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Sadiq
Sadiq and The Pet Problem
Sadiq's third grade class has no classroom pet! Not only that, but Sadiq has never had a pet of his own. So Sadiq gathers some classmates to help him solve this problem. What kind of pet would be perfect for their class? A lizard? A bunny? A parakeet? Soon it's up to Sadiq and friends to convince their teacher and classmates that they have found the perfect pet match.
57 pages, Hardcover
Published August 1, 2019
4 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
October 2, 2019
Oh, I love Sadiq! He's a child eager to learn and serve, wanting to help at every turn. I have at least one Sadiq in every class, and I am thrilled there's a series honoring those boys who are always willing to help.
In this book, Sadiq and friends see another classroom with a class pet, and they decide they want one too. And let me tell you: this resonates!! Having just gotten a class pet last May, the pet-envy is REAL. When Sadiq and friends ask around, it turns out that getting a class pet is something they can all agree on, but their teacher tasks them with doing the research. With a thoughtful look at the pros and cons, and a visit to a shelter (not a pet store!!! Yesss!), the Class Pet Club presents their findings and the class makes their choice. But a curveball has them returning with no furry friend. How will it all work out?
I love Sadiq because it's one of those books meant for younger readers that can easily move up to my fifth grade classroom. From the outside it looks like a chapter book, but in leveling it I think it might be around a K or L. All I know is that my fifth graders are able to pick it up without feeling like it looks younger than any other book in my library, and that's a wonderful thing.
In this book, Sadiq and friends see another classroom with a class pet, and they decide they want one too. And let me tell you: this resonates!! Having just gotten a class pet last May, the pet-envy is REAL. When Sadiq and friends ask around, it turns out that getting a class pet is something they can all agree on, but their teacher tasks them with doing the research. With a thoughtful look at the pros and cons, and a visit to a shelter (not a pet store!!! Yesss!), the Class Pet Club presents their findings and the class makes their choice. But a curveball has them returning with no furry friend. How will it all work out?
I love Sadiq because it's one of those books meant for younger readers that can easily move up to my fifth grade classroom. From the outside it looks like a chapter book, but in leveling it I think it might be around a K or L. All I know is that my fifth graders are able to pick it up without feeling like it looks younger than any other book in my library, and that's a wonderful thing.
January 26, 2025
This is my second book I've read from the Sadiq series. It's much better than the first one I've read and can be followed pretty easily with what's going on.
The focus was on getting a classroom pet after Sadiq sees another classroom have a rabbit (which is questionable as a classroom pet, will explain later why). But the kids ask their teacher if they could, she agrees and they form a temporary pet club to decide what pet would be good for their classroom. They briefly did some research on each pet they thought might be a good choice, and brainstormed together. They traveled to a rehabilitation place and a shelter together. The story kept moving and it was easy to digest. There are pages sometimes without pictures so some young kids might not stay interested since this is a early read chapter book. You tend to see less text and more drawings but that's not the case. So that's was probably my only gripe, but since we are talking about pets in this one, I am an animal advocate for appropriate care and things need to be mentioned.
There are some parts of this book that are misrepresented. As a pet rescue volunteer I'd like to take the moment to educate you on what was said in the book and what's actually appropriate for pet care. First, Guinea pigs need to be in a pair or more. They're social herd animals that need to be together. Secondly, bearded dragons were said in this book to be easy to care for, yet the children found feeding a tarantula 6 crickets a week was too much. Kids, feeding a bearded dragon will require nearly triple that amount in a week and that's not even for an adult beardie. The author also mentioned at first that bearded dragons required grass in their enclosure. Then said in the second mention of their care, that they need dirt. Most beardie owners will use paper towels for easy cleanup, and sand. There is a debate on letting them eat on sand however, but beardies should not have dirt or grass. Also they mentioned they need a hiding spot. Beardies bask on rocks, hammocks or logs. They don't require a hideout like geckos. But at least they said they needed a heat lamp. The other thing that is simply untrue are goldfish. The author thought beardies live long. Goldfish can live upwards of 25 years and require a large tank since they don't stay small. They also dirty up their water frequently so they require water changes and a good filtration system to stay healthy. Hearing they don't live long, made me really sad. It's a misconception based on poor pet care practices by pet stores who would like you to buy a pet than to educate you properly on owning a pet. And lastly guinea pigs require a large space, like a playpen. The cage shown in the picture at the end, is torture. They're not cage animals. They graze. They hop, they need a place to roam much like a rabbit. The thing that doesn't make guinea pigs or rabbits good classroom pets are the fact that many children are allergic or irritated by hay. Teachers and schools must speak with parents first before getting a class pet, to avoid this problem. They mentioned in this book kids might be allergic to cats, but shocked to not realize kids cannot handle hay and may break out in a rash or wheeze.
