Nadia Islam, on the Record

In this illustrated middle grade novel by bestselling author Adiba Jaigirdar, a curious and competitive girl travels to celebrate Ramadan with her family in Bangladesh, where she learns about the country’s climate crisis—and the true meaning of her favorite holiday. A must-read for fans of Saadia Faruqi and Kelly Yang!

Even though Nadia Islam is excited to meet her cousins on her summer trip to Bangladesh, she is disappointed not to be celebrating her first Ramadan fasting alongside her best friend, Yasmin. Then again, she just might find the news story that will get her picked to be her school paper’s editor-in-chief!

As soon as she lands, Nadia realizes she has a lot to learn about Bangladesh. Fortunately, her favorite aunt (and fellow journalist) is spending the summer researching the disastrous flooding in the region—and she just might need Nadia’s help to get the inside scoop about the country’s climate dangers.

Meanwhile, Nadia’s cousins are almost as competitive as she is, and suggest a contest to see who can keep the most fasts. Between her journalism and her determination to win the Ramadan Race, Nadia is sure to have the best Ramadan ever—right? 

Adiba Jaigirdar’s middle grade debut, with lovely interior artwork by Avani Dwivedi, celebrates family, faith, and community, and will inspire young readers looking to make their own difference in the world. 

"Jaigirdar’s middle-grade debut brings nuance to the climate change discourse. An immersive story about climate disasters and how faith, family, and community can bring about change." - Kirkus Reviews

Through Nadia’s burgeoning understanding of the spiritual aspects of Ramadan, Jaigirdar deftly conveys one child’s determination to be taken seriously. - Publishers Weekly

Jaigirdar’s middle-grade debut provides readers the chance to learn all about Bengali culture, climate change, and Ramadan right alongside Nadia. - Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books

An inspiring celebration of culture, family, and a young girl’s determination to make a difference. - Booklist