I remember reading and enjoying Simply Nanju some five years ago. Who’s Afraid of a Giant Wheel?, also by Zainab Sulaiman, is even better. It’s the kind of story that made me wonder what draws me into a book.
Is there adventure?
No.
Mystery?
Also no.
But did I enjoy the book?
Very much. In fact, I read it in one sitting.
Who’s Afraid of a Giant Wheel? is the story of a fourth-standard girl, Noorie, who’s confident and chatty in school. So confident that she’s sure she will be vice-captain. There’s no competition, after all!
But at home, it’s a different story. Her neighbour Tina, who’s an Almost Teenager, runs Noorie’s life, and Noorie would do anything to be in Tina’s good graces. Even if it means putting up with Tina’s terrible twin Tarun.
The book takes us through the ups and downs in Noorie’s life, and for me, therein lies the analogy of the giant wheel. There are exciting moments, mistakes and consequences, changing relationships, unexpected moments of courage … all of it was lovely. The characters and the situations in which they’re placed came alive to me, and I loved the way Noorie, with all her imperfections, becomes someone dear to the reader, someone we root for. Simply told, with brief, engaging chapters, Who’s Afraid of a Giant Wheel? is a sweet, quick read.
| Title | Who’s Afraid of a Giant Wheel? |
| Author | Zainab Sulaiman |
| Tags | Middle-Grade, School Story, Realistic Fiction |
| Rating (out of 5) | 4.5 |
| Age-group | 10+ |
Leave a Reply