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)
Award Year
Room in Your Heart
An old woman who lives in a tiny house in the mountains is hailed by many travelers who ask “Is there room for me?” Her secret for fitting so many visitors into her small home is the heart-warming message of this Bhutanese folktale. (Grades K-3)
Machher Jhol
Gopu finds courage as he travels through the bustling crowds, the market, and traffic of Calcutta, to gather ingredients for his grandma to cook his father’s favorite dish—fish curry (machher jhol). The illustrations invite the reader to travel along with Gopu, and hope that the special dish is just the medicine Gopu’s father needs to feel well again. (Grades K-5)
I Need to Pee
Where do you go when you just have to go? Sahi, a little girl who loves to drink all types of things, finds out as she travels from Mumbai to visit her aunt’s house in Assam. (Grades 3-5)
Farmer Falgu Goes to Kumbh Mela
Farmer Falgu is excited to see the sadhus and elephant processions and savor sweet treats like jalebi and lassi. But he has surprises in store for him, and his kindness to others is rewarded in the end. (Grades PreK-1)
The Clever Tailor
In this colorful tale, talented tailor, Rupa Ram, finds creative ways to reuse the cloth of his old turban, finally weaving an engaging kahaani, or story, which will leave children and adults alike with a smile on their faces. (Grades Pre-K-1)
Thukpa For All
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)
The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
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)
The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali
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: A Graphic Biography
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)