Unfair and Lovely (U.S. Edition

Written by Mallika Thoppay

Illustrated by Kavitha Amarnath

An illustrated chapter book that delivers an important message for tweens and teens. You cannot judge a book by its cover.

Sahana and her sister, Surabhi, have just moved to a new town in India. They eagerly anticipate the first day in a new school. Sahana will enter seventh grade and Surabhi, the third grade.

The sisters share much in common, but there is one significant difference. Sahana has a dark complexion. When the sisters learn about an interclass dance competition, both want to participate. Despite the fact the sisters both excel in dancing, Sahana is denied a spot in the competition; she hears the snickering and understands why she has been excluded.

Sahana’s mother explains that much in life is unfair, and sometimes one needs to find a different path to success. It turns out Surabhi gives Sahana an opportunity to prove herself and to teach her classmates an important lesson.

Highly recommended for preteens and teens who face similar issues and difficulties in social situations.

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Diwali in My New Home

Written by Shachi Kaushik

Illustrated by Aishwarya Tandon

Priya has moved nine thousand miles from her old home in India. It’s time for the festival of lights, but here in America nothing is decorated, and the streets are quiet. Priya experiences mixed emotions.

When Priya returns home from school, she finds her mother preparing dishes of cardamom and ghee. Priya prepares flowers to make a rangoli and her father strings lights along the outside of the house. This draws the attention of neighbors who are invited to celebrate Diwali with the family.

Readers learn about the religious customs, dress, food, and fireworks of this festival. Kaushik includes illustrations of members of diverse communities and those with disabilities. Children receive a glossary of multicultural terms and a summary explanation of the Diwali festival.

This is a well-written and illustrated picture book that encourages empathy, compassion, and friendship among members of diverse communities. Highly recommended for parents and teachers of elementary school children as a read aloud book to discuss customs and traditions.

I received a copy of this book to read and review from the author. I voluntarily chose to read and review with my honest opinions for no monetary compensation.

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The Boy Who Was Left Behind

Written by Gita V. Reddy

Aman is only two years old when his parents depart India for London. He is left in the care of his grandmother. Aman’s parents rarely visit.

Aman is a happy child who is extremely close to his grandmother. When he is eight years old, Aman learns that his parents will be returning to India permanently. Aman experiences conflicting emotions. Then he overhears a phone call that changes his life. A car accident has killed his father and his mother is hospitalized.

Aman’s grandmother goes off to London and leaves Aman in the care of her nephew. She decides not to tell him anything about the accident. She finally returns with Aman’s mother, but she has not made the recovery that Aman desired. The tale traces the boy’s anguish which impacts his health and his studies.

The author does a good job of portraying the characters’ emotions and cultural traditions. I believe the book could help children cope with similar feelings. This book could lead to productive discussions with middle-grade and teen readers.

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The Monk and the Yak

Written and Illustrated by Ori Avnur

The Monk and the Yak is a picture book that is set in India at the foot of the Himalayas. The monk and his yak live and work peacefully side by side. One winter the monk becomes seriously ill so he dispatches a message with the yak to a neighboring village seeking help. When the monk finally recovers, he is astonished to find out the source of his recovery.

The story is an inspiring one for readers in the elementary grades. Illustrations are soft and accurately convey the mood. I would suggest that the size of the font be increased as it is too small for young readers. Recommended especially for children ages five through eight.

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