CCBC Choices —COOPERATIVE CHILDREN’S BOOK CENTER
“How the strength of time-honored traditions and the warmth and love of a large
extended family transform Nadia’s feelings about her hands make an affecting . . . story.
Weiner’s pastel illustrations amplify the text; he shows Nadia’s ambivalence in her face
and posture, and conveys both her pleasure at her important role in the wedding and her
reluctance to be different at school. When she comes to terms with those fears, her smile
is radiant.”—Kirkus Reviews
“The best pictures focus closely on the details of Nadia’s amber hands, decorated with deep orange flowers and swirls of stars, as she comes to see the richness of her tradition and what it means to her loving extended family. Children will enjoy the wedding story, and many will recognize how a family custom can be a source of both embarassment and pride.”— Booklist
“Useful as a cultural variation on a popular theme.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Weiner’s oil pastels depict the glowing colors and delicate tracery of mehndi, and should intrigue the young reader.”—Children’s Literature
“A redeeming story that introduces this beautiful, elaborate traditional art form that has recently gained much popularity in the United States.” —Multicultural Review
“Nadia’s Hands shows not only what henna is, but also many of the traditions and cultural aspirations many Pakistani Americans have. It is a celebration of family, a realization that sometimes being a kid is hard, and a wonderful discovery that sometimes those things that make us different aren’t bad or wrong. They not only make us who we are but make us special and can be beautiful too. Drawn in beautiful oil pastels, the drawings come to life with a vibrancy of their own. Nadia’s Hands is a joy to read and a joy if you simply want to look at the pictures.”—Wisconsin Muslim Journal
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