Meena’s Saturday

K-Gr 4–In this beautiful work about a large weekly gathering at the home of a Gujarati family from India, everyone’s labor is valued. At sunrise, Meena’s father returns from his night shift at the factory and as he goes to rest, Meena's busy Saturday is just beginning. Readers follow her as she helps her mother prepare and host. Meena proudly states “dinner is the main attraction and my mom puts on the best show in town.” Mepani’s writing flows with the ease of a child’s thoughts and is layered with nuance through Meena’s keen observations about the immigrant experience, the power of community, gender roles, and her own aspirations. Ismail’s mixed-media illustrations reflect these layers through vibrant images with varying transparencies and washes of color. The scenes capture snapshots of cousins watching and reenacting Indian movies, a living room full of intergenerational guests, and Meena’s favorite moment of tasting to see if the food is good. The story culminates with Meena acting to change the one thing she doesn’t like about Saturdays.