Award-winning photographer Rafal Gerszak spent a year embedded with the American troops in Afghanistan to bear witness to its people, culture, and the impact of war. (Grade 6 & above)
Middle Grade Readers
The Whole Story of Half a Girl
When Sonia’s father loses his job, she must move from her small, supportive private school to a public middle school. The new school, her father’s diagnosis of clinical depression, and her half- Jewish and half- Indian heritage leave Sonia feeling more confused about herself, her friends, and her family. (Grades 5-8)
Shadow
14 year old Aman and his mother flee the horrors of war in Afghanistan and escape to England. But just as they are getting settled in their new home, Aman and his mother find themselves in a detention center. Their only hope is Aman’s friend Matt, Matt’s grandfather, and the dream of finding Shadow, Aman’s trusted and loyal canine companion. (Grades 5-8)
My Basmati Bat Mitzvah
Tara’s not sure she wants to have a bat mitzvah. Even though she’s attended Hebrew school, her mother’s Indian heritage has a pull on her, and she wonders if she dishonors her Indian grandparents by declaring her Judaism. (Grades 5-8)
Ms. Marvel Vol. 1: No Normal
Kamala Khan is many things – a teenager, Pakistani-American, Muslim, Fangirl, and the super hero protector of Jersey City! How is she able to balance all these roles and be the perfect daughter to her parents? Can Kamala be the new Ms. Marvel and still honor her heritage? (Grades 5-8)
Escape from Tibet: A True Story
Based on a true story, two brothers from Tibet embark on a dangerous journey to India in search of a better life. A thrilling story of courage and adventure, readers will delight in Tenzin and Pasang’s trek to freedom. (Grades 5-8)
A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic
In this contemporary mystery, two girls – Leila in Pakistan and Kai in Texas – are linked to each other through a magical book that slowly discloses the past and changes the future. (Grades 4-7)
A Circle of Elephants
The youngest elephant driver in the Nepalese Borderlands, thirteen year-old Nandu, faces challenges from both nature and poachers with the help of family, friends, and his bull elephant Hira Prasad, while learning the rhythm of the jungle and compassion for its animals. A companion novel to What Elephants Know. (Grades 4-8)
Small Acts of Amazing Courage
In 1919, independent-minded Rosalind lives in India with her English parents, and when they fear she has fallen in with some rebellious types who believe in Indian self-government, she is sent “home” to London, where she has never been before and where her older brother died, to stay with her two aunts. (Grade 6 & above)
Sita’s Ramayana
The Ramayana, one of the greatest legends of ancient India, is presented in the form of a visually stunning and gripping graphic novel, told from the perspective of the queen, Sita. (Grade 6 & above)