I really appreciated how the author blends the importance of this social issue (bullying, accepting yourself) within a fantasy adventure that is intriguing and captivates you from the moment we hold the Button box. The story has so much more to tell and I cannot wait for a sequel!

Initially, when I realized that this was not a graphic novel [I am not sure why I thought it was], I was disappointed. THEN I started to read and got sucked into the story of Ava and Nadeem and the Button Box of their grandmother and I didn't want the story to end. It was so wonderful to read a story of cousins, raised in different faiths, that still love and adore and respect each other and how they learn even more to work together to deal with a bully AND to to deal with what happens when they touch a magical button.

This is the perfect story of older children and all middle-grade children. It is full of magical realism mixed with very real things that children are dealing with on a daily basis. I see kids going back to this book over and over again and having really great discussions with their parents about their families pasts and how to deal with all the troubles that they face today. So well done.

Thank you to NetGalley, Bridget Hodder, Fawzia Gilani-Williams, Harshad Marathe [Illustrator] and Kar-Ben Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This 152 page book reads like a historical fiction interfaith Magic Treehouse for middle grades tale, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! I learned about Sephardic Jews, the language of Ladino, Prince Abdur Rahman, and a tiny bit about the Abbasids overthrowing the Ummayads.  I love that it starts with a map and ends with sources, facts about what information is real in the book and what is fiction, and a bit about Muslims and Jews and how to be an ally if you witness prejudice.  The book is co-authored, and in many ways the Jewish narrative does take the majority of the focus, but the Islamic phrases sprinkled in, the Islam practiced by a major character, and the setting, allow for both religions to shine and combine to make a compelling magical time traveling story for third graders (and their parents) and up.

SYNOPSIS:

Cousins Ava and Nadeem are in fifth grade and spend their afternoons afterschool with their Granny Buena.  Granny and Ava are Jewish and Nadeem is Muslim, though they believe differently, they always seem to find more that is the same, and respect is always given.  When they face bullying at school Granny Buena pulls out a crystal box full of buttons and tells the children, and the cat Sheba a tale about their ancestor Ester ibn Evram.  When she stops the story short, the two kids exam the button closer and find themselves back in time tasked with saving Prince Abdur Rahman and getting him from Africa to Spain.  They aren't sure if that will be enough to get them back to their own time though, but they don't have time to overthink it because if they fail, the Golden Age of Islam won't happen, peace won't come to Muslims, Jews, and Christians in the region, and their Jewish ancestors may face the backlash of helping the Muslim escape.  Along the way, they learn about their own family traditions, beliefs, and gain wisdom to handle their bullying problem at school.

WHY I LIIKE IT:

I love that I learned so much, and from what I could Google and ask about from those more knowledgeable, the facts about the time period and cultures all seem to check out.  Only one passage comparing Jewish belief and the text of the Quran is phrased oddly in my opinion, the rest of the Islamic sprinkling is well done.  There are numerous bismillahs, mashaAllahs, stopping for salat, quoting of the Quran and more.  The narrative is primarily Jewish, but the setting Islamic with athans being called and Salams being given.  The book does have a lot of Jewish detail, but I don't think it was preachy, and the further uniqueness of Ladino words and culture I think would appeal to all readers no matter how familiar or unfamiliar they are with the two religions.

There are some questions that as an adult reader I wanted to know more about: how Nadeem and his mom are practicing Muslims in a strong Jewish family, how making sure history happened as it happened the first time sent the two kids back...then why were they sent there at all, is there going to be more button adventures, were their two cats or was it the same cat?   Honestly, a lot of the more obvious fantasy plot holes were accounted for and done quickly and simply: how their clothes changed but the button remained, how they could speak the language, how confused their aunt would be when her real niece and nephew arrived, etc.. The writing quality kept it all clear for the reader, and did so without the pacing of the story suffering.  

FLAGS:

Near death experience, magic, mention of killing, fear, deception, bullying, fighting, physical altercation, misogynistic assumptions.

TOOLS FOR LEADING THE DISCUSSION:

This would be a great story to share if I return to the classroom. The history, the religions, the storytelling would provide so much to connect to and learn about.  As a book club selection though, it would be too young for our middle school readers and ultimately too short.  I would consider it for a read a loud with fourth and fifth grade.

The ARC of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This middle grade historical fiction book would have been one of my favorites a child. I loved how the story kept moving at the quick pace without sacrificing the plot. It is exciting and teaches about a unique time and place in history with an interfaith family and several languages represented without being boring.

Heartiest gratitude to Netgalley, the authors and the publishers for proving me with an ARC.

