Asian (South)

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Posted by on Oct 23, 2020 in Ages 04 and up, Asian (South), India, Indian, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Historical, Theme: Race, Theme: Racial Discrimination, Theme: Survival | Comments Off on Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Fauja Singh Keeps Going

Fauja Singh Keeps Going By Simran Jeet Singh Illustrated by Baljinder Kaur Published by Penguin Young Readers Group ISBN-13: 9780525555094 Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “This engaging picture book biography tells the amazing story of a 100-year-old marathoner named Fauja Singh.”   —School Library Journal Description Fauja Singh was born determined. He was also born with legs that wouldn’t allow him to play cricket with his friends or carry him to school miles from his village in Punjab. But that didn’t stop him. Working on his...

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A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic

Posted by on Mar 27, 2020 in Ages 08 and up, Asian (South), North America, Pakistan, Pakistani American, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, United States | Comments Off on A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic

A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic

A Tale of Highly Unusual Magic By Lisa Papademetriou Published by HarperCollins Publishers ISBN-13: 9780062371065 Age Range: 8+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound| B&N | Worldcat “With magic and humor, this is an excellent addition to middle grade collections.”  —School Library Journal Description Bestseller and author of the popular middle grade series Confectionately Yours Lisa Papademetriou is back with a magical, page-turning adventure for readers of all ages—a touching tale about destiny and the invisible threads that link us all, ultimately, to one another. Kai and...

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The Unexpected Friend: A Rohingya Children’s Story

Posted by on Dec 17, 2019 in Asian (South), Bangladesh, Muslim, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Fleeing Persecution, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Loss of Childhood, Theme: Refugee Life, Theme: Survival, Theme: Trauma | Comments Off on The Unexpected Friend: A Rohingya Children’s Story

The Unexpected Friend: A Rohingya Children’s Story

The Unexpected Friend: A Rohingya Children’s Story By Raya Rashna Rahman Illustrated by Inshra Russell Published by Guba Publishing LLC ISBN-13: 9781946747105 Find a copy at Amazon  | B&N | …made in partnership with Save the Children… Description A thoughtfully illustrated picture book, made in partnership with Save the Children, and based on the real lives of Rohingya children living in the refugee camps of Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. The Rohingya are a Muslim minority of 1.3 million, formerly living in the Rakhine State within Myanmar. In summer 2017, hundreds of...

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Ink Knows No Borders

Posted by on Apr 12, 2019 in African (East), African (West), Ages 12 and up, Asian (East), Asian (South), Asian (West), Eastern European, Filipino, Guamanian, Guyanese, Korean, Mexican, Nigerian, North America, Russian, South American, Sudanese, Syrian, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Citizenship, Theme: Community, Theme: Deportation, Theme: Fleeing Persecution, Theme: Historical, Theme: Human Rights, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Migrant Life, Theme: Race, Theme: Refugee Life, Theme: Repression, Theme: Survival, Theme: War | Comments Off on Ink Knows No Borders

Ink Knows No Borders

Ink Knows No Borders By Alyssa Raymond & Patrice Vecchione Published by Seven Stories Press ISBN-13: 9781609809072 Age Range: 12+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “This symphony of poetry is a necessary series of bruises and balms that will comfort those who have endured, uplift those who continue to struggle, and educate others.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description This collection of sixty-four poems by poets who come from all over the world shares the experience of first- and second-generation young adult immigrants and refugees. Whether it’s cultural and...

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The Yellow Suitcase

Posted by on Apr 5, 2019 in Ages 06 and up, Asian (South), India, Indian American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Family Death, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Immigration, United States | Comments Off on The Yellow Suitcase

The Yellow Suitcase

The Yellow Suitcase By Meera Sriram Illustrated by Meera Sethi Published by Penny Candy Books ISBN-13: 9780999658413 Age Range: 6+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “A thoughtful story that artfully addresses the loss of a grandparent from an immigrant perspective.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description In The Yellow Suitcase by Meera Sriram, Asha travels with her parents from America to India to mourn her grandmother’s passing. Asha’s grief and anger are compounded by the empty yellow suitcase usually reserved for gifts to and from Grandma, but when she discovers a...

