Meena's Saturday [Hardcover]

A slice-of-life story with a feminist message about a young Indian girl and her sisters managing a bustling house full of boisterous guests on a busy Saturday.

Saturday mornings start early for Meena. She and her sisters watch the sun rise while drinking chai before they clean the house and then head to the grocery store . . . while their brother gets to stay in bed. As the guests arrive, including Meena's favorite cousins, the women crowd into the kitchen to cook. The doorbell rings nonstop as family, neighbors, and friends fill the bustling house. Once fresh chapatis are made, dinner begins—for the men. But Meena spots an empty seat at the table and decides today is the day she makes an important change.

Meena’s Saturday by Kusum Mepani, with exuberant illustrations by Yasmeen Ismail, is the charming story of a family’s weekend ritual, a love letter to the gatherings of community and family, and an example of how changing long-standing traditions can start with you.Praise for Meena's Saturday by Kusum Mepani; Illustrated by Yasmeen Ismail:

A 2026 Rise: A Feminist Book Project List
A The Horn Book's Best Books of 2024
A 2025 Irma Black silver medalist
A Bank Street Best Book of 2025

★” This captivating ode to weekly gatherings of friends and extended family brims with affection...An excellent pick for any day of the week. “— The Horn Book Magazine, starred review

★ “Beautiful…Mepani’s writing flows...and is layered with nuance through Meena’s keen observations about the immigrant experience, the power of community, gender roles, and her own aspiratlC¸