Despite being cousins, Ava is Jewish and Nadim is Muslim, possibly the top two religions targeted for bullying by people of different faiths. The fact that they belong in same family but practice different religions doesn't help at all and the hateful behaviors of bullies at school almost reduce them to tears. They share the hear breaking events with their Granny Buena who lightens the mood by bringing out a mysterious button box and narrates fascinating stories of their ancestors, only to stop in the middle, leaving them unsatisfied. They sneakily try to figure out more about the box when by surprising turns of events, they go back in time in ancient Morocco and meet their ancestors. One of them happens to be Prince Abdur Rahman, member of Umayyad dynasty in Spain, fleeing for his life from the Abbasids. Ava and Nadim find themselves standing at a crucial point of the history. One wrong move can change the entire future. They might not even be born! Will they be able to blend with their extended family and save the day?

I read the book in less than 24 hours. It grabbed my attention from the very first line and by the time I finished, I knew without a doubt, it's gonna be categorized as one of the 'Oh My Goodness! What have I just Read's in my heart. Phenomenal, feel-good and fantastic story-telling with equally powerful and important concept have set this book apart, leaving a long lasting effect. I am just blown away by its magnificence and sheer brilliance.

Those who love historical fictions like me, you must read this! A fast-paced read filled with warmth, love & friendship, familial ties, exciting adventure and humor, religious and cultural diversity, historical facts, this book will engage and speak to readers of all ages. I can't recommend it enough. I am buying a copy as soon as I can.

A beautiful interfaith fantasy story with time travel, a wise cat, and historical fiction woven through it!

Genre: Middle Grade
Ages: 9-12
Available: Amazon (preorder before April 1st)

Screening: this is a fantasy tale, so there are elements of time travel and mystical vibes, an ayah seemed slightly mistranslated

Nadeem and Ava are cousins. Nadeem is Muslim and Ava is Jewish. During an afternoon at their Granny’s, they stumble upon a special button in a button box. Their grandmother tells them the tale of their relative Ester and how she saved the prince Abd-AlRahman of Cordoba. While Granny is asleep, the kids are transported back in time and have to decide what to do. Do they stay as bystanders and witness injustice in history, or step in and become the heroes of their past?

I enjoyed reading this book and it is an adventurous kid-friendly tale with a lot of multi-cultural and multi-faith lessons. Ava is a Sephardic Jew (Jews from a North African/Mediterranean/Spanish background) and Nadeem a Muslim, and the book included prayers from both religions, parables, references, and beautiful mutual respect from all sides. I loved how all characters emphasized that their religions promote peace (Salaam, Shalom is said at some point) and that no matter who it is they see struggling, they are all obliged to help.

I liked the historical aspect and the useful information about Caliph Abd Al-Rahman of Cordoba and how he was the ruler of a golden age of Spain where Muslims and Jews lived side by side peacefully. I liked that this book showed both the Jewish and Muslim characters as heroes in their own right and shows the importance of standing up for justice, a lesson Ava and Nadeem both carry on back into their regular lives.

I loved the little details of Morocco and Morroccan culture, the little tidbits about Spanish history, and how Nadeem and Ava worked together as a team. I especially loved their granny and her parables.

A delightful tale and one sure to be useful for school age children of all backgrounds.

The Button Box is a delightful tale about two modern day cousins, one Muslim and one Jewish, that find themselves traveling back in time to medieval Morocco to make sure a Jewish ancestor helps a Muslim prince escape danger. Meanwhile back in their own time, the cousins must contend with conflict at school. The writing is full of lush images and Sephardic and Muslim customs and history. The cousins are convincingly modern kids and bonded by family and love. Without being heavy handed, the two tiered story depicts the too often overlooked connection between Jews and Muslims and the benefits for all. This could easily be the first in a series of historical adventures since it’s an old button from their grandmother’s button box that opens the time portal for them. I recommend this book, and I hope we will see more adventures from the button box and these two excellent authors.

<i>This review is based off of an ARC from NetGalley & Kar-Ben Publishing.</i>

Ava is Jewish & Nadeem is Muslim, which is just: beautiful. I love diverse stories, I love #ownvoices stories, & I am Here For It. ALSO I have a weakness for time-traveling adventures & stories set in the middle ages, ESPECIALLY if it's anywhere not-Britain.

This story was really nice. Now, I know 'nice' is a bland adjective, but really. The world has been so filled with hate & violence it was nice to read something that's filled with warmth, & family, & community, & kid's fighting to do Good Things in the world. To choose healing instead of harm. Like. I'm almost tearing up thinking about it.

The story is fun, adventurous, and while there are stakes, it never gets too scary. You know the protagonists are going to be safe & I could sit back and enjoy the story without worrying about Terrible Things Happening.

I also really appreciated that: 1) The bully will be held accountable & Granny Buena let the kid's have autonomy & agency in making their own decisions about how the situation could best be solved. 2) There is inclusion of phrases in other languages, which some of you will already know, is One Of My Favourites.

I absolutely loved this. I want more adventures with Ave and Nadeem, & would absolutely recommend it.

