Publisher's Weekly Review
Khan's (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream) lively series opener follows 10-year-old Zara Saleem, "Queen of the Neighborhood," as she struggles to maintain her leardership status when new neighbors move into her suburban Maryland town. Zara has always been the one to set the rules that keep her and the other neighborhood kids--including her seven-year-old brother, Zayd--playing together happily. After white, Jewish Naomi Goldstein moves in across the street, however, Zara's erstwhile subjects begin following Naomi's suggestions instead. Eager for a new way to shine, Zara tries setting a hula-hooping world record, until Zayd accidentally ruins her lonely endeavor. But when Zara finds out that Naomi, inspired by her record-breaking attempt, tried and failed to bake the world's biggest rugelach, the two girls, realizing they'll have more fun together, decide to combine their talents to come up with activities for the rest of the group. Debut creator Haikal's energetic illustrations underscore the neighborhood's racial diversity and handily depict Zara's multigenerational Muslim Pakistani family. The alacrity with which Zara overcomes her disappointments and pursues new friendships highlights mutual support in this endearing tale. Ages 7--10. Agent: Matthew Elblonk, DeFiore and Company. (Apr.)
Kirkus Review
A 10 3/4-year-old girl weathers changes in her social circle--and her sense of self. Dubbed "Queen of the Neighborhood" by beloved neighbor Mr. Chapman, who has sadly left Maryland for balmy Florida, Zara is apprehensive when a family with two kids moves into his house, potentially upsetting the delicate social balance. Readers familiar with Khan's Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream books, set a few years after this series opener, will recognize the bustling Pakistani American Muslim household. Assertive, organized Zara and rambunctious 7-year-old Zayd live with their Mama and Baba; the siblings' grandparents and uncle are integral parts of their daily lives. Zara and Zayd enjoy playing outside with their friends--Black sisters Jade and Gloria, White Alan, and Chinese American Melvin. Mr. Chapman always said that Zara knew how to "rule with grace and fairness," but new arrivals Naomi and Michael, Jewish kids who are eager to engage socially, put this to the test. When Jamal Mamoo, Mama's brother, brings over his Guinness World Records book, Zara decides that becoming a world-record holder is the boost her social status needs. Her humorous (and futile) attempts to make her mark ultimately lead her to being a more patient and understanding big sister and more flexible and supportive companion to friends old and new. Strong pacing, fluid prose, engaging hijinks, and heartwarming scenes of family life and outdoor play are complemented by expressive illustrations. A charming contemporary story with a classic feel. (Fiction. 7-10) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Booklist Review
After following Zayd Saleem in his own trilogy (Zayd Saleem, Chasing the Dream, 2020), Khan gives older sister Zara the spotlight in this new series. Zara adores her tight-knit neighborhood friend group, and she excels at organizing activities that keep their exploits fair and fun. She'd prefer to maintain her carefully orchestrated balance, but when Naomi moves in across the street and introduces new possibilities, Zara's title of "Queen of the Neighborhood" is threatened. A jealous Zara determines that she has to do something big to regain attention, and an old copy of The Guinness Book of World Records inspires her to action. After a few humorous false starts, Zara settles on Hula-Hooping, but Zayd scuttles that, too. Can she learn to share the crown and expand the fun? In turns heartfelt and humorous, the story beautifully captures the trials of new friendships and jealousies. Short chapters and appealing illustrations will keep emerging readers absorbed (and certain to brainstorm record-breaking activities of their own). A strong start to a series that readers will happily follow into the future.
