https://www.kashmirasheth.com/contact daily 0.75 2020-11-27 https://www.kashmirasheth.com/school-visits daily 0.75 2020-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1601238963222-Y8CD9B0QJPZ0UR7TQF9O/image-2.png School Visits - The First Novel First novels are often autobiographical in nature. Blue Jasmine is a fictional tale with core emotions from my own journey. I will read from it and talk about how I have blended a young girl's story with my own. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1601239018093-MP09NVFUH5U38GBQ47XM/image.png School Visits - Not Lost in Translation There exist many challenges in melding multiple cultural, linguistic, and historical backgrounds into one cohesive work. I will discuss the writing process I follow and the solutions I employ to meet this challenge and to create a story that resonates with readers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1601239383871-LDVUMQO35K785IC8MUV2/imagekids.png School Visits - Importance of Growing Diversity Our country of immigrants is rich, unique, and quickly changing. Keeping in mind that the literature is a mirror as well as a critique of society, I will discuss my stories set in other cultures and time not only as exotic pieces but also as a reflection of every person's journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1593287660543-51VJJLW8ZBEYVNL9HM2U/my_dadima_wears_a_sari.jpg School Visits - My Dadima Wears a Sari Teaching themes: Read from the book and talk about the illustrations Talk about the special bond Rupa and Neha has with their dadima (grandmother) Show a six-yard sari and other traditional Indian clothes Demonstrate sari wrapping Have half-saris for young girls and an outfit for boys to try on Learn to count 1-10 in Hindi and/or Gujarati Discuss getting ideas for stories, writing, and revising Question and answer session Location of setting: USA Time Period: Contemporary Age, gender and ethnicity of protagonist: (Name Rupa) 8 years, female, Indian American Age of other significant character: sister 5 years Grandmother, mother. Central themes: Family, intergenerational relationship, culture, and immigration https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1593287715069-QDW7EPZYLXQKP1P6803G/boys_wo_names.jpg School Visits - Boys Without Names Teaching themes: Read an excerpt part from the book Talk about Gopal and his life in the village verses his life in the city Talk about the power of sharing stories in creating a bond between the boys Talk about the title of the book Discuss the cycle of poverty and the unfairness of child labor Talk about research, writing, (story arc, character development, pacing, voice, bringing the place alive) revising, rewriting, publishing, and jacket art etc. Location of setting: A small village and Mumbai, India Time Period: Contemporary Age, gender and ethnicity of protagonist: Eleven-year old Gopal, Indian boy Age of other significant character: Naren and Sita, 6, Amar, Sahil, Kabir, Barish, and Roshan are between ages 7 to13 Central themes: Family, poverty, child labor, storytelling, friendship, trust https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1593287756568-L5BE38V49T2U8YXPPBV0/Large%2BJPG-Aro%2BHa_0428.jpg School Visits - Keeping Corner Teaching themes: Read an excerpt part from the book Discuss the historical aspect of the story (set in 1918) and life for Leela and other girls in that time period Discuss the inequality and injustice that Leela has to endure Talk about Gandhi and the Satayagrah movement and how it changed and inspired the entire nation and beyond Talk about research, writing a historical fiction novel, (story arc, character development, pacing, voice, time-line) revising, rewriting, publishing, and jacket art etc. Location of setting: Jamlee, India Time Period: 1917-1918 Age, gender and ethnicity of protagonist: Twelve-year old Leela, Indian girl Age of other significant character: Kanubhai 21, Saviben a teacher Central themes: Coming-of-age, sibling relationship, education, tradition, widows, inequality, justice https://www.kashmirasheth.com/meet-kashmira daily 0.75 2021-01-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1593285630435-C7TBM5ZN2609W84AN5TG/k_and_brother_lg.jpg Meet Kashmira - I grew up in a tropical country and had never seen snow before moving to the United States. My mother tongue is Gujarati and I started learning English in fifth grade. In India I lived in a small city (Bhavnagar) and in a big city (Mumbai). I moved to Ames, Iowa when I was a teenager to attend college and then to Madison, Wisconsin for graduate school. In short, I stayed with the cold and the snow. When I was young, I wrote poems in Gujarati and Hindi but not in English. In college I studied Microbiology and worked for many years in that field. When my two daughters were young I started reading books with them. We loved Anne of Green Gables, Little House on the Prairie, and the books about Ramona Quimby. We also enjoyed books by Lois Lowry, Madeline L'Engle, and Avi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1593290441380-FLP9MFB0V1DWCQFQVL2J/image.jpg