The only thing Farah wants more than acceptance into the prestigious Magnet Academy is to protect her little brother, Samir, who has lingering developmental delays from his premature birth. When a new school bully threatens Samir's safety, Farah decides to sabotage her own report card, ensuring her rejection from Magnet so that she can remain at the same school as Samir. In her children's book debut, Darraj introduces a sympathetic Arab American protagonist who will help fill a glaring hole in representation. Farah's parents are, incidentally, immigrants ristians, from an unspecified Middle Eastern territory d their dialogue is peppered with Arabic phrases that are clear in context and defined in a glossary. While the bullying story line presents a much gentler experience than the real world might offer, this work is more concerned with modeling good behavior than depicting brutal harassment. A useful window for early chapter book readers and a precious mirror for Arab American kids.

Gr 3-5 Darraj introduces smart, courageous, and sensitive Farah Hajjar, a fifth-grader whose biggest concern should be deciding on a topic for her application essay at the Magnet Academy. Farah Rocks, as everyone calls her, and her Official Best Friend Allie Liu, are both in the gifted class at Harbortown Public School. Both are hoping to get into the super exclusive academy where they will be partners on every science fair project. However, when the new girl starts bullying Farah's little brother, Farah starts failing her classes on purpose so she won't leave him unprotected. When Farah tries getting adults to help, she isn't taken seriously and when she tries talking to Allie about it, they end up getting in a fight. Can Farah figure this out on her own? Darraj shines a light on sibling relationships, and the malicious, repetitive behaviors of bullies that often go unchecked. VERDICT Farah is a well-rounded character with ambitions and struggles; readers will identify with her challenges and root for her to succeed. A first purchase for upper elementary readers.Christina Paolozzi, Bonaire Elementary School, GA