Starry Henna Night: A Branches Book (The Party Diaries #2)

by Mitali Banerjee Ruths, Aaliya Jaleel (Illustrator)

Overview

Priya plans a henna-night party that is out-of-this-world in the second installment of this full-color early chapter book series!

Pick a book. Grow a Reader!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

Priya’s party-planning business is hired to put together a henna-night party for teenagers! Priya gets more and more nervous as she struggles to find a theme for the party. What do TEENAGERS like?! All she knows for sure is that this party will help save endangered pangolins! So can Priya create a perfect henna-night party or will it be a flop?

With speech bubbles, easy-to-read text, and vibrant artwork on every page, this series is perfect for newly independent readers!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338799811
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	04/04/2023
Series:	The Party Diaries
Pages:	80
Sales rank:	189,217
Product dimensions:	5.10(w) x 7.40(h) x 0.40(d)
Lexile:	570L (what's this?)
Age Range:	5 - 7 Years

About the Author

MITALI BANERJEE RUTHS grew up in Houston, Texas, and dreamed of becoming an astronaut someday. She has worked as a babysitter, an ice cream seller, and a medical doctor. She is the author of the picture book Archie Celebrates Diwali, the Scholastic Branches early chapter book series The Party Diaries, and the Scholastic Acorn early reader series The Inside Scouts. Mitali lives in Canada with her husband, three kids, and their dog, Tux.

AALIYA JALEEL is a freelance illustrator, designer, and visual development artist. She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Dallas with a BA in Arts & Technology. She is the illustrator of Maryam’s Magic: The Story of Mathematician Maryam Mirzakhani, Under My Hijab, Muslim Girls Rise, and the Scholastic Branches series The Party Diaries.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Awesome Orange Birthday (The Party Diaries #1):

"This series debut aimed at newly independent readers provides short, colorful, diary-style entries with a sweet central character. Strongly recommended." — School Library Journal

"Priya is a well-rounded, nuanced protagonist whose enthusiasm and anxiety will resonate with readers, and the narrative, peppered with bright images, is fast-moving... A layered, upbeat tale starring a determined, relatable protagonist." — Kirkus Reviews

"Priya's infectious enthusiasm shines through the diary format... This series opener gets an enjoyable party started for beginning readers." — Booklist

Praise for Archie Celebrates Diwali by Mitali Banerjee Ruths:

"This sweet picture book about sharing Diwali will ring true in many households." — Kirkus Reviews

"A reassuring portrayal of childhood anxieties." — Booklist

From the Publisher

2022-12-24
A young entrepreneur faces her toughest challenge yet.

Fresh from the success of planning family friend Layla Aunty’s birthday party, Priya—elementary schooler and founder of Priya’s Parties—is excited (and nervous) to begin her next job: a henna party for Layla Aunty’s teenage niece, Tara. When Tara suggests a “galaxy desert” theme, Priya plans out a set of creative DIY decorations and desserts. Priya’s support system is essential to the party’s execution: Family friends Neda Aunty and Padma Aunty do the henna designs, Priya’s grandmother helps her bake the cake, and Priya’s best friend, Melissa, lends a hand with making decorations. But while the last party was for adults, this one is for a high schooler and one she doesn’t know well—a situation that fills Priya with self-doubt. Will she be able to pull off the perfect party, or will her new assignment be too hard to fulfill? The second volume in the Party Diaries series slightly widens Priya’s world, introducing new characters and conflicts, and delving more into Priya’s inner life. However, the plot is very similar to that of the previous book, with only the details changed. While the author’s subtle characterization shows potential, it remains to be seen whether the series will branch into new territory or remain formulaic. Priya, her family, and most of her family friends are of South Asian descent; Melissa presents White.

A predictable but promising second book in a new series. (Chapter book. 7-10)

Kirkus Reviews