Twelve-year old Nisha is forced to escape her home in 1947 with her Hindu family during the partition of India. Trying to make sense of the world during this treacherous moment in history, she writes letters to her Muslim mother in her journal, who died in childbirth. (Grades 5-8)
Month: October 2022
Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea
What would it be like to use a broken umbrella to win a school science fair? Watch Iqbal help his family find a way to cook their food without using an open fire at their home in Bangladesh. Hear the monsoon rain, the wind, and baby Rupa’s cough from breathing the smoke from the fire. Use the glossary and the do-it-yourself activity, too! (Grades 3-7)
The Eleventh Trade
Sami’s grandfather’s rebab, an Afghan instrument, is stolen while it’s in Sami’s care. Since it’s necessary for their livelihood, the boy must figure out how to buy it back from the shop where it was pawned. He begins by making trades with fellow students, but will that be enough to get the instrument back? (Grades 5-8)
Stories for South Asian Supergirls
This inspiring illustrated biography compilation truly is “a treasure trove” of fifty important, influential South Asian women from all walks of life – from all parts of the globe. Beyond mirrors, it offers our young girls maps to who and what they can become. (Grades 3-8)
The Jungle Radio: Bird Songs of India
Delve into an adventure of delightfully woven onomatopoeia, rhyming verse and ornate explosions of color with inquisitive Gul as she explores the sprawling habitat of her Indian jungle searching for the aerial musicians of the symphonic sounds emanating from her radio in a beautiful compilation introducing children to bird-watching. (Grades K-5)
Across the Line
Toshi and her six-year-old brother Tarlok are separated during the violent riots following partition in India which divided the country as well as families, creating profound loss. Sixty years later, the discovery of a diary offers insight while a chance meeting provides healing and understanding. (Grades 6 and up)
A Thousand Questions
Mimi is spending the summer in Karachi and learns about the city and the culture through the eyes of Sakina, who works at Mimi’s grandparents’ house. Sakina wants to attend a school and needs to improve her English, and helps Mimi find her dad. A heartfelt and delightful book about two girls from different worlds, of friendships and families. (Grades 3-6)
Ritu Weds Chandni
Ayesha will not let anything stand in the way of her Ritu didi getting married to her beloved Chandni. Narvankar’s story, set in present-day India, invites young readers to join in a wedding celebration of two young women who are supported by their family and friends despite the prejudices of the community. (Grades K-3)
American Betiya
In this gripping coming of age story, Indian-American teenager, Rani, must decide whether to be drawn into a dysfunctional relationship with her first love, Oliver, or stay true to who she is and where she comes from. (Grades 10-12)
Where Three Oceans Meet
Sejal, Mommy and Pati travel to Kanyakumari, the coastal town where three oceans meet, on India’s southern tip. On this wonderful intergenerational journey, they visit friends, devour tasty foods, and explore the country which connects them. (PreK-Grade 3)