A Sri Lankan girl is excited because today she will learn to plant rice seedlings that are essential to her family and community. When the wind blows, the sky darkens and the rain pours down, it is up to her to save the seedlings, the ox and the cart that delivered them. (Grades PreK-3)
2018
When Dimple Met Rishi
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 real reason they agreed – her parents want her to meet Rishi, another attendee and son of friends, with the hopes that they will fall in love and marry one day. How both Dimple and Rishi learn to follow their hearts makes for a delightful romantic comedy. (Grades 9-12)
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh
Softball, World War II and prejudice come together in an historical fiction title that takes place in Yuba City, CA, in 1945. Fifth-grader Maria, whose father is from India and mother is from Mexico, fights to save her baseball field while helping to fight injustice against her intercultural family. (Grades 4-8)
Amina’s Voice
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 from Pakistan, and her teacher and friends are urging her to sing a solo in the school concert. When her hometown mosque is vandalized, Amina sees the community come together and finally finds her voice as she accepts who she is. (Grades 3-5)
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)