humor. The book also includes cuteblack-and-whitee illustrations that enhance the story. I loved reading about Zara's attempts to beat a Guinness world record in hula hooping and how she brings the neighborhood together by trying.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
I love how the neighborhood is culturally diverse. Scenes with Zara's Pakistani family give the book heart and humor. The book also includes cuteblack-and-whitee illustrations that enhance the story. I loved reading about Zara's attempts to beat a Guinness world record in hula hooping and how she brings the neighborhood together by trying.
To listen to my interview with the author, go to my podcast at:
https://www.momsdonthavetimetoreadboo...
December 6, 2021
“I have to come up with a plan to make sure I stay Queen of the Neighborhood. And fast.” (ARC, 30)
Ten-and-three-quarters-year-old Zara lives with her Muslim family—Mama, Baba, little brother Zayd, Naano and Nana Abu. Zara has always organized the kids of her neighborhood: she makes rules—which are fair; she chooses the games—which are fun; and she picks the teams—which are even, there being three boys and three girls. In fact Mr. Chapman, their older neighbor, nicknamed Zara “the Queen of the Neighborhood.” But then Mr. Chapman sells his house and Zara worries about who will move in. Will there be kids? Will they throw off the dynamics of the neighborhood? Will there be an in even number for teams?
A Jewish family with two children moves in: Naomi Goldstein, a ten year old girl, and Michael, her older brother. Naomi has a lot of good ideas, like making “a cool tub” (like a hot tub) from a blow-up swimming pool and building a clubhouse. And she includes everyone. But when the others join Naomi, Zara refuses, feeling that her position as Queen of the Neighborhood has been threatened. Her uncle gives her some of his old books and one is the Guinness World Records. Zara decides to break a record so she can enter the Hall of Fame and “seal [her] place” in the neighborhood.
Zara’s plan fails when Zayd bikes into her Hula-Hoop marathon and rain ruins her longest chalk drawing and she finds out that Guinness World Records has its own rules. Meanwhile Naomi starts getting everyone involved in breaking records, saying that Zara inspired her. “I thought it would be cool if we all broke records. Then we can be in the book together.” (ARC, 85)
It takes a while for Zara to realize that Naomi is not competing with her, her friends are not intentionally bailing on her just because Naomi has some fun ideas too, and that everyone can have fun together and take turns making the plans. “And just like that, I realize I’m sharing the crown. But, surprisingly, it makes me feel a lot lighter than I expected.” (ARC, 98)
Hena Khan's new novel for grades 3-6 shares an important lesson about community and working together.
Ten-and-three-quarters-year-old Zara lives with her Muslim family—Mama, Baba, little brother Zayd, Naano and Nana Abu. Zara has always organized the kids of her neighborhood: she makes rules—which are fair; she chooses the games—which are fun; and she picks the teams—which are even, there being three boys and three girls. In fact Mr. Chapman, their older neighbor, nicknamed Zara “the Queen of the Neighborhood.” But then Mr. Chapman sells his house and Zara worries about who will move in. Will there be kids? Will they throw off the dynamics of the neighborhood? Will there be an in even number for teams?
A Jewish family with two children moves in: Naomi Goldstein, a ten year old girl, and Michael, her older brother. Naomi has a lot of good ideas, like making “a cool tub” (like a hot tub) from a blow-up swimming pool and building a clubhouse. And she includes everyone. But when the others join Naomi, Zara refuses, feeling that her position as Queen of the Neighborhood has been threatened. Her uncle gives her some of his old books and one is the Guinness World Records. Zara decides to break a record so she can enter the Hall of Fame and “seal [her] place” in the neighborhood.
Zara’s plan fails when Zayd bikes into her Hula-Hoop marathon and rain ruins her longest chalk drawing and she finds out that Guinness World Records has its own rules. Meanwhile Naomi starts getting everyone involved in breaking records, saying that Zara inspired her. “I thought it would be cool if we all broke records. Then we can be in the book together.” (ARC, 85)
It takes a while for Zara to realize that Naomi is not competing with her, her friends are not intentionally bailing on her just because Naomi has some fun ideas too, and that everyone can have fun together and take turns making the plans. “And just like that, I realize I’m sharing the crown. But, surprisingly, it makes me feel a lot lighter than I expected.” (ARC, 98)
Hena Khan's new novel for grades 3-6 shares an important lesson about community and working together.
January 1, 2022
Great way to start 2022, with this wonderful beginning chapter book by Hena Khan. I appreciate the early copy thanks to the author and publisher.
