The Magical Reality of Nadia
with Bassem Youssef
Scholastic
2021
A 2022 Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Book of the Year (9-12 years)
Finalist for the 2023 Delaware Library Association Blue Hen Award, middle grade category
“This lighthearted read bubbles with jokes, magic, comics, and the ever-persistent issues of friendship and personal identity. And yet, the cheerful tone belies deep messages of acceptance and understanding that are brought beautifully to life. Whimsically packaged into a relatable tale, the message to celebrate diversity and identity comes through loud and clear in this must-buy.”
“In this heartfelt tale, Youssef and Daly strike a solid balance between magical worldbuilding, witty humor, and a unifying anti-xenophobic theme.”
“Youssef and Daly draw a strong character who is proud of her heritage and culture and is not afraid to show her Egyptian roots. Readers will cheer for Nadia as she responds to prejudice and affirms her identity.”
“Humorous black-and-white illustrations, including some comic pages, draw in even the nonbookworms.”
“Youssef based the novel on his daughter’s experience moving to the U.S. from Egypt, and the labor of love comes through, sweet and silly. The bullying on display isn’t the threatening kind; the new kid is popular and often terrifically funny, but his hurtful humor cuts down those around him. Nadia isn’t perfect, but she handles the hurdles with grace, making this a poignant ode to the American ideals of blended culture and community.”