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The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali

Posted by on Apr 2, 2019 in Ages 14 and up, Asian (South), Bangladesh, Bengali American, Muslim American, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Cross-Group Friendship, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Gender Roles, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Identity, Theme: Religious Differences, Theme: Sibling Relationship, United States | Comments Off on The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali

The Love and Lies of Rukhsana Ali By Sabina Khan Published by Scholastic Inc. ISBN-13: 9781338227017 Age Range: 14+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “With an up-close depiction of the intersection of the LGBTQIA+ community with Bengali culture, this hard-hitting and hopeful story is a must-purchase for any YA collection.”  —School Library Journal Description With a welcome mix of humor, heart, and high-stakes drama, Sabina Khan provides a timely and honest portrait of what it’s like to grow up feeling unwelcome in your own culture. Reviews &...

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Chachaji’s Cup

Posted by on Jun 29, 2018 in Ages 07 and up, Asian (South), India, Indian, Indian American, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Citizenship, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Migrant Life | Comments Off on Chachaji’s Cup

Chachaji’s Cup

Chachaji’s Cup By Uma Krishnaswami Illustrated by Soumya Sitaraman Published by Children’s Book Press Age Range: 7+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “Doubly valuable for its overall theme, and as a surprisingly rare depiction of an Indian-American family…”  —Kirkus Reviews Description Neel loves listening to Chachaji’s many stories over steaming cups of tea. Chachaji’s tales of great Hindu gods and demons and of his adventures in the Indian Army leave Neel openmouthed. But it is the tale of his great-uncle’s favorite...

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The Grand Plan to Fix Everything

Posted by on Jun 24, 2018 in Ages 08 and up, Asian (South), India, Indian American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Community, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Migrant Life, Theme: Separation & Reunion, Theme: The Arts, United States | Comments Off on The Grand Plan to Fix Everything

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything By Uma Krishnaswami Illustrated by Abigail Halpin Published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers Age Range: 8+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…conveys the nature of the Hindi language and culture in a subtle yet effective style.”  —School Library Journal Description Eleven-year old Dini loves movies—watching them, reading about them, trying to write her own—especially those oh-so-fabulous Bollywood movies where you don’t need to know the language to get what’s going on. But when her mother reveals some big news, it...

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The Sky of Afghanistan

Posted by on Apr 1, 2018 in Afghani, Afghanistan, Ages 05 and up, Asian (Central), Asian (South), Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Human Rights, Theme: Religious Faith, Theme: Survival, Theme: Trauma, Theme: War, Welcoming Library: Muslim | Comments Off on The Sky of Afghanistan

The Sky of Afghanistan

The Sky of Afghanistan By Ana A. de Eulate Illustrated by Sonja Wimmer Published by Cuento de Luz Age Range: 5+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “An Afghan girl dreams of peace.”  —School Library Journal Description This Afghan girl doesn’t stop dreaming and her dreams fly towards all the regions, entering homes, families and hearts. Reviews & Accolades “Eulate and Wimmer offer a forceful vision of hope for Afghanistan’s future, told from the perspective of “a little Afghan girl who doesn’t stop dreaming.” A kite that “struggles against the wind”...

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The Night Diary

Posted by on Mar 10, 2018 in Ages 08 and up, Asian (South), India, Indian, Pakistan, Pakistani, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Citizenship, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Death, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Historical, Theme: Identity, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Religious Differences, Theme: Religious Faith, Theme: Religious Persecution, Theme: Survival, Theme: War | Comments Off on The Night Diary

The Night Diary

The Night Diary By Veera Hiranandani Published by Penguin Young Readers Group Age Range: 8+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “This rich, compelling story, which speaks to the turbulence surrounding India’s independence and to the plight of refugees, should be in all libraries serving middle grade readers.” —School Library Journal Description It’s 1947, and India, newly independent of British rule, has been separated into two countries: Pakistan and India. The divide has created much tension between Hindus and Muslims, and hundreds of thousands...