This book has much to celebrate: inclusive characters from different cultures and of a variety of ages, a relatable storyline that readers will enjoy including an annoying younger brother and a just moved in across the street friend that has the potential to upend the perfect balance of the neighborhood.
I love Hena’s writing, and I especially love how her stories have something for every age group. This book could be shared by an adult and a not yet ready to be independent chapter book reader, or a beginning reader who is ready for chapters, or it could be enjoyed by an older reader who likes a book with shorter chapters, fewer pages, and illustrations that go with the text. It’s a book with appeal for a multitude of ages.
Pre-order now for an April drop date.
This book has much to celebrate: inclusive characters from different cultures and of a variety of ages, a relatable storyline that readers will enjoy including an annoying younger brother and a just moved in across the street friend that has the potential to upend the perfect balance of the neighborhood.
I love Hena’s writing, and I especially love how her stories have something for every age group. This book could be shared by an adult and a not yet ready to be independent chapter book reader, or a beginning reader who is ready for chapters, or it could be enjoyed by an older reader who likes a book with shorter chapters, fewer pages, and illustrations that go with the text. It’s a book with appeal for a multitude of ages.
Pre-order now for an April drop date.
January 10, 2022
Such a fun, fun MG book!
March 8, 2022
This is the first installment in the Zara series. We meet Zara who feels her “Queen of the Neighbourhood '' status is threatened by the new girl in the community, so she sets out to do something about it. Zara’s Muslim family is Pakistan-American
The story opens on Taco Tuesday even though it is really Friday. The family is anxiously anticipating the arrival of the new owners of Mr. Chapman’s home moving in next door.
Zara and the other neighbourhood kids were sad to see their elderly neighbor, friendly Mr. Chapman, move away. The house is sold and a new family is moving in, hopefully with kids, and someone who can tend his beautiful garden.. Zara is the ‘Queen of the Neighborhood,’ so dubbed by Mr. Chapman for the way she organizes games and makes sure everyone plays by the rules. And… Zara is quite attached to her moniker. The new neighbors have two children, Naomi and Michael who will be attending the local Jewish school. Feeling left out when her best friends Gloria and Jade seem to be more interested in setting up a clubhouse with the new girl, Zara decides it may be time to do something on her own for a change. She has been browsing the Guinness Book of World records, so how hard can it be to break a world record? Think again Zara. She Attempts a try at the longest tap-dancing, biggest sidewalk chalk drawing, and most hours spent hula hooping all to end poorly. Zara is beginning to feel increasingly alone in her record-breaking quest and starts to wonder if sharing her Queenship and making a new friend might end up being the best rule of all. In the end, Zara soon realizes it’s more fun to try things out with her friends, even if it means she doesn’t always get to make the rules.
Zara is a completely likeable even though she lets her little brother, Zyad get on her nerves. Her young worries are very relatable for an 11 year old and she has a realistic tween voice. The neighborhood is culturally diverse. Jade and Gloria are Black, and Naomi’s family is Jewish.
Scenes with Zara’s extended Pakistani family include frequent visits from her sweet grandparents and cool uncle, which add family warmth, as well interjected bits of Urdu and cultural references. Sprinkled throughout the book are cute and lively black and white illustrations that enhance the story.
My favorite part was how everyone is so neighborly and the warm community reminded me of where I grew up spending days outdoors with the neighbor kids making up ways to have fun. I know this is a tired issue, but I have to say there is no mention of screen device uses among the kids. Just kids inventing their own fun.
A promising new series for 7-10 year old girls. This is the first instalment due out in April 2022 and Zara’s Rules for a finding Hidden Treasure is due out in a October 2022
The story opens on Taco Tuesday even though it is really Friday. The family is anxiously anticipating the arrival of the new owners of Mr. Chapman’s home moving in next door.
Zara and the other neighbourhood kids were sad to see their elderly neighbor, friendly Mr. Chapman, move away. The house is sold and a new family is moving in, hopefully with kids, and someone who can tend his beautiful garden.. Zara is the ‘Queen of the Neighborhood,’ so dubbed by Mr. Chapman for the way she organizes games and makes sure everyone plays by the rules. And… Zara is quite attached to her moniker. The new neighbors have two children, Naomi and Michael who will be attending the local Jewish school. Feeling left out when her best friends Gloria and Jade seem to be more interested in setting up a clubhouse with the new girl, Zara decides it may be time to do something on her own for a change. She has been browsing the Guinness Book of World records, so how hard can it be to break a world record? Think again Zara. She Attempts a try at the longest tap-dancing, biggest sidewalk chalk drawing, and most hours spent hula hooping all to end poorly. Zara is beginning to feel increasingly alone in her record-breaking quest and starts to wonder if sharing her Queenship and making a new friend might end up being the best rule of all. In the end, Zara soon realizes it’s more fun to try things out with her friends, even if it means she doesn’t always get to make the rules.
