Zara’s Rules for Record-Breaking Fun (Zara’s Rules #1)

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.)