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The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art

Posted by on Jan 22, 2018 in Ages 07 and up, Asian (South), India, Indian, Pakistan, Pakistani, Theme: Celebration, Theme: Community, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Deportation, Theme: Historical, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Migrant Life, Theme: Refugee Life, Theme: The Arts | Comments Off on The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art

The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art

The Secret Kingdom: Nek Chand, a Changing India, and a Hidden World of Art By Barb Rosenstock Illustrated by Claire A. Nivola Published by Candlewick Press Age Range: 7+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “Rosenstock’s gratifying story conveys how art has the capacity to revitalize and restore.” —Publishers Weekly Description After the partition of India in 1947, Nek Chand Saini settled in the city of Chandigarh, with nothing but stories brought from his homeland. Dismayed at his stark new surroundings, Nek began collecting river rocks, broken glass, and...

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Malala’s Magic Pencil

Posted by on Dec 1, 2017 in Ages 04 and up, Asian (South), Pakistan, Pakistani, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Advocacy, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Education, Theme: Gender Roles, Theme: Human Rights, Theme: Identity, Theme: Repression, Theme: Survival, Theme: War, Welcoming Library: Muslim | Comments Off on Malala’s Magic Pencil

Malala’s Magic Pencil

Malala’s Magic Pencil By Malala Yousafzai Illustrated by Kerascoet Published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers Age Range: 4+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “This is an excellent book to begin conversations about world injustice with children.” —NYT Book Review Description Malala’s first picture book will inspire young readers everywhere to find the magic all around them. As a child in Pakistan, Malala made a wish for a magic pencil. She would use it to make everyone happy, to erase the smell of garbage from her city, to sleep an extra...

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Pashmina

Posted by on Nov 26, 2017 in Ages 10 and up, Asian (South), India, Indian American, North America, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Family Separation, Theme: Gender Roles, Theme: Identity, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Migrant Life, Theme: Religious Faith, Theme: Separation & Reunion, United States | Comments Off on Pashmina

Pashmina

Pashmina By Nidhi Chanani Published by First Second Age Range: 10+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat “…the first (graphic novel) written and illustrated by an Indian-American creator, this is both a needed contribution and a first-rate adventure tale.”  —Kirkus Reviews Description Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mom leave him behind? But Pri’s mom avoids these questions—the topic of India is permanently...

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You Bring The Distant Near

Posted by on Nov 14, 2017 in African American, Ages 12 and up, Asian (South), Bengali American, England, India, Indian American, Theme: #OwnVoices, Theme: Bi-racial Identity, Theme: Cultural Differences, Theme: Cultural Identity, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Grandparents & Intergenerational, Theme: Historical, Theme: Identity, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Migrant Life, Theme: Multicultural Friendship, United States | Comments Off on You Bring The Distant Near

You Bring The Distant Near

You Bring The Distant Near By Mitali Perkins Published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux Age Range: 12+ Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N | Worldcat National Book Award Finalist with five starred reviews!   Description This elegant young adult novel captures the immigrant experience for one Indian-American family with humor and heart. Told in alternating teen voices across three generations, You Bring the Distant Near explores sisterhood, first loves, friendship, and the inheritance of culture—for better or worse. From a grandmother worried that her children are losing their...

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My Dadima Wears a Sari

Posted by on Jul 8, 2013 in Ages 04 and up, Asian (South), Indian American, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships | 2 comments

My Dadima Wears a Sari

My Dadima Wears a Sari By Kashmira Sheth Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi Published by Peachtree Publishers “Stories portraying Indian or Indian American families are rare for this age group, and Sheth’s picture-book debut is a sturdy effort.” –Booklist Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N     Description This warm, multigenerational story offers a glimpse into the distinctive culture and customs of India, while reinforcing universal themes of love and the importance of family. Every day, Rupa’s grandmother wears a beautiful sari. Dadima wears her saris...