And as a friendly reminder to the community, do your research first before bringing home a pet. And be committed! The book mentioned rescues and rehabilitation of animals. That's a powerful message to kids to be responsible. And I appreciate that part. Overall a decent book but it did not impress me.
The focus was on getting a classroom pet after Sadiq sees another classroom have a rabbit (which is questionable as a classroom pet, will explain later why). But the kids ask their teacher if they could, she agrees and they form a temporary pet club to decide what pet would be good for their classroom. They briefly did some research on each pet they thought might be a good choice, and brainstormed together. They traveled to a rehabilitation place and a shelter together. The story kept moving and it was easy to digest. There are pages sometimes without pictures so some young kids might not stay interested since this is a early read chapter book. You tend to see less text and more drawings but that's not the case. So that's was probably my only gripe, but since we are talking about pets in this one, I am an animal advocate for appropriate care and things need to be mentioned.
There are some parts of this book that are misrepresented. As a pet rescue volunteer I'd like to take the moment to educate you on what was said in the book and what's actually appropriate for pet care. First, Guinea pigs need to be in a pair or more. They're social herd animals that need to be together. Secondly, bearded dragons were said in this book to be easy to care for, yet the children found feeding a tarantula 6 crickets a week was too much. Kids, feeding a bearded dragon will require nearly triple that amount in a week and that's not even for an adult beardie. The author also mentioned at first that bearded dragons required grass in their enclosure. Then said in the second mention of their care, that they need dirt. Most beardie owners will use paper towels for easy cleanup, and sand. There is a debate on letting them eat on sand however, but beardies should not have dirt or grass. Also they mentioned they need a hiding spot. Beardies bask on rocks, hammocks or logs. They don't require a hideout like geckos. But at least they said they needed a heat lamp. The other thing that is simply untrue are goldfish. The author thought beardies live long. Goldfish can live upwards of 25 years and require a large tank since they don't stay small. They also dirty up their water frequently so they require water changes and a good filtration system to stay healthy. Hearing they don't live long, made me really sad. It's a misconception based on poor pet care practices by pet stores who would like you to buy a pet than to educate you properly on owning a pet. And lastly guinea pigs require a large space, like a playpen. The cage shown in the picture at the end, is torture. They're not cage animals. They graze. They hop, they need a place to roam much like a rabbit. The thing that doesn't make guinea pigs or rabbits good classroom pets are the fact that many children are allergic or irritated by hay. Teachers and schools must speak with parents first before getting a class pet, to avoid this problem. They mentioned in this book kids might be allergic to cats, but shocked to not realize kids cannot handle hay and may break out in a rash or wheeze.
And as a friendly reminder to the community, do your research first before bringing home a pet. And be committed! The book mentioned rescues and rehabilitation of animals. That's a powerful message to kids to be responsible. And I appreciate that part. Overall a decent book but it did not impress me.
March 27, 2021
I've found this book listed at a 28, but I think the only challenging words are those in Somali (there is a mini dictionary at the front of the book) and I'd instead place it closer to a level 20/24 (early second grade).
Sadiq is an American kid who's family comes from Somalia. He speaks Somali at home, and in each book Siman Nuurali manages to weave informational elements about the country and culture seamlessly into the plot. I really enjoyed the book and am excited to read it in a small reading group with my Somalian student! I am excited to see how he reacts to seeing his home-language in school books.
Sadiq is an American kid who's family comes from Somalia. He speaks Somali at home, and in each book Siman Nuurali manages to weave informational elements about the country and culture seamlessly into the plot. I really enjoyed the book and am excited to read it in a small reading group with my Somalian student! I am excited to see how he reacts to seeing his home-language in school books.
