Mariam, affectionately known as Mary, finds friendship at school through her unique talent for drawing henna patterns. Aimed at preschoolers and kindergarteners, the story emphasizes cultural expression and creativity. It includes coloring pages of henna designs, allowing young readers to engage actively while enhancing their fine motor skills.
Focusing on the experiences of Pakistani-American families, this book explores the difficulties they encounter while trying to assimilate into U.S. school culture following the September 11 terrorist attacks. It delves into the cultural tensions, identity struggles, and the impact of societal perceptions on their integration efforts, highlighting the broader implications for immigrant families in contemporary America.
Mary now has many friends and enjoys playing and learning with them. Her class has students from all over the world. To represent and showcase this diversity, a multicultural event was hosted by the third-grade teachers and the students were asked to bring food from their home countries. All students enjoyed tasting a variety of cuisines and many children and parents also wore their traditional clothes. The event provided an opportunity for students to learn about the cultural backgrounds of their friends and develop an appreciation for them. As in the previous book, coloring pages are included for the young readers.