Zara is a completely likeable even though she lets her little brother, Zyad get on her nerves. Her young worries are very relatable for an 11 year old and she has a realistic tween voice. The neighborhood is culturally diverse. Jade and Gloria are Black, and Naomi’s family is Jewish.
Scenes with Zara’s extended Pakistani family include frequent visits from her sweet grandparents and cool uncle, which add family warmth, as well interjected bits of Urdu and cultural references. Sprinkled throughout the book are cute and lively black and white illustrations that enhance the story.
My favorite part was how everyone is so neighborly and the warm community reminded me of where I grew up spending days outdoors with the neighbor kids making up ways to have fun. I know this is a tired issue, but I have to say there is no mention of screen device uses among the kids. Just kids inventing their own fun.
A promising new series for 7-10 year old girls. This is the first instalment due out in April 2022 and Zara’s Rules for a finding Hidden Treasure is due out in a October 2022
July 28, 2022
7/25/2022 Full review tk at TheFrumiousConsortium.net.
7/28/2022 with the loveliest illustrations by Wastana Haikal. Like, I'm not joking, the pictures add so much to an already really terrific story. Bapak Wastana really captures all the different multicultural generations in his line drawings, and I'm wholly in love with them.
The story itself far exceeded my expectations from reading just the blurb. Zara Saleem is the Queen of the Neighborhood: she's always making up the rules for the games that the kids in her neighborhood play. When a new family moves in on their street, new girl Naomi proves a threat to Zara's position. Zara decides that the best way to reclaim being the center of attention is to get into the Guinness Book Of World Records. Unsurprisingly, this does not go to plan. Will Zara learn that being Queen is nowhere near as fun as being friends?
So here's the deal. As a bit of a bossy boots myself, I'm always wary of books that portray being an assertive female negatively. If no one takes charge and shapes the discourse, everyone just stands around being grumpy that no one is taking charge and shaping the discourse. Then there are the passive-aggressive people who expect you to read their minds when trying to come to a group consensus, or say one thing when really meaning another. Leadership is a difficult skill, and female leadership is too often portrayed negatively. Like, when was the last time you read a book about a boy being ostracized for being bossy?
Hena Khan sidesteps that pitfall by, first, having the two rivals both be girls. She also makes it clear that Zara does try to be a good leader, and that the other kids for the most part do appreciate her efforts. The main issue here isn't even her leadership skill so much as it is her need for attention, which is a trait much more in need of being addressed, as well as less gender-coded. Ms Khan does an excellent job of portraying Zara's insecurities, as well as how she and her friends are all good-hearted kids. The author's afterword talks about how Ms Khan was inspired by books like Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, with fallible kids in relatable situations: Zara and co are definitely continuing in that fine tradition.
I also adored how casually Zara's Pakistani Muslim heritage is woven into the proceedings. It's described as matter-of-factly as more commonly described cultures in American literature are, and it's so wonderful to read. I'd also like to shout out the Maryland setting! I'm not sure where Brisk River is, but as a Silver Spring resident, I deeply appreciated the local references. I'm currently trying to get my oldest child to read this book, but he's in his "I can't read in the summer" phase, siiiigh. Will update should I manage to persuade him.
Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun by Hena Khan was published April 19 2022 by Salaam Reads and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
7/28/2022 with the loveliest illustrations by Wastana Haikal. Like, I'm not joking, the pictures add so much to an already really terrific story. Bapak Wastana really captures all the different multicultural generations in his line drawings, and I'm wholly in love with them.
The story itself far exceeded my expectations from reading just the blurb. Zara Saleem is the Queen of the Neighborhood: she's always making up the rules for the games that the kids in her neighborhood play. When a new family moves in on their street, new girl Naomi proves a threat to Zara's position. Zara decides that the best way to reclaim being the center of attention is to get into the Guinness Book Of World Records. Unsurprisingly, this does not go to plan. Will Zara learn that being Queen is nowhere near as fun as being friends?
