Rida and Madiya

Niyla Farook

Umair Najeeb Khan

Bloomsbury, 2023

96pp., pbk., RRP $A14.99

978101991933

Rida and Madiya may have the same mum, but that’s about all they have in common. It’s a blended family, a common scenario for our students, and while Rida is quiet, reserved and looking forward to starting high school Madiya is an energetic and boisterous 6 year old, who has crazy ideas that she believes will be successful because she’s six and that’s how they think! They argue about everything, and when they find out the local library is in trouble, their competition over who can raise the most money only ends up making things worse between them! Working together might be the only way to save the library, but can they put their differences aside to do it? 

Although it is a very readable and relatable standalone story, this is part of a reading series written for young readers beginning to read independently, but which are written by established authors whose focus is on the story rather than being phonics-based or having controlled vocabulary. The UK apparently has national Curriculum Book Bands and this fits into the Dark Red band for those 9-11 and there are more (with teaching notes) available if you are looking for some new novels for those consolidating their skills.