As I do with all middle-grade fiction, I devoured this one. It seems like I can never be too old for this genre. This book has valuable themes and messages that a lot of young readers can learn from. This is a book that I'd have my nieces and nephews read at a certain time in their life.

Time travel, culture, history, interfaith family and friendship, and so much more.

This is such a sweet story that I wish I had read when I was little! This is definitely a book that everyone—adults and kids alike—need to read. Will come back with more notes :)

Time travelling for middle grade is so awesome!! Going back in time through history is an awesome way to teach kids history, any kind of history!! This book is filled with all kinds of history for the young. I wish I had a magic button to transport me in my history. You can feel the love the authors had put in this book. All people readers or non readers, chikdren, elderly, ALL PEOPLE should read this book.you might learn something wonderful!!!

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily writing a review

The Button Box was a tedious read, and this coming from someone who devoured middle grade books as a child. I'll be honest, I was really hoping for a picture book but it turned out to be a book filled with words. Not one of my best reviews, I know, but I'm not enthusiastic about this book in a positive or negative way.

My Goodreads Review:

"Thank you Netgalley, publishers, and the author for early access to this book!

I don’t normally read middle grades but I loved this book! It has an important message that many young readers can benefit from and it’s overall just a fun story.

Cousins Nadeem and Ava are being bullied in school because of their religious differences and a button box takes them back in time to the olden days of Morocco and Spain. They discover their family ties and learn about Prince Abdur Rahman’s story.

I read this book in one sitting and couldn’t put the book down, I highly recommend picking this up!".

After facing Islamophobia and antisemitism at school, Nadeem and Ava seek answers from their Granny Buena. She brings out their family's button box, and next thing they know, Nadeem and Ava are transported to ancient Morocco, tasked with helping to save the life of Prince Abdur Rahman. What will they experience and learn on their journey? Do they have a way to return back home?

Nadeem and Ava's story is one everyone should read. It pulls from true historical events, as Prince Abdur Rahman (Abd al-Rahman) really existed, and his life was in danger, just as in the book. It shows how people from different places in the world and people of different faiths work together for the greater good.

Ava and Granny Buena are Sephardic Jews, while Ava's cousin Nadeem is Muslim. The authors wrote these characters to share their identities and both the events throughout the book and the authors' note at the end taught me a lot, which I am thankful for.

I greatly enjoyed the depiction of ancient Morocco, the food, culture, scenery. It felt atmospheric and I really appreciated Nadeem's bewilderment at seeing this new place for the first time - that's exactly how I feel each time I travel somewhere new, somewhere that bears no resemblance to my hometown (or even country).

The writing really draws the reader in and does not let go. It's quite a short novel, so everything included is pertinent to the story, even if it may not seem to be that way at first. I would have loved more information, to gain more insight into the cultures and religions represented throughout, and to have a longer ending! No spoilers, but I would love to know what comes next!

If you love learning about different cultures, learning about history, travelling, reading about time travel, or just want to find a new diverse story to love, this one is for you. I highly encourage you to pick it up.

Rep: Sephardic Jews; Muslims; use of phrases in multiple languages including Hebrew, Arabic, and Ladino

CW: islamophobia, antisemitism

Rating system:
5 - absolutely love, little-to-no dislikes that did not impact my reading experience

4 - great book, minor dislikes that did have an impact on my reading experience

3 - good/decent book but for some reason did not hook me or there were some problematic things that just were not addressed or greatly impacted my reading experience

2 - is either a book I did not click with and did not enjoy, problematic aspects are not addressed and severely impacted my reading experience, or I DNF'd but think it has potential for others

1 - is very problematic, I would not recommend the book to anyone

In the same vein as "Imagination Station' for Christianity or 'Time Tunnel' for Judaism books, this book takes young readers on a journey back in time to experience first-hand an element of Islamic culture. It's age-appropriate, incorporates historic fact with a nice blend of fictional elements, and teaches in an entertaining way. We'll be incorporating this one into class!

I enjoyed this Middle Grade historical fiction novel and would recommend it to anyone with an interest in portal adventures. In addition to being a story about a time and place little explored in historical fiction, it is a much needed example of interfaith friendship and family. Ava and Nadeem are able to use what they learn in the past to repair the future. The book provides an important lesson about the the value of studying history and learning from it. The Button Box also reminds readers about the need for tolerance.

Definitely 5 stars read for me. I enjoyed every page of the book and mostly due to the fact that the entire action is related to the Umayyad dynasty in Spain. It is such a nice middle grade that not only depicts a story and the connection between the members of a family with different religious history, but it also teaches children interesting and real historical notions and facts.
It is such a magnificent period in Spain’s history that kids will be fascinated to follow and interested at the end to know more about it.

This is a fun book with some unique and diverse representation. I enjoyed the storyline, but the educational elements were interesting as well. This is an enjoyable middle grades book that I'll definitely be recommending to students.