Salma Keeps Her Word
(Salma #5)

Gr 1-4--Ramadan's fifth book in his award-winning "Salma" series offers a unique look into linguistic and cultural barriers, tradition, and familial importance through the eyes of a child. Salma's tita from Syria comes to visit for the summer. Salma struggles to communicate with her grandmother as she realizes that speaking both Arabic and English is more challenging than it seems. Tita feels Salma should be trying harder to preserve the language of home and becomes frustrated when Salma's Arabic does not come as easily as her English. Salma grapples with what it means to live between two cultures and ultimately must find a way to appreciate both. At times, she feels guilt and shame. Readers will appreciate Salma's external and internal family struggles as she grapples with the feeling of not being enough. The plot is quickened by the complex characters, and the dialogue provides a multidimensional emotional experience where pride, sadness, loss, and joy are sometimes intertwined. The black-and-white illustrations provide readers with setting and context, as well as character expressions during important moments in every chapter. Multiple conflicts throughout remind readers that sometimes there are no easy solutions. VERDICT A character-driven book that celebrates Arabic culture and the importance of preserving multiple languages, highlighting how communication is central to giving and receiving love.--Brianna Amoscato