Featured

American as Paneer Pie by Supriya Kelkar

Written by Supriya Kelkar, Published by Aladdin, 2020. (Realistic fiction, ages 8-11)

I am not Desi but I did relate a lot to Lekha in this book. Those moments where she cannot go to school outings because of cultural obligations, being cautious about what to bring for lunch because the food at home can smell really strong, but it tastes oh so good! Also constantly balancing multiple cultures is such a familiar struggle. Kelkar balances a lot of themes and does it well while being very entertaining. A delightful read overall!

BACKGROUND

Lekha and her family are the only Desis in their small town just outside of Detroit. When she gets on the swim team and a new girl from India moves in, Lekha tries to figure out who she really is, especially when local politics get ugly. #Ownvoices

BEST FOR

This middle grade novel is delightful while touching on serious issues such as race, xenophobia, colorism, friendships, activism, and being authentic.

PAIR WITH

Count Me In by Varsha Bajaj

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Shubh Diwali! by Chitra Soundar

Written by Chitra Soundar, Illustrated by Charlene Chua, Published by Albert Whitman & Company, 2019. (holiday, 3-6)

Last year, my family was lucky enough to celebrate Diwali with friends by eating at a Thali restaurant. My sons naturally got curious about the holiday so we did some reading. I just wished that I knew about this title a couple of months before. It is a perfectly engaging read that is both informative and fun.

BACKGROUND

A family of South Asian descent prepares their home for Diwali, going through common customs such as making rangoli, exchanging gifts, and celebrating with friends and families. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a five minute read a loud that would be great in showcasing specific traditions that go along with Diwali. A great title to include for holidays, family, and charity.

PAIR WITH

Let’s Celebrate Diwali by Anjali Joshi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

Shop your local indie bookstore

Asian American Month 2020: Kalpana Chawla & Chien-Shiung Wu

NAME: Kalpana Chawla

DATES: 1962-2003

YOU SHOULD KNOW: Not only was she an astronaut and engineer who loved to fly, she also was the first woman of Indian origin to go to space. She was awarded the Congressional Space Medal of Honor posthumously in 2004.

LEARN MORE:

Astronaut Friday: Kalpana Chawla

Nasa: Kalpana Chawla

NAME: Chien-Shiung Wu

DATES: 1912-1997

YOU SHOULD KNOW: A Chinese American physicist she made significant discoveries in the field. She also was the first woman to serve as president of the American Physical Society and was awarded the Wolf Prize in Physics in 1978

LEARN MORE:

Dr. Chien-Shiung Wu, The First Lady of Physics

Atomic Heritage Foundation: Chien-Shiung Wu

BOOKS

There are a few independently published titles about Kalpana Chawla, but that was all I could find.

A previous blog entry for a book about Chien-Shiung Wu:

Queen of Physics: How Wu Chien Shiung Helped Unlock the Secrets of the Atom by Teresa Robeson

Bilal Cooks Daal by Aisha Saeed

Written by Aisha Saeed, Illustrated by Anoosha Syed, Published by Salaam Reads, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 4-8)

Bills cooks Daal

And in just two days the weather in Seattle has changed to fall. Time to pull out the warm sweaters and cook large pots of warm soup. Speaking of warm pots of soup here is another delectable read that is sure to fill readers up with a great story!

BACKGROUND

Bilal of South Asian decent introduces his friends to a family favorite: daal. Excited, he and his friends must be patient for the lentil-based dish to be ready.

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud that would be great for discussing patience, trying new dishes, friendship, grit, and empathy.

PAIR WITH

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji by F. Zia

What Should I Make? By Nandini Nayar

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Bilal Cooks Daal

Shop your local indie bookstore

Small World by Ishta Mercurio

Written by Ishta Mercurio, Illustrated by Jen Corace, Published by Abrams Books For Young Readers, 2019. (Picture Book, ages 3-7)

It is so fascinating in child development that as a child grows so does their ability to comprehend the world around them physically and mentally. What really made this book stand out is that it portrays the progression of that development. I have had many requests from teachers looking for a book like this to aid students in understanding the concept of a community.

BACKGROUND

As Nanda, an Indian girl, grows so does her world and aspirations. Her curiosity eventually takes her to the stars – literally.

BEST FOR

About a seven minute read aloud that could be used in a unit about Space Exploration, STEM, and community. Includes an Author’s Note.

PAIR WITH

Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed

Over the Ocean by Taro Gomi

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Small World

Shop your local indie bookstore

Go Show the World: A Celebration of Indigenous Heroes by Wab Kinew

Written by Wab Kinew, Illustrated by Joe Morse, Published by Tundra, 2018. (Biography, ages 5-12)

Go show the world In my own reading history, this is the first picture book I’ve come across that celebrates numerous Indigenous heroes in both a past and contemporary setting. I can only hope that more and more books like this continue to be published!

