• Age: 6 to 8
• Grade: 1 to 3
• Reading age: 6 to 8

Alina has always dreamed of having a sibling, an instant BFF, and with her cousin Safi arriving from Kenya for the summer, her dream can finally come true!

Alina creates a list of things to do with Safi, but nothing goes as planned when she finds it hard to connect with her cousin. Safi is not who Alina expected her to be. She wears her culture proudly and acts in ways that make her stand out—and Alina hates standing out!

What will happen to the summer Alina had planned? And will she and Safi ever become BFFs?

The sequel to the award-nominated Alina in a Pinch!

Shenaaz Nanji is an internationally published author of over a dozen books for children. She holds an MFA in Writing from Vermont College. Her novel, Child of Dandelions, was a finalist for the Governor General award in Children's Literature. Her chapter book, Alina in a Pinch, was a finalist for the Silver Birch Express award. Born in Kenya, she now lives in Calgary.

Shenaaz G. Nanji's profile page

"Events are relayed from Alina’s perspective showing her as an emotional, eager, young lady with much initiative. Despite Alina’s disappointment with her, Safi also comes across as a positive personality with warmth and resourcefulness. Alina’s gradual recognition of Safi’s true worth is realistic and a salutary message about the real meaning of friendship that rises above petty disappointments. In addition to its message about friendship, Alina in the Deep is a nice venture into Indian customs, food and values. Highly Recommended"

CM Reviews

"Young chapter-book readers will relate to Alina’s many feelings and be invested in her summer exploits. Occasional grayscale drawings illustrate the brief chapters of this sweet family tale, perfect for fans of Juana and Lucas and Too Small Tola."

Booklist

“Shenaaz Nanji is an author who has found a distinct way to capture the minds of young readers with her imaginative and poignant stories. Readers who loved her award-nominated chapter book, Alina in a Pinch, will be thrilled at the recent release of the sequel in that series…. This is a story of identity and belonging, and one that shows the importance of our differences and the fascinating ways that friendship and community can be built between characters who have their own distinct customs and culture.”

Open Book

"Alina and Safi’s relationship rings true, while Alina’s fears of standing out and her efforts to balance her Indian and Canadian heritage feel relatable, given her past experiences with bullying...Expectations are upended and bonds are strengthened in this poignant family tale."

Kirkus Reviews