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“Alina and Safi’s relationship rings true, while Alina’s fears of standing out and her efforts to balance her Indian and Canadian heritage feel relatable, given her past experiences with bullying…Expectations are upended and bonds are strengthened in this poignant family tale.”

—Kirkus Reviews

“Alina’s strength is in recognizing her discomfort and sharing it with caring adults whose gentle admonitions towards acceptance resonate with both Alina and readers…Nanji serves Calgary, Alberta, well, showing it off as a Canadian, multicultural haven. Alina’s problems are our problems, and solutions are universal.”

—School Library Journal

Alina in the Deep (The Alina Books #2)

Written by Shenaaz G. Nanji
Illustrated by Beena Mistry
Published by Second Story Press

Alina has always dreamed of having a sibling, an instant BFF, and with her cousin Safi arriving from Kenya for the summer, her dream can finally come true!

Alina creates a list of things to do with Safi, but nothing goes as planned when she finds it hard to connect with her cousin. Safi is not who Alina expected her to be. She wears her culture proudly and acts in ways that make her stand out—and Alina hates standing out!

What will happen to the summer Alina had planned? And will she and Safi ever become BFFs?

Don’t miss the rest of the series! Explore:

Primary ISBN:
Publication Date: October 2024
Available As: Paperback, eBook
Early Chapter Book, Age 06 or older

Community Represented: ,

Themes: , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: Canada (Calgary)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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