A PLACE AT THE TABLE

The authors have collaborated on a timely story about first-generation immigrants finding their place as they navigate the challenges of middle school. Nikhaar Kishani is the voice of Sara, daughter of Pakistani immigrants and recent transfer from a small Islamic academy to a huge public middle school. Kishani gives Sara a believable voice as she struggles with feelings of loneliness, anger, and otherness. Kishani uses a subtle accent for Sara's parents and for Pakistani words to add realism. Elizabeth, who has a British mother and a Jewish father, is given a believable teen voice by Caitlin Kelly. She easily communicates Elizabeth's excitement for the cooking club, willingness to build new friendships, and worry over her mother's sadness. This is an audiobook to share and discuss. N.E.M. © AudioFile 2020, Portland, Maine [Published: OCTOBER 2020]