Greetings, all!
I am delighted about all the creative, inspiring & uplifting new reads for young folks releasing this Spring!
It is a distinct joy of book aunty life to see early editions & advance copies of many books. Here, I share a few recommendations of exceptional new books mostly by desi KidLit community members to request/ read & gift this spring:
Picture Books (for ages 3-6):
A Dupatta Is . . .
by Marzieh Abbas (Releases on April 11th)
A Dupatta Is..., written by Marzieh Abbas and vividly brought to life by the artwork of Anu Chouhan, is a loving and lyrical ode to the dupatta.
This book is a marvel!
A Garden in My Hands
by Meera Sriram (Publishes on April 18th)
This touching picture book illustrated by Sandhya Prabhat celebrates the custom of applying henna for special occasions through a mother and daughter who share family memories and stories. The sweet smell of henna, and stories we carry, fill us with pride of a faraway home.
Your Joy Is Beautiful: The Magic of Remembering That You Are Enough, Just as You Are
by Zahabiyah Yamasaki (publishes on May 23rd)
“I love the compassion you have in your spirit. It ripples out to the world and all who are near it.”
Your Joy Is Beautiful is an endearing and affirming picture book that reminds children of the joy that exists within and around them, helping them feel seen and celebrated. Showcasing diverse families and children of all backgrounds, lived experiences, and abilities, it reveals the magic in the seemingly small―but sacred―everyday moments in our busy lives.
Educator resource for AAPI history month lessons
An Asian American A to Z: A Children’s Guide to our History is co-written by Kyle Lucia Wu and Cathy Linh Che, illustrated by Kavita Ramchandran (published on May 2nd by Haymarket Books)
A comprehensive and spirited exploration of Asian American history—its movements, cultures, and key figures—beautifully illustrated and compellingly told for readers of all ages.
A new early reader (ages 5-7) series!
Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms
by Maya Prasad
About the book: The Magic School Bus meets Over the Moon in this first book in a new chapter book series about a young Indian American girl who loves science and has a big imagination!
Sejal Sinha is looking forward to celebrating Diwali with her family. But when a hurricane appears, Sejal and her cousin Mira learn that the house is in danger from the imminent storm. With the help of Sejal’s favorite stuffed animal, Professor Cheetah, the two girls use Cardboard Box Magic to build their own Hurricane Hunter and fly into the eye of the hurricane!
They learn about a project from the 1960s called Project Stormfury, where a team actually tried to stop hurricanes. Can Sejal and Mira do what the previous Stormfury team couldn’t and battle the superstorm?
Middle Grade (ages 8-13):
Mirror to Mirror
by Rajani LaRocca (March 21st)
Shakti
by SJ Sindu (releases in May)
About this book: A fierce, feminist, and fun middle grade fantasy graphic novel about a twelve-year-old Indian American girl named Shakti who must learn the power of her ancestral magic if she wants to save her family and town from a dangerous curse. Written by Stonewall Honor Book recipient and Lambda Literary Fellow SJ Sindu and illustrated by Nabi H. Ali.
*Next week, this newsletter will feature an interview with the author.
Call Me Adnan
by Reem Faruqi (Releases in June)
This is a middle grade novel in verse about table tennis player Adnan, who dreams of the championship and a fun-filled family trip to Florida. But when tragedy strikes, he and his family must cope with a terrible loss and come together as one again. This poignant story about a Muslim family learning to heal is hope-filled and moving.
Please note: This is not a comprehensive list of all new desi KidLit (for ages 3-12). These are a few of the distinctive reads I have had the pleasure of previewing or reading advance copies of that I’m eager to recommend to reading community & educators. The links included are to a major online bookstore, but preordering them from local independent bookstores or library is ideal. These recommendations are not solicited or sponsored in any way.
I earnestly recommend preordering these illuminating books!
For the pyar of celebrating KidLit community,
Desi book aunty