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Zara's rules for record-breaking fun
Book
2022
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Chapter 1 CHAPTER 1 "Someone's going inside!" Zayd yells, his face smooshed against the glass of the front window. "Is it a family?" Mama rushes over from the kitchen, still holding the head of lettuce she was shredding. I squeeze next to them to peek through the curtains. We watch an elegant older woman in a suit and heels walk past the FOR SALE sign to the entrance of Mr. Chapman's house. "I think that's the agent," Mama whispers, as if the lady might hear us from across the street. Excerpted from Zara's Rules for Record-Breaking Fun by Hena Khan All rights reserved by the original copyright owners. Excerpts are provided for display purposes only and may not be reproduced, reprinted or distributed without the written permission of the publisher.
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Trade Reviews
Publishers 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.)
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.
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.
Summary
From the beloved author of Amina's Voice comes the first book in a humor-filled middle grade series starring a young Muslim girl with an endless list of hobbies who searches for ways to maximize fun for her family and neighborhood friends.

Meet Zara Saleem, the queen of the neighborhood.

Zara's in charge of it all: she organizes the games, picks the teams, and makes sure everyone has a good time...and they always do.

When a new family moves in across the street, suddenly Zara'​s reign is threatened by Naomi, who has big ideas of her own about how the neighborhood kids can have fun. To get everyone to notice her again, Zara decides she's going to break a Guinness World Record--if her little brother Zayd doesn't mess things up.

But when she finds herself increasingly alone in her record-breaking quest, Zara starts to wonder if sharing the crown and making a new friend might end up being the best rule of all.
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