The Salt Thief by Neal Bascomb (Scholastic Focus, 2024) The Salt Thief is a dramatic, narrative nonfiction account of Gandhi’s Salt March and India’s struggle to gain independence from Britain. Gandhi is known throughout history for his nonviolent protestations. Leading his followers to the Arabian Sea to protest Britain’s salt tax led to decades of conflict …
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 journalism becomes a lifeline—guiding her toward understanding her Pakistani identity. When her grandmother arrives from Pakistan, carrying a history long …
The Spice Box, written by Meera Sriram, illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat (Penguin Random House Canada, 2024). In thisheartwarming intergenerational story about love, legacy, and flavor, Rishi is ready to carry forward his Dad’s and his Paati’s stories through the beautiful family spice box. Paati was known in her hometown in India as the Wizard of …
Embark on the brave journey of Heera, a teenager who lives in India. Using her inner strength and resilience, Heera is forced into the world of poverty, sex trafficking, and societal norms to expose the harsh realities of life. (Grades 7-9)
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)
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)
Join us for a conversation with Shirin Shamsi, author of The Moon from Dehradun, moderated by South Asia Book Award committee member Ritu Radhakrishnan. Monday, June 3, 2024, 4-5 PM CDT Watch it on YouTube Here! The Moon from Dehradun: A Story of Partition In time for the 75th anniversary of the Partition of British India, this picture …
On her first journey away from home, sixteen-year-old Hira experiences many unfamiliar situations, including the threat of tuberculosis. Through it all, Hira faces her own misconceptions about America while dealing with Islamophobia from her new friends and host family in Oregon. (Grades 10-12)
In 1947, Azra and her family took an unforgettable train ride from Dehradun to Lahore, leaving her home and her beloved doll behind. Throughout her journey, Azra draws hope and resilience as she sees the same moon each night amidst the ever changing landscape. (Grades PK-4)
Most people in Mumbai live with limited access to water, with frequent shortages. In contrast, the affluent live above, in high-rise buildings with unrestricted water access. This disparity instigates numerous questions for Minni, as she searches for justice to bridge these inequalities. (Grades 5-6)
