Kiara and her best friend Bai have been dreading going back to school because of a bully. But when Kiara discovers a genie in a box of old treasures passed down from her late grandmother, she thinks she might have the perfect solution to her bully problem. Unfortunately for Kiara, this genie isn’t willing to make her problems magically disappear. Kiara learns that the only way to stop this bully is to find strength within herself to stand up to him. Genie Meanie is a great beginning chapter book to support Physical and Health Education, English Language Arts, and Social Studies curriculum. Students can use personal experience to connect to this text and discuss how managing emotions supports the development of healthy relationships and helps us feel supported and valued. Kiara and Bai’s relationship also depicts how people from diverse cultures share common experiences and aspects of life.

96 pp., 5.25 × 7.625", b&w illustrations

Source: Association of Book Publishers of BC - BC Books for Schools (2021-2022)

Mahtab Narsimhan is the author of several critically acclaimed books, including Silver Birch Award winner The Third Eye. Her novel, The Tiffin (Dancing Cat Books, 2011), was nominated for numerous awards in Canada and was recently published in the United Kingdom and Taiwan. Mission Mumbai is her publishing debut in the United States. Mahtab is a native of Mumbai, India, and lives in Toronto, Canada. Visit her online at www.mahtabnarsimhan.com.

Mahtab Narsimhan's profile page

Michelle Simpson grew up in the woods of Niagara Falls, Ontario and still resides there today. She is a full-time freelance illustrator, focusing mainly on children's publications, and holds a BAA in illustration from Sheridan College. Michelle has worked as a concept artist at KeyFrame Animation for kids cartoons such as Ollie: The Boy Who Became What He Ate (Season 2) and Tee and Mo (Season 1). She is the author of Night Festival: A Silent Picture Book and Monsters In My House which was short-listed for the Canadian Self Publishing awards in 2014. Michelle has also illustrated Hanukkah Harvie vs. Santa Claus by David Michael Slater and Back Home by Shaista Kaba Fatehali. Michelle draws her inspiration for her artwork from nature, animals and folklore.

Michelle Simpson's profile page

• Commended, BC Books for BC Schools

“An important story about bullying.”

Kirkus Reviews

“A fun read that tackles adversity and bullying in a relatable way for young readers.”

School Library Journal (SLJ)

“If a teacher is looking for something new and different to read to their class about bullying, friendship, and resilience, then give Genie Meanie a go. Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials