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“When Priya Chakraborty starts her own party-planning business, her community comes through to help her succeed—and to calm her anxiety…Luckily, Priya doesn’t have to do any of this alone: Melissa helps her deliver invitations, her Dida helps her make snacks, and, on the day of the party, her mother’s friends help her decorate…Priya is a well-rounded, nuanced protagonist whose enthusiasm and anxiety will resonate with readers, and the narrative, peppered with bright images, is fast-moving.”

– Kirkus Reviews

Awesome Orange Birthday (The Party Diaries #1)

Written by Mitali Banerjee Ruths
Illustrated by Aaliya Jaleel
Published by Scholastic Inc.

In this full-color early chapter book series, Priya starts a party-planning business to help save the planet — one party at a time!

Priya is excited to plan her aunty’s birthday party. She will donate the money she makes to help the cutest endangered animal on the planet, the quokka! But the party is this Saturday! With so many items on her to-do list, can she get it all done in time? Priya sends out handmade invitations, makes DIY decorations, and sets an orange-only snacks menu — including pumpkin samosas! Will Priya’s very first party be a success?

This series is part of Scholastic’s early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

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

Primary ISBN: 9781338799620
Publication Date: January 2023
Available As: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Chapter Book, Age 05 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Unknown Arrival

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

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Engagement Projects & Resources:

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Engagement Materials:

How Much Do You Know About Awesome Orange Birthday?

DIY Your Party! – Paper-Chain Curtain

Source: Scholastic Inc.