When the Rain Comes by Alma Fullerton; illustrated by Kim LaFave (Pajama Press, 2017) A Sri Lankan girl is excited because today she will learn to plant rice seedlings that are essential to her family and …
2018
When Dimple Met Rishi
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon (Simon Pulse, 2017) Dimple is surprised when her parents allow her to attend a special summer coding camp before she heads off to Stanford. Then she finds out the …
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh by Uma Krishnaswami (Tu Books, 2017) Softball, World War II and prejudice come together in an historical fiction title that takes place in Yuba City, CA, in 1945. Fifth-grader …
Amina’s Voice
Amina’s Voice by Hena Khan (Salaam Reads, 2017) When shy Amina enters sixth grade, she faces many challenges: her best friend is thinking of changing her name to be more “American”, her strict uncle is visiting …
Pashmina
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)
Maharani the Cow
“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)
Ahimsa
When ten-year old Anjali’s mother is jailed for protesting British rule using non-violent techniques (ahimsa), Anjali must confront her own prejudices and fears to take over her mother’s work. Though she is young, Anjali’s actions become significant in India’s struggle for Independence. (Grades 5-9)
You Bring the Distant Near
Perkins scoops up readers, traveling across oceans and through time to meet Ranee, Tara, Sonia, Anna, and Chantal as they create new lives in London, New York City, and Ridgeford, New Jersey. Learn what all three generations gain from each other, all in their own voices! (Grades 9-12)
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)
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)