Hooray, Salma is back! I adore this early chapter book series for its empathy, realism and heart - Salma Speaks Up is no exception.

Riya wants to join the Speech Club at school and share her poetry. She's too nervous to go by herself, so Salma joins with her. When the girls receive some particularly xenophobic critiques from a classmate, they react differently. Riya works to 'correct' her accent so she can sound like a 'real poet' while Salma is proud of her accent and heritage and doesn't want to change. She realizes that this time, she and Riya will disagree, but Salma finds a way to remain supportive of Riya while sticking to her convictions - a very relatable struggle for all children.

Salma's research also leads her to an understanding of her Khalou's reclusiveness. His mood is greatly affected by the Vancouver weather, which Salma learns is more common for people with darker skin (today I learned!). The way Ramadan helps Salma navigate these tensions with deft care, remaining compassionate without being preachy, is such a gift. He has created such a wonderful role model for readers of all ages and backgrounds. I'm already hanging out for the next Salma story!!

Salma Speaks Up is a heartfelt, empowering read that gracefully tackles big themes like identity, belonging, and finding your voice—literally and metaphorically. It is a timely addition to a timeless theme of 'fitting in'. Danny Ramadan once again gives us a Salma who is curious, compassionate, and wonderfully real, navigating friendships, family, and the quiet but persistent pressures of fitting in.

What I loved most about this story is how it captures that internal tug-of-war many kids (and adults!) feel—between celebrating who they are and trying to mold themselves to be more “acceptable.”

The book gently introduces topics like mental health and cultural confidence without ever feeling heavy-handed, and it leaves you thinking long after the last page. A must-read for kids navigating identity and friendship—and for adults who remember what that felt like.