The loss of her father and a blackout in her Indian city combine to distress Maya. Her mother’s bedtime tale of a legendary banyan tree kindles the child’s imagination, bringing her comfort and soothing memories of her father. Alluring illustrations of the lush dream landscape and animals Maya visualizes will engage readers. (Grades K-3)
India
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)
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)
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)
Dancing in Thatha’s Footsteps
Thatha takes his granddaughter Varsha to weekly bharatanatyam classical dance lessons while her brother, Varun, tags along. Unexpectedly, the rhythm draws Varun in, but amid spirit crushing comments he’s uncertain that dance is for boys until Thatha shows his dance moves and reveals his past as a dancer in India. (Grades PK-2)