Arthi’s Bomma

This story is about a young girl, Arthi wanting to know more about the wooden dolls (bommalu) that her father makes. She learns that each of the bommalu has a story to tell. The exemplary dolls that these artisans create are considered heirlooms and are passed on proudly from generation to generation. (Grades K-2)

Ganesha Goes Green

Prema is looking forward to the annual Ganesh Chaturthi festival, but her anticipation is marred – her mother has become sick from the chemicals leached into the river by the very plaster Ganesha statues used to celebrate the holiday! While walking by the riverbank, Prema has an idea. Using the clay from the river to build the Ganesha statues will let the people celebrate as usual, while also preserving the health of the river water. Though it takes her many tries, and the help of her friends, Prema creates enough clay Ganesha statues to make a difference in her village’s celebrations. This colorful picture book raises awareness of ecological issues surrounding the festival. (Grades PK-3)

The Carpet: An Afghan Family Story

The illustrations beautifully capture Dezh Azaad’s story about an Afghan refugee child, her innocence and uncertainty when she remembers the role the carpet has played in her family’s history and memories. This picture book is accessible to readers of all levels from beginner to advanced. Early readers can engage with the illustrations to follow along with the family’s journey, or use the entire book as a read aloud. Azaad’s story highlights the beauty of Afghan culture that is often misrepresented and misunderstood. (Grades PK-3)

The Katha Chest

Young Asiyah learns her family history through her grandmother’s chest of richly patterned katha quilts, hand-stitched from layers of repurposed, memory-laden, sari fabric. Asiyah’s tale is accompanied by wordless story panels that reveal their Bengali cultural history. These panels resemble a family photo album, reminiscent of Pattachitra, cloth-based narrative scroll paintings. (Preschool-Grade 3)

Bharatanatyam in Ballet Shoes

A young girl named Paro comes from a family of Bharatanatyam dancers, and feels out of place at her first ballet class. The other students seem more skilled and knowledgeable, and her background in Bharatnatyam seems like an obstacle to becoming a beautiful ballerina. With help from the dance teacher and her mother, Paro and her classmates all come to appreciate and celebrate Bharatanatyam. Beautifully illustrated and rich with historical connections, this book provides representation to South Asians in a space where they are not typically seen or encouraged. (Grades 1-2)