March 17, 2021
57 pgs. This realistic fiction book is all about a third-grade boy named Sadiq who works with his classmates to come up with a good class pet idea. When another class at school is allowed to have a pet rabbit, Sadiq and friends want their own class pet. Good problem solving and a variety of cultures are represented. Included at the end of the book are a second glossary, activity suggestions, things to talk about after reading, and a writing exercise. Boys will especially enjoy this series. Highly recommended for 3-4th grades.
May 27, 2022
Sadiq and the Pet Problem is a good story for kids to learn how to collaborate with peers toward accomplishing goals and problem solving. The illustrations are colorful and compliments the narrative. The author does a great job of introducing readers to the Muslim customs and culture amongst Somali immigrants and the descendents. The discussion questions, glossary of Somali cultural terms and English vocabulary, and writing prompts are a great addition to the story. As a reader and teacher, I would've liked to get a stronger sense of Sadiq and friends' fun side.
April 13, 2025
Continuing to try to add more diversity to Emily's reading. This one was great! Love books that introduce a character and their family and language as no big deal, just a regular and unique kid. I liked the way the teacher promoted discussion/agreement/voting to come to decisions about the class pet. I think some of the pet info was incorrect/misleading, but that didn't detract from the SEL aspect of the book. I'd say this is a little harder than Dragon Masters (pictures are not on every page), more in line with Lucy's Lab. Emily wants to read more in the series.
March 12, 2020
Good beginning chapter book. Sadiq and his friends start a Pet Club to research ideas for a class pet. The book shows how to research, narrow choices, and vote democratically. Glossary at the end, and some writing responses.
Sadiq’s family is from Somalia and his mom, sister, and classmate all wear hijab. There is some info on Somalia, and the Somali language to start the book, and the author is Somali-American. Awesome diverse book!
Sadiq’s family is from Somalia and his mom, sister, and classmate all wear hijab. There is some info on Somalia, and the Somali language to start the book, and the author is Somali-American. Awesome diverse book!
April 20, 2022
Sadiq and the pet problem features a group of kids who form a club and get permission from their teacher to choose a pet for their classroom. The book moves at a nice clip and the problem resolves well for a satisfying ending. Sadiq is Somali American, and author Siman Nuurali gives readers a glimpse into the Somali language (with definitions provided). Capstone provides some backmatter to make this a great in-school resource. It's a winner!
October 4, 2023
Sadiq the 8 years old American Somali child lives with his family and friends, helping his community, solving pet problems, helping gamers at old home and exploring desert star.
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This is complete series ideal for ages 6-8
Comes with craft at the end
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ideal for your homeschool, Islamic school library and Eid gifts as well.
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Have you ever read this amazing series?
How about building bridges?
Which one is your favorite book in this series?
.
This is complete series ideal for ages 6-8
Comes with craft at the end
.
ideal for your homeschool, Islamic school library and Eid gifts as well.
.
Have you ever read this amazing series?
How about building bridges?
Which one is your favorite book in this series?
August 7, 2020
This was a simple intermediate read about kids getting a class pet. Not only does this book introduce different animals, but it also shares facts about the Somali culture. Great for boys and girls interested in pets.
November 3, 2023
This was a fast read and I think many kids would enjoy it- and it does a great job introducing the concept that pets take a lot of work to kids. I liked the emphasis on other culture & the inclusion of Somali words.
August 17, 2019
I like how the series gives facts about Somalia at the beginning of each book.
December 17, 2019
4 stars - realistic kid issue presented in a realistic way with genuine characters
January 13, 2020
Realistic, genuine and fun. My 1st - 3rd graders will enjoy this series.
July 5, 2020
Not keen on the idea of pets in classrooms and the cage was especially inappropriate but at least it was a rescue
July 31, 2020
Rating: 3.5 stars
August 25, 2020
There was not really a pet "problem" in this book, rather a dilemma. Yes, splitting hairs with verbiage.
January 4, 2023
diverse, good planning and research process to get class pet
July 21, 2019
A new early chapter book series featuring a Somali-American boy. Sadiq forms a club to help his class decide which pet to get.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews