I’m From Here Too by Kashmira Sheth (Peachtree Books, 2024) Eighth grader Anoop has a lot on his plate – a new classroom without his best friend, his grandfather in India is sick and possibly dying, …
Middle Grade Readers
Amil and the After
Amil and the After by Veera Hiranandani (Kokila/Penguin Random House, 2024) In Amil and the After, Veera Hiranandani continues the story from The Night Diary, following 12-year-old Amil as he adjusts to life in Bombay after …
The Door Is Open
The Door Is Open (anthology of stories) edited by Hena Khan (Little, Brown Books for Readers, 2024) The Door Is Open, edited by Hena Khan, is a powerful collection of interconnected short stories that center the …
Lion of the Sky
Lion of the Sky by Ritu Hemnani (Harper Collins, 2024) Prior to the Partition of 1947, Twelve year-old Raj, and his best friend, Iqbal, spent their days flying kites, climbing trees, and eating mangoes. After Partition, …
The Partition Project
The Partition Project by Saadia Faruqi (Harper Collins, 2024). Mahnoor navigates the challenges of home life and the struggles of school, all while dealing with friendships that test her strength. Amid the chaos, her passion for …
My Incredible India
This vibrant nonfiction picture book takes young readers on an enchanting journey across India, showcasing the country’s rich cultural diversity, iconic landmarks, and natural wonders. Through lively illustrations and engaging prose, the book explores India’s varied traditions, languages, wildlife, and festivals, providing a window into everyday life. With each page offering a new discovery, readers are immersed in the sights, sounds, and colors of India, celebrating its complexity and charm. (Grades 2-5)
I am Kavi
Fourteen-year-old Kavi dreams of escaping her impoverished village life in Sri Lanka and finding freedom through her poetry. After receiving a scholarship to an elite school in Colombo, Kavi is caught between two worlds: her rural home and the privileged urban life of her classmates. Set against the backdrop of the 1998 Sri Lankan civil war, Kavi’s journey explores themes of resilience, belonging, and self-discovery. (Grades 3-7)
Ajay and the Mumbai Sun
Amidst the dynamic pulse of Mumbai, a young boy named Ajay embarks on a journey of self-discovery. As he confronts challenges and uncovers hidden stories in the city’s labyrinthine streets, Ajay learns that the true essence of Mumbai lies in its people—their dreams, struggles, and unwavering spirit beneath the city’s blazing sun. (Grades 3-7)
Himalaya: The Wonders of the Mountains that Touch the Sky
Himalaya, (or jimālaia in Sanskrit), means “abode of snow” is a rich non-fiction book that provides a factual examination of the Himalayas. Himalaya is focused on a specific area of the mountainous range that runs throughout China, India, and Nepal. With beautifully illustrated representations of the regional cultures, readers can examine the history and legends across the various communities. This book may serve as a wonderful reference book for K-12 educators, and also provides a source of adventure for readers as part of a classroom library, or can be used as a picture walk with younger readers to explore different areas around the world, featuring positive and historically accurate representations of South Asians. This book provides many opportunities for readers of different ages. (Grades 1-3)
Anisa’s International Day
Anisa is a multi-talented girl and is super excited for the upcoming International Day at school. However, every idea that she has is already taken. Will she find something close to her heart and keep her friendships? Anisa’s quest to find something unique takes the reader through a journey immersed in diverse cultures in her classroom and her own. (Grades 3-7)