A Project of the South Asia National Outreach Consortium
Set in Ladakh, this story is about a young blind boy who lives with his grandmother. It delivers the message that specially-abled persons are no different from others and in fact suggests that they have different capabilities. It also introduces the reader to the culture of the people of Ladakh and demonstrates the importance of community. (Grades K-3)
Harpreet Singh is a practicing Sikh and adores colors. He has a different colored patka, or head covering, for every occasion. But, when his family moves to a new city, everything feels grey. Will he find a way to make life vibrant again? (Grades Pre-K-2)
Rukhsana Ali is in love with her girlfriend Ariana. As a Muslim, Bangladeshi-American daughter, Rukhsana wants to preserve her parents’ honor by hiding her relationship for at least a few more months until she leaves home for Caltech. But, unfortunately, it is hard to keep love a secret. (Grades 9 and up)
Lakshmibai, Rani of Jhansi, broke from patriarchy to lead her citizens in an arduous fight against the British. Her story is an important part of the story of India’s uprising beginning in 1857, eventually leading to independence. This brilliantly illustrated retelling introduces readers to a female hero for all times. (Grades 7 and up)
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)
This spellbinding novel narrated by a witty and keenly observant aspiring writer, teenager Tamara de Silva, unravels family and community secrets while detailing the role of astrology, match matchers, and scheming Aunties’ efforts to marry off her eligible bachelor uncle, all amid the cultural and political atmosphere of the times.
Pari, a young Afghan girl, hits the road with her mother, who operates the only library bus in Kabul. Together, they travel through the countryside, lending books to girls along the way. This book captures the excitement and feeling of freedom of a child learning how to read.
Lekha, the only Indian American kid in her small town, feels like she must be two versions of herself. At school she is embarrassed by her Indian culture and tries to avoid hurtful comments from classmates. But when a new Indian family moves into town, Lekha rethinks her approach.
Editors Gabrielle Deonath and Kamini Ramdeen have curated a brave and beautiful anthology filled with Brown Girls’ voices telling their personal stories of discovery, self-love, mental health, and more across the South Asian diaspora.
In this beautiful graphic novel, Bangladeshi-American Nisrin, a traumatized victim of a hate crime, emerges from her home for her freshman year, having decided to wear the hijab at her new school. What follows leads to Nisrin’s discovery of her complex family history with both Islam and Bangladesh.
