Key Selling Points: The third book in the well reviewed Alina series of chapter books: "Alina's problems are our problems, and solutions are universal."--School Library Journal The books detail Alina's adventures as she negotiates her life in Calgary, her Indo-African heritage, and her family relationships with her Nani and cousin Safi. Book 3 tackles what it means when going "home" means traveling to a place you've never been before. The first book, Alina in a Pinch, centres on Alina being the new girl in school and dealing with a class bully. Book two, Alina in the Deep, has Alina feeling a mix of excitement, jealousy, and trepidation at the visit of her cousin Safi, only to realize they have more in common than she thought. In book three, Alina in Her Roots, Alina is excited to be flying by herself for the first time to visit her cousin Safi and her family in Nairobi, Kenya. But Alina is surprised by how overwhelming it is, and how homesick she feels. When some of her plans for the trip are upended, she has to learn to adjust.
This award-nominated series has been praised for its approachableness for young readers. Alina in a Pinch was a finalist for two readers' choice awards: the Forest of Reading's Silver Birch Express Award and the Hackmatack Award. Book two, Alina in the Deep, received rave reviews from School Library Journal, Kirkus, Booklist, and more. Author Shenaaz Nanji makes sure that the Alina series is full of relatable details for readers who share her South Asian heritage, and anyone trying to get to know extended family for the first time. With Alina visiting her relatives in Kenya, young readers can learn some history about the significant migration of communities from India to Kenya. The series reflects contemporary issues in an accessible way, as Alina and Safi continue to negotiate their differences in order to understand each other. The latest book shows Alina's desire to connect with her parents' roots in Kenya, and how difficult and rewarding this can feel. The entire series features fun black and white spot illustrations from artist Beena Mistry that punctuate the major plot points.
Beena Mistry also illustrated The Journal of Anxious Izzy Parker written by Alma Fullerton.