Fall 2024

Ali the Great and the Robot Meltdown

From the Set Ali the Great (Fall 24)

Ali and his classmates build robots, but will competition lead to a meltdown?
Ms. Alex brings out the makerspace cart, and the class is excited to build robots! But competitive Ali wants to make it a contest, and his fuse runs short when things fall apart. After his meltdown, can Ali save the day—and his friendships—with a teamwork solution?
Ali the Great, by Yasmin author Saadia Faruqi, is a charming chapter book series about Pakistani American second grader Ali Tahir. Ali’s big ideas will resonate with young readers who believe that every problem has a creative solution—you just have to find it!

Format List Price Your Price Qty
$22.65 $16.99
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 2
Reading Level Kindergarten
Dewey Number E
Lexile 490L
ATOS Reading Level 2.8
Guided Reading Level K
Language English
Publisher Capstone
Format Reinforced book
ISBN 9781484692028
Copyright 2025
Number of Pages 32
Dimensions 6 x 9
Graphics Full-color illustrations

SLJ Review of Ali the Great

Ali and his family are back in this latest selection of illustrated early chapter books, which follow them through a variety of everyday activities. Ali and his Dadi make pakoras together while Ali struggles to figure out what his little brother Fateh wants; Ali and his classmates (including Yasmin from Faruqi’s other series) compete to make a robot; Ali tries and initially fails to show off his magic skills during Show and Tell; and Ali goes on a bug hunt with his mom in the park, learning about different kinds of bugs along the way.

Each title features three chapters, large print, and full-color illustrations on every spread. Young readers will delight in Ali’s earnest attempts to overcome whatever new challenge is thrown at him. An Urdu glossary is included at the start of each book, while additional supplemental information is appended. Examples include discussion questions, jokes, and more information about the book’s topic, such as Ali’s favorite foods and bug facts.

VERDICT: Recommended for purchase in most collections where kids’ beginning chapter books circulate frequently.

Author: Saadia Faruqi

Illustrator: Debby Rahmalia