Ahmed is having a difficult year. After spending almost his entire life in one house in Hawaii, his parents decide to move them to Minnesota. It’s not a random decision. Not only is Minnesota where his father grew up, but it’s where there may be a life-saving treatment for his father, who needs an organ transplant but can’t get one because of a rare genetic disorder.

Ahmed’s little sister Sara is excited about the move, but Ahmed is uncertain. Changing schools is never easy, and Ahmed is even more nervous when he gets a package before they leave Hawaii. One of Ahmed’s teacher sends him a letter about his class will be asked to read 3 books from their childhood, to take a second look at them. The first book is Holes, and his teacher included a copy of it so he could read it on the plane if he wants. And she lets him know that at the end of the school year, there will be an epic competition, “Who’s smarter than Mrs. Gaarder?” And if Ahmed wants any chance of winning the trophy, he’s going to have to put in the work.

Once school starts, Ahmed immediately finds the bully—a kid from his neighborhood named Jack—and fast friends—his group in Mrs. Gaarder’s class who are gunning for that end of year trophy. He finds out that he has an unexpected ally at the school, and he gets a chance to learn more about his dad’s brother, who died when he was young. And as the class discusses Holes, Bridge to Terabithia, and From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, Ahmed finds out that the characters in these books inspire him, and he finds that can take the lead in class discussions to share his insights.

As his father fights to survive his new treatment, Ahmed has to stay strong for his mother and his sister, and finding a connection to his uncle helps him do that. As he spends the year learning more about himself, taking chances at school, and trying not to let Jack get under his skin, Ahmed finds out that he has all the tools he needs to deal with is bully. But then he’s face with a choice: is he going to stoop to Jack’s level just to get even, or is he going to rise above?

Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year is Nina Hamza’s debut middle grade novel, and the themes of family and friendship, bullies and building confidence are universal. And with Ahmed’s family being from India (his mother grew up there; his father’s parents did also), it’s a great way to introduce another culture to middle graders through the family relationships, food, and values.

I was so impressed with this novel. I loved Ahmed and was rooting for him though this whole book. And From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler has been one of my favorite novels since I first stumbled across it in my library, far more years than I want to count, so knowing that middle schoolers have this opportunity to learn about it and talk about it makes my heart happy. I loved this family, loved the concept of this book, and enjoyed every single chapter. I hope that there is a middle school teacher out there who, one day, makes this book an assignment in her class just like Mrs. Gaarder.

Egalleys for Ahmed Aziz’s Epic Year were provided by HarperCollins Children’s Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.