Meet Kashmira - Here are some jobs I did before becoming a writer: Caught corn flea beetles one summer Worked in a bakery, where I learned the difference between a hamburger bun and a Kaiser roll Worked as a food microbiologist testing milk, cheese, ice cream and other food products for bacterial counts and pathogens Choreographed and performed Indian dances Ran a dance school https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1593290523975-GJIVCC0V9CWS3J9C5J3I/kashmira_photo_lg.jpg Meet Kashmira - I started writing my first book, Blue Jasmine, when my daughters completed elementary school. Since that time I have written picture books, middle grade novels, and young adult novels. Leave me a message with any questions or comments; I'd love to hear from you. Avajo! (Goodbye in Gujarati is ‘avajo’. It means, visit again.) https://www.kashmirasheth.com/books daily 1.0 2026-02-11 https://www.kashmirasheth.com/books/inthenews monthly 0.5 2025-06-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/fc846438-62ec-40e2-b34d-4c6db03b72d3/I%27m+From+Here+Too+cover.jpg Books - In The News - Author Interview Watch a recent interview with Kashmira Sheth at the Sun Prairie Public Library in Wisconsin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/4c684f95-4369-41ee-9973-b7713146d607/307509310_471960688281432_197276296067827982_n.jpeg Books - In The News - New Podcast! I just did a podcast with Reading With Your Kids discussing the joy of sharing books with children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/6fe0a0ab-bd5c-47d4-98f7-38e67104da9e/rg-chapter.jpeg Books - In The News - Sign Up for the Begin Your Chapter Book Series: Workshop & Retreat (Highlights Foundation) September 18-12, 2022 This workshop takes a deep look at the intersection of craft and commercial viability in writing and selling a chapter book series. This is an in-person workshop at our Retreat Center with mentorship, hands-on activities, presentations, and ample time for resting, writing, sketching, and more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/87c5b6e0-af62-4924-98d9-84816ff7dc26/PerfectHostessHiRes.jpg Books - In The News - Nina Soni, Perfect Hostess Coming in April 11, 2023! When family visit from India, Nina Soni has the opportunity to be the perfect hostess—but her annoying cousin Montu and her own assumptions and intentions may complicate matters. Pre-order through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1590963365610-ZSL4FL02W16EX515LWNV/img_3575.jpg Books - In The News - Paperback Editions! Feast of Peas, My Dadima Wears a Sari, and Sona and the Wedding Game now have paperback versions! Click on the links above to get them through Amazon.com! Click on the links below to get them through Indiebound.org: Feast of Peas My Dadima Wears a Sari Sona and the Wedding Game https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1621186268159-S3GLKZOYI9TWHQONBJIH/Nina+Soni+Halloween+Queen.jpg Books - In The News - Nina Soni, Halloween Queen “A must-have chapter book for readers who enjoy stories of friendships, families, and cultural traditions.” —Kelly Finan Richards, Baltimore County P.S. SLJ Read the Author Chat interview with Kashmira Sheth in YA Books Central here! Read Kashmira’s guest post on the Teen Librarian Toolbox Blog here! Halloween hijinks reign supreme in this fourth installment of Kashmira Sheth’s award-winning series starring Nina Soni, a charming, distractible Indian-American girl, and her family and friends. Halloween brings out Nina Soni's competitive spirit. Her friend Jay has a great costume planned, so – of course – Nina has to come up with an even better idea. A bunch of old boxes in the basement inspires her to create an impressively scary haunted house, for which she can charge admission. So what could possibly go wrong for the Halloween Queen? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1601336026762-2A5SSD152DHFZHI8WVE0/WLA1.jpeg Books - In The News - Notable Wisconsin Children’s Authors/Illustrations Award I am honored and humbled to receive the 2020 Notable Children’s Authors/Illustrations Award from the Wisconsin Library Association, and to be in the company of recent award winners Laurence Yep (2018), Neil Gaiman (2017), Dori Chicanos (2016), Ann Bausum (2015), and Avi (2014). Click here to read more… https://www.kashmirasheth.com/books/newreleases monthly 0.5 2026-02-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/36dacde2-56d7-402a-bc40-2b4867d4dcb1/taking-flight.jpg Books - New Releases - TAKING FLIGHT TAKING FLIGHT https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/fc846438-62ec-40e2-b34d-4c6db03b72d3/I%27m+From+Here+Too+cover.jpg Books - New Releases - I’M FROM HERE TOO This middle grade verse novel follows an Indian American Sikh boy through a year of change, challenges, and growth. Anoop is many things: a brother, a son, a grandson, a friend, a middle school student, and a budding writer. He is also Indian American and Sikh. When he joins a new class, separated from longtime friends, aspects of his identity—especially his long hair, covered with a patka—draw attention in new and