Nadia Islam on the Record Written by Adiba Jaigirdar. Reviewed by Saanvi, Age 10

I think the book Nadia Islam On The Record by Adiba Jaigirdar is an amazing book. I really enjoyed reading Nadia travel to Bangladesh with her family during Ramadan. I like how Nadia never gives up. I can also relate myself with Nadia. We moved to Sweden from India, when I was just six years. When we visited home again there were so much noises and it was too hot there. At first, I did not want to visit India, but when I reached there and met my family, I wanted to visit them often. It took about two days to get there, just like Nadia’s flight, it was a long flight. I also usually keep a diary just like Nadia keeps a purple notebook and record everything. Nadia is so excited for Ramadan. We see the joy of waking up early for suhoor, breaking fast together at iftar, and spending time with family.

My mother had told me stories about how she and all her friends used to fast together with her Muslim friends in school days. Even readers who do not celebrate Ramadan will understand how special traditions bring people closer, just like decorating a Christmas tree, lighting Diwali lamps or having a big family dinner on a holiday. The book Nadia Islam On the Record also teaches us about migration. I didn’t realize myself as a migrant before reading this book. Many families with children move to another country while children are young, sometimes before they are born, just like Nadia’s family.

I love how Nadia wants to tell people stories and help her Khalamoni in al the ways possible. For Nadia she is a role model. Since Nadia dreams of becoming a journalist herself, spending time with her aunt is incredibly exciting for her. At school Nadia’s class got to know that they can apply with the school newspaper after summer holidays. Nadia is planning to apply for editor in chief. Yasmin plans to support with her drawings. Khalamoni helps Nadia understand that journalism is not just about writing articles, it is about caring for people and telling the truth.

There is a lot about journalism and what kids can do to make a difference. We learn about how the floods are affecting a lot of people. Nadia came to know about the floods in Bangladesh from the family and Khalamoni works on an article about climate change. I recommend this book for readers who like family, culture, traditions, journalism and realistic books. Migrant children might see their own lives in this book too.