So here's the deal. As a bit of a bossy boots myself, I'm always wary of books that portray being an assertive female negatively. If no one takes charge and shapes the discourse, everyone just stands around being grumpy that no one is taking charge and shaping the discourse. Then there are the passive-aggressive people who expect you to read their minds when trying to come to a group consensus, or say one thing when really meaning another. Leadership is a difficult skill, and female leadership is too often portrayed negatively. Like, when was the last time you read a book about a boy being ostracized for being bossy?
Hena Khan sidesteps that pitfall by, first, having the two rivals both be girls. She also makes it clear that Zara does try to be a good leader, and that the other kids for the most part do appreciate her efforts. The main issue here isn't even her leadership skill so much as it is her need for attention, which is a trait much more in need of being addressed, as well as less gender-coded. Ms Khan does an excellent job of portraying Zara's insecurities, as well as how she and her friends are all good-hearted kids. The author's afterword talks about how Ms Khan was inspired by books like Beverly Cleary's Ramona series, with fallible kids in relatable situations: Zara and co are definitely continuing in that fine tradition.
I also adored how casually Zara's Pakistani Muslim heritage is woven into the proceedings. It's described as matter-of-factly as more commonly described cultures in American literature are, and it's so wonderful to read. I'd also like to shout out the Maryland setting! I'm not sure where Brisk River is, but as a Silver Spring resident, I deeply appreciated the local references. I'm currently trying to get my oldest child to read this book, but he's in his "I can't read in the summer" phase, siiiigh. Will update should I manage to persuade him.
Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun by Hena Khan was published April 19 2022 by Salaam Reads and is available from all good booksellers, including Bookshop!
October 28, 2022
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Zara, the older sister of Zayd Saleem, is the "queen" of her neighborhood, or is so called by kindly older neighbor Mr. Chapman. When Mr. Chapman moves, he leaves her a necklace with a crown charm on it, and Zara is very apprehensive about who might move into his house. Her neighborhood in Brisk River, Maryland has a lot of children, and they all play together pretty well. When the new residents include Naomi Goldstein, who is in Zara's grade, and her older brother Michael, Zara's mother has her take over cookies. Naomi is attending the Jewish Day School, but gets along well with the other kids in the neighborhood. Almost too well for Zara's taste, since her other friends start to bail on her plans to follow Naomi. When her uncle gives her some of his old books, include a Guinness Book of World Records, Zara decides to try to break records so that the kids in the neighborhood still find her interesting. She tries to make the longest chalk drawing, and spend the most time tap dancing and hula hooping, but is not successful in any of her endeavors. Naomi tries to make the biggest rugelach, but also runs into trouble. Zara's grandmother understands, and helps her by explaining some of the activities she did as a girl growing up in Lahore. When Zara finds out that there is a long, official process to make it into the record book, she starts a neighborhood record book, and the children find this a lot easier and more fun to try to get into.
Strengths: Zara's neighborhood seems like such a fantastic one, with all of those children! I always wished that there were more children near me when I was growing up, and I know my own children liked to be able to walk or bike to find friends to play with. Her neighborhood is also very culturally diverse. Her jealousy of Naomi is understandable, and the way that she reacts to losing the interest of her friends is realistic. She has a great, supportive family, and the brief interactions with her grandmother are very charming, and everything works out well in the end. This was a fairly short book with great illustrations.
Weaknesses: This must be set before the Zayd Saleem books, since he is in fourth grade in those, and in about second grade here, so I was a tiny bit confused.
What I really think: My gold standard for early elementary realistic fiction is Carolyn Haywood's Betsy books, and this had the same great neighborhood feel. I can see Zara and Betsy hanging out with Nina Soni, Jasmine Toguchi, Cleo Edison Oliver, Lola Levine, Stella Diaz, and Mindy Kim.
Zara, the older sister of Zayd Saleem, is the "queen" of her neighborhood, or is so called by kindly older neighbor Mr. Chapman. When Mr. Chapman moves, he leaves her a necklace with a crown charm on it, and Zara is very apprehensive about who might move into his house. Her neighborhood in Brisk River, Maryland has a lot of children, and they all play together pretty well. When the new residents include Naomi Goldstein, who is in Zara's grade, and her older brother Michael, Zara's mother has her take over cookies. Naomi is attending the Jewish Day School, but gets along well with the other kids in the neighborhood. Almost too well for Zara's taste, since her other friends start to bail on her plans to follow Naomi. When her uncle gives her some of his old books, include a Guinness Book of World Records, Zara decides to try to break records so that the kids in the neighborhood still find her interesting. She tries to make the longest chalk drawing, and spend the most time tap dancing and hula hooping, but is not successful in any of her endeavors. Naomi tries to make the biggest rugelach, but also runs into trouble. Zara's grandmother understands, and helps her by explaining some of the activities she did as a girl growing up in Lahore. When Zara finds out that there is a long, official process to make it into the record book, she starts a neighborhood record book, and the children find this a lot easier and more fun to try to get into.
