The Magical Reality of Nadia

The Magical Reality of Nadia
Bassem Youssef & Catherine R. Daly
Douglas Holgate, Illustrator
Scholastic, 2021
163 Pages
Grades 3-6
Magical Realism

Nadia returns from a summer visiting family in Egypt excited to start sixth grade. Her gang of friends, The Nerd Patrol, are confidently entering a town-wide contest to determine the new exhibit at the local museum. Nadia is quite sure her idea featuring different immigration groups who have settled in the town is the best idea and steamrolls the rest of the group into backing it. Conflict arises when the new student, Jason, begins to tease her about her Egyptian heritage, the food she eats, and the way she dresses. Even Nadia's best friend is lured by Jason's charms and Nadia feels the need to become less of herself to slip under the radar. One night, much to Nadia's surprise, the amulet that she has been wearing from her summer trip begins to glow. Out pops Titi, a cursed teacher forced to live inside the dreaded amulet until Nadia said the magic words to release him. Titi has some magical powers, including the ability to transport Nadia to other times and places, but is confined to the page. Can Titi help Nadia combat the bully, win back her friends, and score big on the contest?

Egyptian-American entertainer, Youssef based this story on the real-life experiences of his daughter Nadia who faced challenges immigrating to the United States. Through the character Nadia's eyes we experience how it feels to be American with firm roots in another culture. Children who have immigrated from another country or children of immigrants will find much in which to relate. Readers who are several generations American will perhaps look upon their classmates with a bit more understanding and compassion, understanding that their ancestors were once immigrants as well. Nadia learns to embrace and be proud of her culture, become more of a team player in a project situation, and personally experiences the power of forgiveness. The black and white illustrations help to add interest to the story and attract reluctant readers. Nadia's adventures with Titi are told in a comic format, helping them to stand out and further drawing readers. Titi adds comic relief, as well as providing background cultural information. Truly the Jar Jar Binks of the story, kids (and librarians) will either love him or find him annoying. The books reads quickly and will be enjoyed by a large cross-section of readers.