uncomfortable ways. At the same time, his beloved grandfather in India is nearing death, leading Anoop to think about faith and identity and his place in the world, especially as attacks on American Sikhs accelerate and he is reminded of his grandfather’s experiences during Partition. Can the tenets of his faith—equality, justice, service, honesty—help Anoop navigate life? Can he even maintain them? AWARDS An NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Book A Jane Addams Children’s Book Award Finalist REVIEWS “I’M FROM HERE TOO is a beautiful book that explores universal themes of belonging, confidence, and identity from a perspective that's too often overlooked - a young Sikh boy. The author deftly conveys experiences of what it's like to be minoritized in our society, and how we move through those experiences together. It's a powerful story for people who see the difficult realities of our present moment yet hope for a better future.” — Simran Jeet Singh, Sikh Scholar and author of FAUJA SINGH KEEPS GOING and THE LIGHT WE GIVE "A strong introduction to Sikh culture and faith." — Booklist "[A] moving verse novel . . . Sheth evocatively explains Sikhism in this compassionate story in which characters combat hate with reason." — Publishers Weekly "Readers who want a window or mirror into Sikh culture, and fans of novels-in-verse like Rajani LaRocca's Red, White, and Whole, will appreciate I'm From Here Too." — School Library Journal "An informative coming-of-age journey." — Kirkus Reviews Eighth grade marks the first time Anoop doesn't have any classes with his best friend, and he's feeling nervous and vulnerable, now without an ally against ignorant comments about his Sikh religion and his patka, a cotton hair covering that's part of his faith. Anoop and his community have especially been on alert for racist [End Page 407] hate since a shooter attacked a Sikh temple, or gurudwara, in his home state of Wisconsin and left several people dead. The bullying this year is especially horrendous, so when his grandfather in India falls ill with pneumonia, Anoop jumps at the chance to escape his tormentors and fly with his dad to visit Baba. Guided by quotes from Sikh gurus to introduce each seasonal section of this story, Sheth's novel in verse deftly explores themes of bigotry, belonging, and courage through engaging and accessible poetry. Dialogue-heavy scenes sometimes disrupt the flow of the verse, but they enhance the plot through Anoop's interactions with a broad cast of supporting characters while interspersed poems on darker backgrounds indicate some of Anoop's deepest, most tender musings. Additionally compelling are Anoop's contemplations of his faith, inspired by Baba, who relied on Sikh wisdom to withstand the trauma of losing his entire family at the age of thirteen during the violence of the Partition in 1947. A substantial author's note describes Sheth's Hindu faith and connections to the settings of India and Wisconsin, plus the interview with a Sikh youth from her community that inspired this book; this would make a valuable addition to any young adult fiction shelf. — The Bulletin Get it through Bookshop.org Get it through Amazon.com Get it through Barns & Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/ef63db76-b4a9-4d6f-94b8-5ebfccaba782/SnowSpyHiRes.jpg Books - New Releases - Nina Soni, Snow Spy (Book 5) Lovable, distractable Nina Soni and her friends and family return in another entertaining tale of big plans gone awry and amusing solutions with unexpected consequences. REVIEWS “Nina, who enjoys making lists and sometimes has trouble focusing, is an earnest protagonist with classic worries about sometimes-intricate levels of friendship. Snow good!” — Kirkus Reviews Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1633900065217-B4C5GQ3DU0RWMOIJ91QS/Nina+Soni+Halloween+Queen.jpg Books - New Releases - Nina Soni, Halloween Queen (Book 4) Halloween brings out Nina Soni’s competitive spirit. Her friend Jay has a great costume planned, so–of course–Nina has to come up with an even better idea. A bunch of old boxes in the basement inspires her to create an impressively scary haunted house, for which she can charge admission. So what could possibly go wrong for the Halloween Queen? REVIEWS “A must-have chapter book for readers who enjoy stories of friendships, families, and cultural traditions.” — Kelly Finan Richards, Baltimore County P.S. School Library Journal Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1602720202439-KLEGOZTKWWLNB1G9D5RQ/0.jpeg Books - New Releases - Nina Soni, Master of the Garden (Book 3) It's Take Your Child to Work Day, and Nina, Kavita, and Jay are all going to work with Mom, a landscape architect, to learn how to start a garden. Naturally that's not enough for Nina, who quickly develops big plans for a business selling the vegetables she plans to grow. But her plans don't include managing the problems that inevitably arise, including rabbits, slugs, mosquitos, and more! Readers are sure to relate to Sheth’s endearing Nina Soni, her family and friends, and her slightly scatter-brained efforts to manage her life with lists, definitions, and real-life math problems. A great read for STEAM enthusiasts! Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1590962711928-G7FVM6GHG1R7JH91BLNU/FeastofPeas_main.jpg Books - New Releases - Feast of Peas REVIEWS “Sheth’s use of language (poetry and repetition) is a singular delight. Equally charming are Ebbeler’s illustrations, which include lots of funny details, with exaggerated and elongated cartoon-style figures that make the most of the story’s humor. Delicious!” — Kirkus Reviews “[A] dazzlingly illustrated new fairy tale… the images burst with engaging movement….a nice lesson on friendship and forgiveness.” — Booklist “Lyrical… Sheth spins a yarn about greed and forgiveness in well-paced, poetic narration accompanied by Ebbeler’s expressive acrylic illustrations.” — Publishers Weekly Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1592087484759-Q6BXTNAPG0MFS6JJ1QEU/NinaSoniSisterFixer_main.jpg Books - New Releases - Nina Soni, Sister Fixer (Book 2) AWARDS Parent’s Choice Recommended Award Winner, 2020 REVIEWS Nina is a charming, lovable narrator for this book about the frustrations and joys of siblinghood. Nina may want to fix her sister, but in the process, she does a fairly good job of concocting projects and games with her. Her obsessive list-making, and her embarrassment when her plans go awry, are well realized and believable, and Kavita provides a constant source of charmingly embarrassing dialogue and misheard lyrics. Fans of Beverly Cleary’s Beezus and Ramona series will enjoy this more recent mismatched (but affectionate) sibling pair.” - Naomi Lesley, Parent’s Choice “Sheth’s clear and distinctive narratorial voice effortlessly leads readers through the intricacies of Nina’s quirky, innocent world…. The children’s Indian heritage is cleverly woven into the storyline, infusing their lives without eclipsing their American identities.” —Kirkus Reviews “As in the previous book, Nina’s appealing first-person narrative includes lists, which she uses to organize her thoughts, and definitions of words that interest her, but it’s her lively personality and refreshing candor that will endear her to readers.” —Booklist Get it through Amazon.com https://www.kashmirasheth.com/books/ninasoni monthly 0.5 2020-10-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1593285056157-FM52FAGOX47F9NBXHFE2/Chapter+Three.JPG Books - Nina Soni (Series) - Nina Soni is an Indian American living in Madison, Wisconsin. Her brain is full of wonderful ideas that run on different tracks. It makes her a precocious (Pre-co-cious means someone who is doing things earlier than expected) 4th grader. Nina loves: Her family (even family members who are halfway around the globe) Her friends Words and definitions Real-life math And one more thing... Oh yes, lists! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/963b4770-779b-4483-abfe-c7769443aee8/unnamed+%281%29.png Books - Nina Soni (Series) - Nina Soni,,Perfect Hostess (Book 6) April 25, 2023 When family visit from India, Nina Soni has the opportunity to be the perfect hostess—but her annoying cousin Montu and her own assumptions and intentions may complicate matters. REVIEWS: “The scarcity of early chapter books that show both Indian and American cultural traditions, the integration of two cultures, and definitions of both countries’ words, make this book a ­recommended purchase for middle grade reading collections.” - School Library Journal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1e0f08e8-8694-440b-9ba9-df69392f5b3c/SnowSpyHiRes.jpg Books - Nina Soni (Series) - Nina Soni, Snow Spy (Book 5) October 18, 2022 Lovable, distractable Nina Soni and her friends and family return in another entertaining tale of big plans gone awry and amusing solutions with unexpected consequences. REVIEWS: “Nina, who enjoys making lists and sometimes has trouble focusing, is an earnest protagonist with classic worries about sometimes-intricate levels of friendship. Snow good!” — Kirkus Reviews Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1633900065217-B4C5GQ3DU0RWMOIJ91QS/Nina+Soni+Halloween+Queen.jpg Books - Nina Soni (Series) - Nina Soni, Halloween Queen (Book 4) “A must-have chapter book for readers who enjoy stories of friendships, families, and cultural traditions.”—Kelly Finan Richards, Baltimore County P.S. SLJ REVIEWS “Halloween is Nina Soni's absolute favorite holiday. Nina, who is Indian American, loves to make lists and write in her Sakhi, "a tell-everything quick kind of notebook." But Nina is so busy celebrating Diwali that she forgets to plan for Halloween. Her best friend, Jay, and her little sister Kavita already have their costumes planned—when did they do that? Now Nina feels left out, and Jay is acting suspicious. Nina needs to get busy writing down lists so she can focus on being her resourceful and creative self. Solving one problem after another, Nina and Kavita create the most amazing haunted house her neighbors have ever seen. But with everything going on, will Jay even show up? Readers will quickly be drawn into curious Nina's list-making world and loving community. VERDICT The fourth title in this series doesn't disappoint. A must-have chapter book for readers who enjoy stories of friendships, families, and cultural traditions.” — Kelly Finan Richards, Baltimore County P.S. School Library Journal Get it through Amazon.com. