Praise for Meena’s Saturday by Kusum Mepani; Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail:
The Horn Book’s Best Books of 2024
2025 Irma Black silver medalist
A Bank Street Best Book of 2025
★” This captivating ode to weekly gatherings of friends and extended family brims with affection…An excellent pick for any day of the week. “— The Horn Book Magazine, starred review
★ “Beautiful…Mepani’s writing flows…and is layered with nuance through Meena’s keen observations about the immigrant experience, the power of community, gender roles, and her own aspirations. Ismail’s mixed-media illustrations reflect these layers through vibrant images. An important book for every growing library collection.” —School Library Journal, starred review
“Mirrors the realities of many immigrant communities…Told in a realistically childlike voice, the narrative also highlights the gender disparity that many children encounter from a very young age. The bright watercolor illustrations are bursting with life. A lively look at community, connections, and ways to foster change.” —Kirkus Reviews
“Ismail’s energetic watercolor illustrations are a visual feast. This slice-of-life
conversation starter both appreciates and questions long-standing traditions.” —Booklist
“Forward-looking. . .Ismail’s fine-lined multimedia illustrations convey the work of the day—making chai, cooking elaborate dishes, tidying up, and doing it all over again. When the men get to eat first around the small dining table, Meena determines that later generations won’t benefit from her help unless she begins now, by taking a seat at the table.” —Publishers Weekly
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