by Kashmira Sheth
All it takes is that one special series to hook young readers and keep them reading! Own Voices author, Kashmira Sheth brings an engaging and relatable main character to young audiences through the Nina Soni series.
Nina Soni is an American-Indian girl who is as genuine and lovable as she is completely scatterbrained! After Take-Your-Daughter-to-Work-Day, Nina becomes inspired by her mother, who is a landscape architect, to work with her friends to build a garden. Nina Soni, Master of the Garden infuses math and science with a splash of executive function strategy! Children appreciate the series’ special features that include embedded definitions for new vocabulary, Nina’s lists that help her to stay organized, and themes that are true to life. Through Nina Soni’s experiences young readers learn about the importance of patience, grit, and friendship.
Watch the video below to hear what one third-grader’s impressions of Nina Soni, Master of the Garden. If you are looking to build your third through fifth graders’ summer reading stacks, this book series is a great way to kick it off!