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1602718858611-BF7YUDIC4OU9JKEOQWT4/0.jpeg Books - Nina Soni (Series) - Nina Soni, Master of the Garden (Book 3) It's Take Your Child to Work Day, and Nina, Kavita, and Jay are all going to work with Mom, a landscape architect, to learn how to start a garden. Naturally that's not enough for Nina, who quickly develops big plans for a business selling the vegetables she plans to grow. But her plans don't include managing the problems that inevitably arise, including rabbits, slugs, mosquitos, and more! Readers are sure to relate to Sheth’s endearing Nina Soni, her family and friends, and her slightly scatter-brained efforts to manage her life with lists, definitions, and real-life math problems. A great read for STEAM enthusiasts! REVIEWS “As in previous books in this series, Nina’s sincere and circumspect narratorial voice—and her beautifully illustrated lists and asides—renders this story a delight to read. Sheth expertly weaves in details about Nina’s Indian heritage together with her pride in being a Wisconsinite…. Plants aren’t the only things that grow in this book about perseverance, friendship, and personal growth.” — Kirkus Reviews Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591314653320-4JM2TVZICN86W35BP0OR/NINASF.jpg Books - Nina Soni (Series) - Nina Soni, Sister Fixer (Book 2) AWARDS Parent’s Choice Recommended Award Winner, 2020 REVIEWS Nina is a charming, lovable narrator for this book about the frustrations and joys of siblinghood. Nina may want to fix her sister, but in the process, she does a fairly good job of concocting projects and games with her. Her obsessive list-making, and her embarrassment when her plans go awry, are well realized and believable, and Kavita provides a constant source of charmingly embarrassing dialogue and misheard lyrics. Fans of Beverly Cleary’s Beezus and Ramona series will enjoy this more recent mismatched (but affectionate) sibling pair.” - Naomi Lesley, Parent’s Choice “Sheth’s clear and distinctive narratorial voice effortlessly leads readers through the intricacies of Nina’s quirky, innocent world…. The children’s Indian heritage is cleverly woven into the storyline, infusing their lives without eclipsing their American identities.” —Kirkus Reviews “As in the previous book, Nina’s appealing first-person narrative includes lists, which she uses to organize her thoughts, and definitions of words that interest her, but it’s her lively personality and refreshing candor that will endear her to readers.” —Booklist Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591314623241-0ZLJWVU6LD2Q1Z2D8NX7/NINAFBF.jpg Books - Nina Soni (Series) - Nina Soni, Former Best Friend (Book 1) The first title in a new series featuring a slightly scatter-brained Indian-American girl name Nina Soni. AWARDS Selected as one of the Outstanding Books of the Year - the Wisconsin Library Association Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2020 Rhode Island Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―Rhode Island IRA Chapter, RILA, REIMA, 2020-2021 REVIEWS Kirkus Reviews: "Sheth's language is poetic in its simplicity, and her narratorial voice is a pleasure to read…. " Booklist: “…a flawed but refreshing and very likable protagonist as well as well-drawn home and school settings. A promising start for the series.” Get it through Amazon.com https://www.kashmirasheth.com/books/oldereaders monthly 0.5 2020-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591315800591-IAOXUG91LYLKNXPFYZTI/keeping_corner.jpg Books - Books for Older Readers - Keeping Corner AWARDS: Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (Honor award) —Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA) 2008 IRA Notable Books for A Global Society (International Reading Association) 2007 Parent's Choice Award Gold Winner 2008 Notable Children's Books in the Language Arts Booklist Top Ten Historical Fiction for Youth 2009 Amelia Bloomer Project List The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Outstanding Book—Wisconsin Library Association 2008 REVIEWS: Publishers Weekly ** Starred Review ** (11/05/07): "Although readers unfamiliar with Indian history may not grasp the use of India's independence as a metaphor for Leela's growth, they will thoroughly identify with the heroine as she develops from a pleasure-seeking girl into an intelligent young woman..." Kirkus, ** Starred Review **: "This powerful and enchanting novel juxtaposes Leela's journey to self-determination with the parallel struggle of her family and community to follow Gandhi on the road to independence from British rule...We leave Leela and her country poised to cross the threshold of autonomy at that enchanting moment when anything seems possible. School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW: "As in Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet (Hyperion, 2006), Sheth provides a first-person narrative with a strong protagonist and rich sense of place, with the added bonus of an unusual historical perspective." Booklist, STARRED REVIEW: "Idealistic teens will be caught up in the human-rights issues, and the vivid cultural specifics, memorable characters, and the bold adolescent's challenge to tradition will attract a wide readership." Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591315774525-1D122U7Z7OLGRXOS6FW6/koyal_dark_mango_sweet.jpg Books - Books for Older Readers - Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet AWARDS 2007 Amelia Bloomer Project Book *Bank Street Best Children's Book of the Year 2007 (*Outstanding merit) CCBC Choices: 2007 Read On Wisconsin! (Selected for grades 6-8) Selected for New Jersey Summer Reading Program 2011: One world, Many stories REVIEWS Publishers Weekly: "Sheth's (Blue Jasmine) novel set in Mumbai offers readers a fascinating glimpse of modern Indian culture. Eloquent and insightful, this book invites introspection and may lead to lively discussions about the pros and cons of honoring and breaking tradition." School Library Journal (Grade 8 Up): "Warmly descriptive of life in Mumbai (formerly Bombay), this love story has a rich sense of place. This first-person narrative is a lush and loving exploration of coming of age." Booklist: "But like the hot, sweet mango pickles Jeeta savors, her experiences crystallize the combined pain and joy of tradition and family, which Sheth anchors in rich particulars of setting, cuisine, and dialect (a glossary is provided)." Selected by Cooperative Children's Book Center as their Book of the Week: "Jeeta's fear for her sister far outweighs her fear of violating traditional values in a story about a strong and loving family facing the challenges of blending new ideas with old. With complex characters, realistic relationships, and vivid, sensual details of setting and culture, Kashmira Sheths brings Jeeta's life into full relief in story that unfolds with grace and certainty." Orlando Examiner: "Traditional roles for women are explored beside modern ones, including higher education and professional identities independent from family or marital ties. The dilemma presented by traditional concepts of beauty versus conceptualization of self as beautiful based on merit, personality, and personal assessment adds interesting insights." - Maria Mederos Papertigers: "Sheth has created an earnest work that captures the familiar struggle to bridge modern culture with conservative tradition." - Mary Beth Cecchini Get it through Amazon.com Get the Audible version https://www.kashmirasheth.com/books/youngreaders monthly 0.5 2020-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/fc846438-62ec-40e2-b34d-4c6db03b72d3/I%27m+From+Here+Too+cover.jpg Books - Books For Young Readers - I’M FROM HERE TOO This middle grade verse novel follows an Indian American Sikh boy through a year of change, challenges, and growth. Anoop is many things: a brother, a son, a grandson, a friend, a middle school student, and a budding writer. He is also Indian American and Sikh. When he joins a new class, separated from longtime friends, aspects of his identity—especially his long hair, covered with a patka—draw attention in new and uncomfortable ways. At the same time, his beloved grandfather in India is nearing death, leading Anoop to think about faith and identity and his place in the world, especially as attacks on American Sikhs accelerate and he is reminded of his grandfather’s experiences during Partition. Can the tenets of his faith—equality, justice, service, honesty—help Anoop navigate life? Can he even maintain them? REVIEWS: “I’M FROM HERE TOO is a beautiful book that explores universal themes of belonging, confidence, and identity from a perspective that's too often overlooked - a young Sikh boy. The author deftly conveys experiences of what it's like to be minoritized in our society, and how we move through those experiences together. It's a powerful story for people who see the difficult realities of our present moment yet hope for a better future.” — Simran Jeet Singh, Sikh Scholar and author of FAUJA SINGH KEEPS GOING and THE LIGHT WE GIVE "A strong introduction to Sikh culture and faith." — Booklist "[A] moving verse novel . . . Sheth evocatively explains Sikhism in this compassionate story in which characters combat hate with reason." — Publishers Weekly "Readers who want a window or mirror into Sikh culture, and fans of novels-in-verse like Rajani LaRocca's Red, White, and Whole, will appreciate I'm From Here Too." — School Library Journal "An informative coming-of-age journey." — Kirkus Reviews Eighth grade marks the first time Anoop doesn't have any classes with his best friend, and he's feeling nervous and vulnerable, now without an ally against ignorant comments about his Sikh religion and his patka, a cotton hair covering that's part of his faith. Anoop and his community have especially been on alert for racist [End Page 407] hate since a shooter attacked a