Set in Myanmar, this story is about Hasina and her family who belong to the Rohingya community and the threat they face from Sit Tat. During an attack, Hasina escapes into the forest, returning to find the village destroyed and her family missing. The rest of the story highlights her struggles to locate the family members. (Grades 6 and above)
Winner
Books that have officially won an award from the South Asia Book Awards committee.
A Gift for Amma: Market Day in India
An enchanting, cultural journey of vibrant delights awaits a young girl as she weaves through the market in India dodging pigeons, buffalo and speedy rickshaws while nestled in the heart of fragrant spices, flowery perfumes, shimmering feathers and tasty morsels. But which colorful treasure will be perfect for her Amma? (Grades PreK-3)
Outside In
Twelve-year old Ram survives on the streets of Chandigarh, India, winning games of gilli for money. After a game goes wrong, Ram darts deep into the forest, where he encounters a mysterious man, Nek, who creates art with scraps of metal and junk. Can Ram discover a way to keep Nek’s sculptures safe? (Grades 4-8)
Amal Unbound
Twelve-year old Amal aspires to be a teacher in Pakistan. After unintentionally insulting a member of her village’s ruling family, that dream is sunk. As punishment, Amal is forced to leave her distraught family behind and work as an indentured servant at the Khan estate. Discovering their corruptness, Amal summons her courage and intellect to secure justice and freedom. (Grades 5-8)
Manjhi Move a Mountain
In 1960, Dashrath Manjhi quietly decided to dedicate his days to making life better and easier for his Indian community. Using only a hammer and a chisel, he made a significant impact that allowed his neighbors to more easily access water, medical care and better schools. (Grades K-3)
The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art
In 1947, Nek Chand began building a Rock Garden in Chandigarh, India, using natural and discarded manmade materials, including broken glass, porcelain from chipped sinks, old bicycles and rusty pipes. Readers will learn of Chand’s marvelous creations in this picture book biography with detailed illustrations and a gatefold photograph. (Grades 2-5)
Forward Me Back to You
Robin, Kat and Gracie travel to Kolkata, India with their church group to help girls who have been rescued from trafficking, but find that they are the ones whose lives are changed. (Grades 9 and up)
The Bridge Home
Runaway sisters Viji and Rukku learn the harsh realities of life on the swarming streets of Chennai, India. They find shelter and friendship with Muthi and Arul, two homeless boys living under an abandoned bridge. Forming a family, the four use their instincts and tenacity to survive in a perilous, indifferent world. (Grades 4-6)
Priya Dreams of Marigolds and Masala
Priya asks her beloved Babi Ba, “What is India like?” as they stand side-by-side preparing the evening meal. Babi Ba tells Priya of her India – the sights, sounds, and smells. And, Priya, in return, discovers how to bring India to her Babi Ba. (Grades K-2)
Born Behind Bars
Kabir was born in jail, where his mother was unjustly serving time. When determined that he was too old to stay and is suddenly released, he loses the only family and home he knows. The rest of the story is about him, learning how to survive in the world, with the help of Rani, a street girl. (Grades 5-8)