BACKGROUND

Indigenous heroes (warriors, artists, athletes, doctors, advocates) from past and present are given a brief bio in rhyming text while encouraging the reader to continue to strive and shine, because they matter and can show the world what they can do. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that would be a great way to introduce a biography unit. Also a great addition to an Indigenous unit to show a contemporary perspective. Includes an author’s note and biography section with slightly more details. Can be used as a research question prompt.

PAIR WITH

Chester Nez and the Unbreakable Code: A Navajo Code Talker’s Story by Joseph Bruchac

Fatty Legs by Christy Jordan-Fenton

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Go Show the World

Shop your local indie bookstore

When I Found Grandma by Saumiya Balasubramaniam

Written by Saumiya Balasubramaniam, Ilustrated by Qin Leng, Published by Groundwood Books, 2019. (Picture Book, 6-9)

A perfect marriage between storytelling and art that makes for a charming read. Balasubramaniam elegantly addresses cultural differences and generational misunderstandings while Leng’s drawings bring out the humorous spark out of each character. I loved this book and think kids and adults alike will connect with its themes.

BACKGROUND

Maya wishes her grandma lived closer, but when grandma does come visit from far away she gets more than what she bargained for. Grandma’s treats are different, she dresses differently, and insists on Maya trying nuts for dinner. Will granddaughter and grandmother find a way to bond? #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A fifteen minute read aloud ideal for opening dialogue about cultural differences and empathy. Also a great pick for a grandparents theme or for teaching inference.

PAIR WITH

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-Ji by F. Zia

Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading When I Found Grandma

Shop your local indie bookstore

Always Anjali by Sheetal Sheth

Written by Sheetal Sheth, Illustrations by Jessica Blank, Published by Bharat Babies, 2018. (Picture Book, ages 5-9)

I connected with Anjali. Growing up in Canada and the US I didn’t always wanted to be so “different”, and it took me a loooong time to embrace that. Plus, even though I do have a Western first name, I have never been able to find my name in those personalized souvenir racks!

BACKGROUND

Indian America Anjali is enjoying the school carnival with her friends when they decide to all get a personalized license plate for their bikes. However, Anjali cannot find her name and struggles seeing the positive side of having a “one-of-a-kind” name. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a ten minute read aloud. Great in modeling how having a unique name can at first seem challenging, but also be embraced and celebrated. Great for teaching self-acceptance and empathy.

PAIR WITH

The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi

The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Always Anjali

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

BookTastings-Always Anjali

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Written by Veera Hiranandani, Published by Kokila, 2018. (Historical Fiction, ages 10-13)

If you are looking for a book with a lot of meaty things to explore and discuss, this would be the book for you. Not only are the characters compelling and complex, it also covers a fascinating aspect of history.

BACKGROUND

Young Nisha lives at home with her twin Amil, Dadi, chef Kazi and father. Her life is suddenly turned upside down when the country is torn into two countries: Pakistan and India. Soon her family must chose between their Hindu and Muslim identities, unsure of what the future holds. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

A historical fiction for readers who enjoy learning details of the lifestyles of characters and interesting parts of history. It is written in a diary format. This would be a great classroom read with plenty of material for discussions.

PAIR WITH

Step up to the Plate Maria Singh by Uma Krishnaswami

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading The Night Diary

Shop your local indie bookstore

or here is a link for the book on Amazon

BookTastings-The Night Diary

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji by F. Zia

Written by F. Zia, Illustrated by Ken Min, Published by Lee & Low Books, 2011. (Picture Book, ages 4-8)

hotroti

Having the time over the holiday to spend with family and making food reminded me of this title. This is such a energetic read with humor, tradition, and family all mixed in. Warning, this will make you hungry!

BACKGROUND

Aneel is in awe of his Dada-ji’s (grandfather) stories of adventure while growing up in India. Inspired, he decides to make piles of hot hot roti in an attempt restore Dada-ji’s superpowers. #OwnVoices

BEST FOR

About a fifteen minute read aloud that celebrates family traditions and food. Would also be a fun example for a folktale project modeling how kids can create their own folktale or adventure.

PAIR WITH

Ganesha’s Sweet Tooth by Sanjay Patel and Emily Haynes

Monsoon Afternoon by Kashmira Sheth

WHERE TO PURCHASE

If you have an interest in reading Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji

Shop your local indie bookstore

here is a link for the book on Amazon

BookTastings – Hot Hot Roti for Dada-Ji by F. Zia