I stare at my laptop screen, wondering how to write about Nida Finds a Way. It’s such an important book. A book that makes me oh-so-curious about how a child would respond. What would children say that this story is about? Would they giggle and keep reading on and on to see how Nida balances her love for her anxious father and her need to climb trees, ride cycles and live?
Children read what they want to read in stories, and I am always amazed by that. So, would children read Nida Finds a Way as a story about Shaheen Bagh? I somehow doubt it, and that’s the reason why I think the book is so precious. As a child, I would have laughed at over-protective Abba, his NONONO, YESYESYES and his twitching beard. I would have been bothered to distraction about the illustration on page 24 where Abba’s left arm is injured instead of his right. And I would have loved how Nida manages to sneak out and find a way.
And that’s what the story is about – finding a way. It is a story about agency. Nida wants to cycle, even though her father is a perpetual worrier. And in the same way, when whispers everywhere talk of protests – or is it prowtess? Portess? – Nida burns with curiosity. She must find a way to see what these tests are all about!
With a child at the centre of the story, the narrative is endearing, optimistic and simple. You want something? You will find a way to get it if you try hard enough. Every child knows that, and Nida is no different.
| Title | Nida Finds a Way |
| Author | Samina Mishra |
| Tags | Chapter Book, hOle book, conversation starter |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4 |
| Age-group | 7+ |
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