Beginning and transitional 3 - Yasmin in Charge

 

  •    Faruqi, Saadia illustrated by Aly, Hateem. Yasmin in Charge. Picture Window Books, 2019. Ages 5-10


    Yasmin is a Pakistani-American who is large and in charge. This work is a collection of four short stories featuring Yasmin taking charge of whatever gets thrown her way. Yasmin is placed in charge of her class but when the class loses focus, how will she make her teacher proud? Yasmin then becomes a chef and helps prepare diner for her family. Then, on her class trip to the zoo, she get chosen to feed the monkeys. Finally, Yasmin learns what it means to be a hero. This own voices work highlights the power of never giving up and shows readers that you can do anything you set your mind to.

    This chapter book incorporates elements of Yasmin's culture and Urdu language throughout. In the back of the book there is also an Urdu glossary and more information about Pakistan, alongside a craft. Thoughtfully designed to introduce readers to another culture, this work takes care to ensure accessibility for young readers. This transitional work is compelling enough to maintain children's interest while encouraging their curiosity of others. The illustrations are drawn in bright tradition Paki colors and highlight traditional clothing. The characters have big eyes and expressive features, while still leaving plenty of white space available. This diverse work belongs in any transitioning readers library for the added representation and the thoughtfulness of the the creators in educating other on their culture.

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