Sikh temple, or gurudwara, in his home state of Wisconsin and left several people dead. The bullying this year is especially horrendous, so when his grandfather in India falls ill with pneumonia, Anoop jumps at the chance to escape his tormentors and fly with his dad to visit Baba. Guided by quotes from Sikh gurus to introduce each seasonal section of this story, Sheth's novel in verse deftly explores themes of bigotry, belonging, and courage through engaging and accessible poetry. Dialogue-heavy scenes sometimes disrupt the flow of the verse, but they enhance the plot through Anoop's interactions with a broad cast of supporting characters while interspersed poems on darker backgrounds indicate some of Anoop's deepest, most tender musings. Additionally compelling are Anoop's contemplations of his faith, inspired by Baba, who relied on Sikh wisdom to withstand the trauma of losing his entire family at the age of thirteen during the violence of the Partition in 1947. A substantial author's note describes Sheth's Hindu faith and connections to the settings of India and Wisconsin, plus the interview with a Sikh youth from her community that inspired this book; this would make a valuable addition to any young adult fiction shelf. — The Bulletin Get it through Bookshop.org Get it through Amazon.com Get it through Barns & Noble https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591315546692-QT6DOV08I7TEATIPPTE0/boys_wo_names.jpg Books - Books For Young Readers - Boys Without Names AWARDS A Junior Library Guild Selection Alan's Picks, 2010 Chicago Public Library: Best of the Best Reading List 2010 YALSA: Hidden Gems of 2010 Semicolon's Twelve Best Middle Grade Fiction Books of 2010 Missourian Book Buzz Picks 2010 Cybils Nominee Middle Grade Fiction 2010 Nominated for Troybery Award 2011 Nominated for Maine Student Book Award 2011-2012 WEMTA Battle of the Books 2011 Selected for Read On Wisconsin! REVIEWS Publisher's Weekly: "Sheth's lush prose creates a vivid portrait of slave labor without losing the thread of hope that Gopal clings to." Booklist: "As Gopal dreams of escape, he builds tenuous friendships with his fellow workers. Those wary bonds form a dramatic counterpoint to the children's daily misery, described in moving, palpable detail, and skillfully steer the story away from docu-novel territory to its hopeful conclusion. Pair this eye-opening title with Susan Kuklin's Iqbal Masih and the Crusaders against Child Slavery (1998)". — Gillian Engberg School Library Journal: "……..well-told survival story with a social conscience". – Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD 
 Get it through Amazon.com Get the Audible version https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1590969872294-W2Q8ETL8UMUX6QNRABXJ/IMG_4540.jpg Books - Books For Young Readers - Blue Jasmine AWARDS IRA Notable Books for A Global Society (International Reading Association) The Paul Zindel First Novel Award Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Platinum Award: 2005 CCBC Choices: 2005 ALA Great Middle School Reads The Elizabeth Burr/Worzalla Outstanding Book—Wisconsin Library Association 2005 Selected for "New and Notable Book," AsianWeek 2005 2006-2007 Iowa Children's Choice Award Nominee Oklahoma's 2007 Children's Sequoyah Award Masterlist REVIEWS Publisher’s Weekly, * Starred Review* : "In this delicate, introspective debut novel, narrator Seema describes her assimilation to America, capturing the distinct flavors of two different cultures [the U.S. and India]." CCBC Choices: First-time novelist Kashmira Sheth shows remarkable talent for creating credible, well-rounded characters who are able to meet the challenge of living in two cultures without being forced to choose between them. This, coupled with her skillful use of metaphor, raise this novel high above the typical immigrant story for this age level. Booklist: Filled with details that document an immigrant's observations and experiences, Seema's story, which articulates the ache for distant home and family, will resonate with fellow immigrants and enlighten their classmates. Kirkus: A realistic emigration story told with empathy and sincerity. Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1590964441625-AC0GXVA08ZDTWJB0259U/no_dogs_allowed_rule.jpg Books - Books For Young Readers - No Dogs Allowed Rule AWARDS Landed on Publishers' Weekly's Children's galleys to Grab: BEA 2012 REVIEWS The Washington Post: “Ishan Mehra is a typical third-grader. He likes creepy-crawling critters and annoying his older brother. But what he really would love more than anything is to have a dog. The problem is that his mom has a rule against dogs. This fun, easy-to-read book follows Ishan on some very funny adventures as he tries to persuade his mom to change her mind. Does he get his dog? We'll never tell.” Kirkus: “The first-person, present-tense narration includes short paragraphs, ample dialogue and illustrations every few pages (final art not seen). While the multicultural aspect of this title is important, its real strength is the familiarity of Ishan's situation. Elementary school readers