IN THE KEY OF NIRA GHANI

Nira Ghani is the only brown girl in her Canadian school yet she feels invisible.

She stands out for the wrong reasons and longs to feel a sense of belonging. She’s a Guyanese child of immigrant parents who have traditional values and dream for her to become a doctor, but her passion is music. The only people Nira feels truly see her are her grandmother and her best friend, Emily. Nira decides to audition for the jazz band at school, knowing that getting her parents to consent will be a battle. She nevertheless makes a plan, which includes getting a job to cover the cost of a trumpet—something else her parents will oppose. But these are not her only challenges. Nira finds that life doesn’t unfold the way you picture it or even how you want it to, and she learns the value in unexpected blessings and lessons. She navigates changes in her relationships with friends, family, and even a potential new love. Deen (Lark Takes a Bow, 2018, etc.) infuses her family’s Guyanese immigrant history into this novel about the exploration and discovery of self and the world. Mentions of everyday cultural traditions are welcome additions to this tale of a teen finding the courage to stand up for her individuality while honoring the people she comes from.

A charming, honest, and heartwarming story that will leave readers satiated and happy.