Amina Banana and the Formula for Winning

Ages 6 to 9, Grades 1 to 4

Meet Amina Banana! This clever third grader is back in book two of this new chapter book series, determined to win her school’s spelling bee. Perfect for readers of The Questioneers and Junie B. Jones!

Amina Banana's third grade class is abuzz with excitement for the upcoming spelling bee. But spelling in English is tough for Amina. Still, she’s going to prove to her classmates that even if English is an additional language for her, she can take home the gold medal.

If only the formula for winning wasn't so complicated!

Make more duaa + study spelling words every day until the spelling bee + write down each word ten times so my hand memorizes it + spell each word out loud ten times + don’t get distracted by anything else! + don’t share your secrets with anyone = WINNER!

Amina is determined to win, but with a formula that long, how will Amina be able to study, keep up with tasks at home and stay true to her friends – who are also her biggest competition at the bee?

Story Locale:Indianapolis, IN

About the Author

SHIFA SALTAGI SAFADI is the National Book Award winning author of Kareem Between, the Amina Banana series, and several picture books, including The Gift of Eid. She has a bachelor’s degree in English literature, is a former English teacher, and is passionate about spreading her love of reading and writing through school visits and story-times. Shifa was born in Syria and immigrated to the US with her parents as a young girl. She lives near Chicago with her husband and four children.  

Visit Shifa online at ShifaSafadi.com and on Instagram @ShifaSaltagiSafadi

Author Residence: Valpraiso, IN

Author Hometown: Damascus, Syria

AALIYA JALEEL is a Sri-Lankan American illustrator based in Dallas, Texas, who loves illustrating bright, bold color palettes, Islamic and South-Asian inspired patterns, and floral motifs. Some of her past works include the books Under My Hijab and Muslim Girls Rise. In addition to being an illustrator, Aaliya also works as a designer for animation. Visit Aaliya online at www.aaliyamj.com.

Find Aaliya on Instagram! @aaliyamj

Illustrator Residence:Dallas, TX