Strengths: Zara's neighborhood seems like such a fantastic one, with all of those children! I always wished that there were more children near me when I was growing up, and I know my own children liked to be able to walk or bike to find friends to play with. Her neighborhood is also very culturally diverse. Her jealousy of Naomi is understandable, and the way that she reacts to losing the interest of her friends is realistic. She has a great, supportive family, and the brief interactions with her grandmother are very charming, and everything works out well in the end. This was a fairly short book with great illustrations.
Weaknesses: This must be set before the Zayd Saleem books, since he is in fourth grade in those, and in about second grade here, so I was a tiny bit confused.
What I really think: My gold standard for early elementary realistic fiction is Carolyn Haywood's Betsy books, and this had the same great neighborhood feel. I can see Zara and Betsy hanging out with Nina Soni, Jasmine Toguchi, Cleo Edison Oliver, Lola Levine, Stella Diaz, and Mindy Kim.
March 25, 2022
New neighbors, old friends, a little jealousy, and tons of ideas come together to create a fun read.
The nicest man in the world has moved away, leaving Zara and her family wondering who will move into the house across the street next. When the moving van pulls up and two kids appear, Zara and her neighborhood friends are a bit nervous. Being the Queen of the Neighborhood, Zara forces courage and brings cookies to greet the newcomers. What she doesn't expect is that the new girl is gaining quite a bit of attention from everyone. Soon, Zara feels a little ignored, but it's nothing she can't handle. She has a new goal and plans to breaking a world record. She just has to figure out which one it will be...and keep her eye on that new neighbor so she doesn't steal her 'Queen' position completely.
Especially lower middle graders will effortlessly slide into this tale. The writing fits the age group very well, and the tale flows smoothly. Each character comes across naturally and could be the kid next door. The situations are familiar and readers will have no trouble identifying with the insecurities involved when a new person joins a group of friends. It's a wholesome read with tons of heart, circling around neighbors, family, and friendships.
The author allows various cultures and traditions to weave into an everyday neighborhood. Zara's family holds their traditions dear, especially when it comes to foods, and the other kids aren't any different. While the reader is introduced to the various details, these flow right into the story without an extra wink or blink. Even when the new family brings their own traditions with them, no true attention is given or comments made from the other characters. It just flows together naturally.
This is great for fans of real life stories with characters to befriend. There's a bit of tension, and a gentle message or two. It will be fun to see what Zara and her friends will experience next.
I received an ARC and found it to be an easy and fun read.
The nicest man in the world has moved away, leaving Zara and her family wondering who will move into the house across the street next. When the moving van pulls up and two kids appear, Zara and her neighborhood friends are a bit nervous. Being the Queen of the Neighborhood, Zara forces courage and brings cookies to greet the newcomers. What she doesn't expect is that the new girl is gaining quite a bit of attention from everyone. Soon, Zara feels a little ignored, but it's nothing she can't handle. She has a new goal and plans to breaking a world record. She just has to figure out which one it will be...and keep her eye on that new neighbor so she doesn't steal her 'Queen' position completely.
Especially lower middle graders will effortlessly slide into this tale. The writing fits the age group very well, and the tale flows smoothly. Each character comes across naturally and could be the kid next door. The situations are familiar and readers will have no trouble identifying with the insecurities involved when a new person joins a group of friends. It's a wholesome read with tons of heart, circling around neighbors, family, and friendships.
The author allows various cultures and traditions to weave into an everyday neighborhood. Zara's family holds their traditions dear, especially when it comes to foods, and the other kids aren't any different. While the reader is introduced to the various details, these flow right into the story without an extra wink or blink. Even when the new family brings their own traditions with them, no true attention is given or comments made from the other characters. It just flows together naturally.
This is great for fans of real life stories with characters to befriend. There's a bit of tension, and a gentle message or two. It will be fun to see what Zara and her friends will experience next.
I received an ARC and found it to be an easy and fun read.
May 18, 2022
I won this children's book through a give-away on Goodreads and I was excited to add it to my Free Little Library. I promised to read it first and it was very good! I am happy to share it with my community!
