A Project of the South Asia National Outreach Consortium
Priyanka Das is perpetually curious about her mother’s homeland of India, why she left, and most importantly, who her father is, but Pri’s mom is close-lipped on these topics. One day, Pri discovers a mysterious pashmina in a suitcase which, when wrapped around herself, transports her to an idealized version of India, but shadows lurking in the background may hold the answers she seeks. (Grades 3-6)
“Maaaaaaaa” “Peen!” “Pawmp!” “Move, move…” Can you hear and see Maharani as she lumbers along her Indian city’s streets? Sudhir and Raj want to be sure that you do as you learn about Maharani’s day. This cow eats, sits, stops, or walks anywhere she pleases! Do you wonder why? (Grades Pre-K-2)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Pen Pals Elliot and Kailash discover that even though they live in different countries—America and India—they both love to climb trees, own pets, and ride school buses. (Grade 5 & under).
In the village of Baddbaddpur, the people like to tell tales. Pandurang is so dour that he can make milk turn sour. One day he coughs up a feather. As the story of Pandurang’s feather is passed from one person to another it grows and grows and grows until it can hardly be recognized. (Grades PreK-4).
Twenty-Two Cents smartly chronicles the life and inspiration behind Nobel Peace Prize winner, Muhammad Yunus, and the internationally transformative Grameen Bank’s micro-lending system. Coupled with rich illustrations that vibrantly capture the essence and depth of Yunus’ experiences, this poignant picture book easily lends itself to readers of all ages. Includes an afterword and author’s source notes. (Grades 2-5)
A gripping and heartfelt tale of a young boy’s love for, and sense of responsibility towards, his island home in the Sunderbands of West Bengal and the wildlife that shares it with him. Universal concerns of conservation, equal education, and economic inequality are seamlessly intertwined with the narrative of Neel’s daily life and his adventure with a tiger cub. (Grades 3-6).
