Summary
Mina Javaherbin describes her close relationship with her grandma growing up in Iran. She describes how she would mimic everything her grandma would do. Mina was best friends with Annette and her grandma was best friends with Mina’s grandma. Although Annette and her grandma were different from Mina and her grandma we see their special friendship. At the end of the story we see how Mina has never loved something as much as she loved her grandma. She wants to be just like her idol, her grandma.
Theme(s):
Family, Role model, Friendship
Personal Response
I really enjoyed reading this book. It helped me learn about the Iran culture and traditions. I also loved how it referenced another religion through Annette and her grandma. The author allows readers to see it’s okay to be friends with people who have different beliefs from you. As long as we respect one another’s culture, beliefs, and values we can all be friends. I also enjoyed seeing the special bond between Mina and her grandma, something many kids can relate to.
Teaching Ideas
This is a wonderful book to teach students about the Iran culture. I would read this book to my class and we would discuss Iran traditions such as Ramadan and kador. I would really focus on the part where Annette and her grandma were discussed. I would ask my class questions such as how is Annette and her grandma different from Mina and her grandma? We would discuss how it’s special that although they have different religions they’re still such good friends.
Recommended Reading Level
Birth-PreK, Grade 01