The author, Hena Khan, blends a story set in a multi-cultural neighborhood with some of the universal themes of childhood--finding your footing with your peers, wanting to be special & noticed and even dealing with an annoying little brother! She incorporates all the summer fun of childhood clubhouses, neighborhood kids, freezer pops, sidewalk chalk, bike riding, freeze tag and hula hoops into a story that both kids and adult relate to.
The main character, Zara, brought me back to my own childhood excitement of waiting and watching a house go up for sale in the neighborhood and wondering what the "new people" would be like? Would kids my age would move in? would they have a pet? or be cranky and tell me to get off their lawn? In addition, the appearance of a copy of the infamous Guinness Book of World Records that Zara's uncle brings into her house had me transported back to 10 year old me, both amazed and considering what world records I myself could attempt!
A cute read that allows kids to see themselves and their concerns in diverse characters.
The author, Hena Khan, blends a story set in a multi-cultural neighborhood with some of the universal themes of childhood--finding your footing with your peers, wanting to be special & noticed and even dealing with an annoying little brother! She incorporates all the summer fun of childhood clubhouses, neighborhood kids, freezer pops, sidewalk chalk, bike riding, freeze tag and hula hoops into a story that both kids and adult relate to.
The main character, Zara, brought me back to my own childhood excitement of waiting and watching a house go up for sale in the neighborhood and wondering what the "new people" would be like? Would kids my age would move in? would they have a pet? or be cranky and tell me to get off their lawn? In addition, the appearance of a copy of the infamous Guinness Book of World Records that Zara's uncle brings into her house had me transported back to 10 year old me, both amazed and considering what world records I myself could attempt!
A cute read that allows kids to see themselves and their concerns in diverse characters.
April 22, 2022
Hena Khan produces another great book for children and students. One of the most appealing aspects of her writing is that she masterfully weaves in Pakistani and Muslim cultural aspects into her books, without it ever feeling forced. The book is a great mix of showcasing adopted American culture mixed with traditional Pakistani customs. Kids can related to the plot where a new neighbor moves into the neighborhood: the children all hope there will kids their age to play with and the dad of course "hopes there aren't teenagers." With all new introductions into established social circles, anyone new changes dynamics and Khan's book beautifully teaches kids about the give-and-take with new people, new ideas, and seeking attention. The lessons taught throughout can be used by any parent with their children or as a classroom read to proactively address SEL needs. When we look for a book that can be a window, mirror, or sliding glass door for our children, she is one of the best writers out there today.
January 17, 2022
Meet Zara Salem: the QUEEN of the neighborhood!
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Zara loves running her neighborhood of kids from deciding what games they play and the rules involved—she is the queen! But when a new girl moves in next door, she has her own ideas for how to have fun that don’t align with Zara’s. Feeling threatened, Zara decides to break a Guinness Book World Record…until her brother, Zayd, messes that up to. Will Zara learn to share the crown or lose the friends she spent her whole life with?
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Fans of Renee Watson’s Ways to Make Sunshine will love Zara. She learns and grows throughout the MG book with the help of her Naano and other members of her family. I loved the Muslim and Jewish cultures shared as well. This title releases April 19. Thank you Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy with me!
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Zara loves running her neighborhood of kids from deciding what games they play and the rules involved—she is the queen! But when a new girl moves in next door, she has her own ideas for how to have fun that don’t align with Zara’s. Feeling threatened, Zara decides to break a Guinness Book World Record…until her brother, Zayd, messes that up to. Will Zara learn to share the crown or lose the friends she spent her whole life with?
👑
Fans of Renee Watson’s Ways to Make Sunshine will love Zara. She learns and grows throughout the MG book with the help of her Naano and other members of her family. I loved the Muslim and Jewish cultures shared as well. This title releases April 19. Thank you Simon and Schuster for sharing a copy with me!
December 28, 2023
Zara is the "Queen of the Neighborhood." When a new family moves in, and Naomi has all these new ideas that everyone wants to do rather than Zara's, Zara starts trying to break different records to prove her role as "Queen." Zara's neighborhood full of kids reminded me of my own and all the fun happening all the time. There are a few illustrations throughout to be a bit of a bridge between first chapter and regular juvenile fiction. Super relatable for elementary school kids in the summer. It may inspire some to come up with their own records or to check out the Guinness Book of World Records too. For fans of Beverly Cleary (who inspired the author), Nina Soni, Must Love Pets series, May Maybe Marisol Rainey, and Mindy Kim.
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