Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe

“Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe” was a fun read. It’s not a particularly long read, at only 94 pages, so it won’t intimidate reluctant or struggling readers. Kids are sure to enjoy the humor in the story (especially the constant sibling banter between the main character, Riley, and her big brother, Atticus). Although it took awhile for the book to actually introduce the “kitchen katastrophe” part of the story, the plot is steady and comes to an expected, but satisfactory conclusion. One of the things I liked best about this book is the author’s keen eye for detail. She obviously has a gift for description. In fact, many of her food scenes made me quite hungry! If Halima doesn’t grow up to be an author, I have the feeling she may grow up to be a chef, because she obviously knows ALOT about food and cooking for a girl her age! Overall, my impression of this book is that it was a good first release, one that would be enjoyed by both girls and boys age 7-12 or so. I’m sure this young author has a very successful future ahead of her, regardless of what she chooses to do.

Reviewed by James Miller for Readers Favorite "Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe" is a middle grade novel about a young girl named Riley, who is eleven years old. Riley and her older brother Atticus are always fighting with one another. Their mother is a writer who is out of town on business, and when their father also has to leave for business, Riley and Atticus are made to stay with family who live out in the country. They stay with their aunt and uncle, and their cousins. While visiting, Riley and her brother volunteer to prepare a meal for a dinner party hosted by their aunt for her new neighbors. While Riley and Atticus are making the meal, the kitchen quickly fills with smoke and the feuding siblings have to make a quick decision about whether or not they are willing to work together and help each other out. Halima Sahar Muhammad delivers a great middle grade novel for preteens and children. "Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe" isn't too heavy on any themes or subjects, and is a light and fun novel. There were times when I laughed out loud. The plot is great for a middle grade, and it is something that any person with a sibling can probably relate to. Halima was able to make the brother/sister relationship realistic, and that is definitely an important part of the novel. "Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe" will definitely catch the attention for preteens and older children. It is a fast-paced novel, which keeps the reader interested. It never got boring. Overall, "Riley and the Kitchen Katastrophe" was light, fun, and realistic.