First published 2025
Amina Banana returns for her second adventure as a determined third grader facing the school spelling bee. English presents extra challenges since it's an additional language for her, but she refuses to let that stop her from claiming victory. She develops an elaborate winning strategy that includes daily prayer, memorizing spelling words through repetition, writing each word ten times for muscle memory, and vocal practice. Her formula also demands complete focus and secrecy from competitors. The plan seems foolproof until reality sets in. Amina discovers that following such a demanding routine while managing homework and family responsibilities creates unexpected pressure. The situation becomes more complicated when she realizes her closest friends are also her main rivals in the competition. She must navigate the tension between her competitive drive and her loyalty to friends who support her dreams.
Genres: fiction, family-life, school-stories, contemporary, young-adult
Vibes: emotional, thought-provoking, whimsical
Tropes: enemies-to-lovers, found-family
128 pages · Hardcover · G.P. Putnam's Sons Books for Young Readers