Reviewed by Dinorah Blackman for Readers' Favorite

In Ali the Inventor Saves the Garden, Amir Makin introduces the reader to a young inventor. Ali encourages kids to use their knowledge of science and math in practical ways. Ali enjoys walking through the neighborhood on what he calls ‘problem patrols’. During these walks he spots neighbors who need help with problems that can be solved through science and math. Ali willingly helps his neighbors to fix or repair their gadgets while he explains in detail what needs to be done. Ali has a mentor who guides him through the process and helps to keep him focused on the task. Overall, Ali makes engineering seem easy, enjoyable, and approachable. In this particular case, a neighbor has problems watering his plants and Ali willingly helps him figure out what went wrong with the sprinkler.

The story by Amir Makin will be especially attractive to young boys and girls who are bored with traditional playthings and games. This is for that kid who would rather take an electronic toy apart to find out how it works than play with it. The language used is very technical, which gives the story credibility. The illustrations are colorful and attractive. Amir Makin clearly has an in-depth knowledge of engineering and wants kids to see how much fun it is to create or repair. The illustrator made sure to portray people of different ethnic backgrounds in Ali’s neighborhood, which is always a plus. The other children are cordial with Ali, and see him as a boy on a mission. Overall it’s a very interesting story that not only illustrates a good point, but can also help somebody with a problem similar to Ali’s neighbor.