About the Author
Working at the intersection of nature, literature, and culture, Mélina Mangal’s writing highlights youth whose voices are rarely heard, and the people and places that inspire them to explore their world.
She is the author of short stories and biographies for youth, including The Vast Wonder of the World: Biologist Ernest Everett Just, winner of the Carter G. Woodson Book Award and named an NCSS/CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People.
Mélina also works as a school library teacher in Minnesota and enjoys spending time outdoors with her family, whether it’s in her backyard or hiking in the woods.
Praise For…
- 2021 Foreword INDIES Honorable Mention, Picture Books, Early Reader (Children's)
“An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
“An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
“An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
“An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
“An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
“An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
“An abundance of STEAM connections and wonderful character representation.”
— Booklist, Starred Review
“Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book.”
“Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book.”
“Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book.”
“Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book.”
“Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book.”
“Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book.”
— Publishers Weekly
“Jayden carves out a natural space for himself with the help of a friend in this compassionate picture book.”
“
Jayden's Impossible Garden inspires a glorious discovery of community and shared treasures hiding in plain sight. A joy to unearth.”
— Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award winner
“
Jayden's Impossible Garden inspires a glorious discovery of community and shared treasures hiding in plain sight. A joy to unearth.”
— Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award winner
“
Jayden's Impossible Garden inspires a glorious discovery of community and shared treasures hiding in plain sight. A joy to unearth.”
— Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award winner
“
Jayden's Impossible Garden inspires a glorious discovery of community and shared treasures hiding in plain sight. A joy to unearth.”
— Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award winner
“
Jayden's Impossible Garden inspires a glorious discovery of community and shared treasures hiding in plain sight. A joy to unearth.”
— Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award winner
“
Jayden's Impossible Garden inspires a glorious discovery of community and shared treasures hiding in plain sight. A joy to unearth.”
— Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award winner
“
Jayden's Impossible Garden inspires a glorious discovery of community and shared treasures hiding in plain sight. A joy to unearth.”
— Rita Williams-Garcia, Newbery Honor and three-time Coretta Scott King Author Award winner
“Entertaining, informative, inspiring.”
— Children’s Bookwatch
“Mangal’s story is simple and sweet, with instructions on how to make one’s own urban garden. Daley’s cheerful paintings highlight color and natural beauty.”
— Star Tribune
“Jayden loves nature! He loves playing outside and reading books all about nature. His mom does not think that there is any nature in the city. With the support of his friend Mr. Curtis, Jayden helps his mom think about and see the different ways nature is all around them.”
— Rabia Khokhar