MARYA KHAN AND THE FABULOUS JASMINE GARDEN

Jealousy takes root when Marya Khan’s third grade class creates a community garden.

Marya loves big words, math, and being in charge—the latter of which brings her into conflict with her classmate and neighbor Alexa R. (“the most annoying person on the planet”). Both girls want to be the garden leader, and they try to one-up each other as they jockey for the role. Marya may be the youngest in her family, but she’s determined to show her teacher she has what it takes as she launches Operation Be a Leader. When Marya and Alexa are both appointed garden leader, they’re forced to work together, but being in charge turns out to be a lot more work than Marya anticipated—and she bristles when Alexa seems to have better leadership skills than her. Faruqi is keenly aware of the little jealousies and big hurts that often seem larger than life to children, and she weaves these and other themes, such as friendship and family drama, into her charming, lighthearted narrative. References to the Khan family’s Pakistani heritage are effectively incorporated; the family is Muslim, and Marya’s mother wears hijab. Alexa presents White. There’s plenty of humor here, and, as in the first series installment, every chapter starts with an excerpt from Marya’s Word of the Day diary sure to delight word lovers. Final illustrations not seen.

Another enjoyable outing with a protagonist sure to win readers over.