10-year-old Makiz Orokzai debuts children’s novel Bloom Squad

Ten-year-old author and artist Makiz Orokzai has released her first children’s novel, Bloom Squad, now available in Kindle, paperback and hardcover on Amazon. The book follows four friends running a flower-watering business as they face a move, friendship tension and the end of summer.

Why it matters: - Bloom Squad turns a familiar childhood milestone — a friend moving away — into a story about friendship, responsibility and growing up. - The book is positioned as an accessible way for young readers to see teamwork, creativity and communication reflected in everyday life. - Orokzai’s debut also stands out because it comes from a 10-year-old author and artist.

What happened: - Makiz Orokzai released her debut children’s novel, Bloom Squad, about four best friends named Amba, Sunny, Lisa and Starla. - The book is available in Kindle, paperback and hardcover editions on Amazon: More information - The story follows the friends as they create a flower-watering business during the final weeks before Amba moves from Critter City to Fountain City.

The details: - The friends share a love of drawing, sweet boba tea and flowers. - Amba’s family move changes how she sees the rest of summer. - The girls start the Bloom Squad neighborhood business to make their time together memorable. - Their route takes them along Oak Street, where they face odd and spooky houses, yards with neon pink plastic flamingos and other surprises. - The friends also organize a large yard sale. - A disagreement involving a water sprinkler creates tension and puts the club at risk. - The novel explores uncertainty about moving, sadness about saying goodbye and the need for communication. - The story also highlights young entrepreneurship, creativity and responsibility. - Orokzai said she wrote Bloom Squad to share the feelings of moving away and growing up, and to inspire other kids to create clubs with their best friends.

Between the lines: - Bloom Squad draws from Orokzai’s own interests in storytelling, drawing and flowers. - The book uses a simple business project to frame bigger emotional lessons for children. - The setup suggests the story is aimed at readers who are dealing with friendship changes or a family move.

What's next: - Orokzai says she hopes to keep writing and continue her creative journey. - The author also hopes to connect with young readers experiencing friendship, growing up, moving and other childhood changes.

The bottom line: - Bloom Squad is both a children’s adventure and a coming-of-age story built around one of childhood’s hardest transitions.