Lunchtime can be lonely when you're the new kid at school.

Moving to a new city means Alina has to make new friends, and nothing is worse than lunch at a new school. When her grandmother visits, Alina is inspired to help her cook the delicious Afro-Indian meals she's always loved, but a cruel note from a mysterious lunchtime bully leaves a bitter taste that even Nani's excellent cooking can't erase.

With an audition for Junior Chef fast approaching and Nani's wise lessons helping her, can Alina embrace her heritage and convince her classmates that being different is a good thing? (From Second Story Press)

Alina in a Pinch is for ages 6-8

Shenaaz G. Nanji is a writer who has published over 12 books for children. Alina in a Pinch was a finalist for the Silver Birch Express Award 2023. Her latest book is Alina in the Deep. Her book Child of Dandelions was a finalist for the 2008 Governor General's Literary Award, Young People's Literature — Text. Nanji was born in Kenya and now lives in Calgary.