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My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece

Posted by on Dec 13, 2012 in Ages 12 and up, Asian (South), Bangladeshi American, Islamic, Multinational/Multicultural, Muslim, Theme: Family Death, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Multicultural Friendship | Comments Off on My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece

My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece

My Sister Lives on the Mantlepiece By Annabel Pitcher Published by Little Brown Books for Young Readers “This book is a great catalyst for opening conversations about death and loss as well as difficult discussions about hatred and prejudice.” –Children’s Literature “This debut novel, set in the UK, will resonate with readers in post-9/11 America, many of whom will also relate to the issues of family alcoholism, bullying, and friendship that transcend cultural divisions…Don’t let it fall between the cracks.” –School Library Journal Find a copy at...

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Ask Me No Questions

Posted by on Dec 12, 2012 in Ages 12 and up, Asian (South), Bangladeshi American, Theme: Building Futures, Theme: Education, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Immigration, Theme: Sibling Relationship | Comments Off on Ask Me No Questions

Ask Me No Questions

Ask Me No Questions By Marina Budhos Published by Atheneum Books/Simon Schuster “The teen voice is wonderfully immediate, revealing Nadira’s mixed-up feelings as well as the diversity in her family and in the Muslim community…Readers will feel the heartbreak, prejudice, kindness, and fear.” –Booklist “A perceptive peek into the lives of foreigners on the fringe.” –Kirkus Books Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N   Description “You forget. You forget you don’t really exist here, that this isn’t your home.” Since...

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The Story of a Pumpkin

Posted by on Aug 24, 2012 in Ages 04 and up, Asian (South), Bhutan, Bhutanese Nepali, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Oral Traditions | Comments Off on The Story of a Pumpkin

The Story of a Pumpkin

The Story of A Pumpkin By Hari Tiwari Illustrated by Dal Rai Published by New Hampshire Humanities Council *Available in September 2012 Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N   Description The tale begins: One day, a woman planted a pumpkin seed. It grew and the plant bore fruit. When the pumpkin was young, the woman went to pick it. The pumpkin said, “Don’t pick me now. I’m too young. Let me stay here a while to mature, and I will come to the house by myself.” The woman was surprised that the pumpkin she planted had begun to talk. But she did not pick it. The pumpkin shortly...

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Skunk Girl

Posted by on Aug 23, 2012 in Ages 14 and up, Asian (South), Islamic, Muslim, Muslim American, Pakistani American, Theme: Cultural Traditions, Theme: Family Relationships, Theme: Multicultural Friendship, Theme: Sibling Relationship | Comments Off on Skunk Girl

Skunk Girl

Skunk Girl By Sheba Karmin Published by Farrar Straus Giroux “Karim’s first novel provides a rare exploration of Muslim culture and will be a welcome addition to teen collections.” –Lynn Rutan, Booklist “Whether they share Nina’s circumstances or not, readers will readily identify with her struggle, and they’ll find her an endearing and admirable literary companion.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N Description If Nina Khan were to rate herself on the unofficial Pakistani prestige point system – the one she’s sure all the...

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Lowji Discovers America

Posted by on Aug 10, 2012 in Ages 07 and up, Asian (South), Indian American, Theme: Multicultural Friendship | Comments Off on Lowji Discovers America

Lowji Discovers America

Lowji Discovers America By Candace Fleming Published by Atheneum Books “Similar in tone to a classic like Henry Huggins, this book is nevertheless firmly set in the 21st century and opens a window to what may be an unfamiliar culture to many readers.” –Lauralyn Persson, School Library Journal Find a copy at Amazon | IndieBound | B&N     Description For nearly nine-year-old Lowji, the move from big, busy Bombay, India, to Hamlet, Illinois, in America is beginning to seem like a bummer until he finds the “silver” (silver linings). What Lowji discovers...

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