Amina Banana and the Formula for Friendship

Good Housekeeping’s 2025 Kids’ Book Award Winner: Fun New Series!
A New York Public Library and Chicago Public Library Best Books of the Year
A Kirkus Best Middle Grade Novel of the Year

★ “A winning series starter with layers of depth.” —Kirkus, starred review

★ “National Book Award winner Safadi and illustrator Jaleel (The Gift of Eid) reteam to compassionately capture the whirlwind first days of Amina’s life in the U.S. in this heartfelt and purpose-driven chapter book series opener.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review

“Amid a fast-paced, humorous, tender, and ultimately optimistic story, Safadi captures the family’s nostalgia for Syria while they find a place in a new community. A new series to look forward to.” —Booklist

“Full of hope and warmth, Amina Banana packs a heavy topic – the struggles of refugees starting over – into one light and easily digestible story, which highlights the power of small acts of kindness. Every reader will be able to put themselves into the shoes of a refugee whose whole life has been turned upside down. A surefire way to encourage empathy and compassion.” — Zanib Mian, author of Planet Omar and Meet the Maliks