will find it easy to identify with both his younger-brother troubles and his desperate desire for a dog. Just right for aspiring pet owners.” Booklist: “The author of Boys without Names (2010) here addresses a younger audience with characters who are both funny and believable. Much like his female counterparts Junie B. Jones and Ramona, Ishan's naivety and creativity will endear him to readers, as will his sibling difficulties. Ishan's South Asian heritage plays a prominent role, but it doesn't drive the plot. Illustrated with pencil drawings, this will be popular with beginning chapter-book readers.” School Library Journal: “The story's pacing, geared toward beginning chapter-book readers, moves swiftly toward its resolution and has enough mild surprises along the way to keep youngsters turning the page to see if the boys are victorious at the end. Occasional black-and-white illustrations work well in tying the story together.” Get it through Amazon.com https://www.kashmirasheth.com/books/picturebooks monthly 0.5 2020-09-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1590962711928-G7FVM6GHG1R7JH91BLNU/FeastofPeas_main.jpg Books - Picture Books - Feast of Peas REVIEWS “Sheth’s use of language (poetry and repetition) is a singular delight. Equally charming are Ebbeler’s illustrations, which include lots of funny details, with exaggerated and elongated cartoon-style figures that make the most of the story’s humor. Delicious!” — Kirkus Reviews “[A] dazzlingly illustrated new fairy tale… the images burst with engaging movement….a nice lesson on friendship and forgiveness.” — Booklist “Lyrical… Sheth spins a yarn about greed and forgiveness in well-paced, poetic narration accompanied by Ebbeler’s expressive acrylic illustrations.” — Publishers Weekly Get it through Amazon.com Get it through Barnes & Noble Get it through Bookshop Get it through Indiebound.org https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591315101317-ADUCDVY8AOTM72GSJI7Q/TIMS.jpg Books - Picture Books - Tiger In My Soup AWARDS Best Children’s Books of the Year (Starred) ―Bank Street College of Education, 2014 Choose to Read Ohio ―State Library of Ohio and Ohioana Library Association, 2015-2016 Read On Wisconsin! (Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2014-2015 Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Primary) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2014 REVIEWS Kirkus, ** Starred Review **: "In the current run of titles about older siblings feeding younger ones, this one stands out for its inventive imagery." Publishers Weekly, ** Starred Review **: "Ebbeler truly knocks it out of the park, gleefully building on Sheth's prose with dynamic perspectives, a realistically detailed (and menacing) tiger, abundant visual hyperbole, and unexpected delights on nearly every page." Visit Jeffrey Ebbeler's website the illustrator of this book. Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591315153776-GHUXV0H5O04J46T8CNWC/SONABOOK.jpg Books - Picture Books - Sona and the Wedding Game AWARDS CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2016 Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2016 Best Books of 2015: Best of Children’s List ―Kirkus Reviews, 2015 South Asia Book Award (Highly Commended) ―South Asia National Outreach Consortium, 2016 REVIEWS Kirkus, ** Starred Review **: "Everyone will want to attend this wedding." School Library Journal: "Another strong collaboration from the pair who created My Dadima Wears a Sari (2007) and Monsoon Afternoon (2008, both Peachtree).Readers will enjoy seeing a sumptuous wedding and learning about some of those traditions along with Sona." Visit Yoshiko Jaeggi's website the illustrator of this book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591315259824-9PYMJ9F2M7DFENL8EQ8Q/monsoon_afternoon.jpg Books - Picture Books - Monsoon Afternoon AWARDS Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature (Honorable Mention, Picture Book) ―Asian/Pacific American Librarians Association (APALA), 2009 CCBC Choices (Picture Books for School-Age Children) ―Cooperative Children’s Book Center, 2009 Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2009 Outstanding Books ―Wisconsin Library Association, 2008 Read On Wisconsin! (Preschool) ―Read On Wisconsin! April, 2010 Smithsonian Notable Books for Children 2008 REVIEWS The Bank Street College of Education: “As in their lovely collaboration, My Dadima Wears a Sari, Sheth's story and Jaeggi's paintings perfectly capture a loving relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. It is the start of monsoon season, and a young Indian boy looks in vain for a playmate - until he encounters his Dadaji, elderly, but still ready to play. Together, they make paper boats and sail them in the washtub, take a walk through the wet afternoon, and swing in the banyan tree. They even get in trouble together after tracking mud into the house. (Sheepish, they clean up the mess together.) This is a lovely introduction to an important facet of life in India as well as a loving tribute to family connections. Ages 5-8.” Booklist: "Children of all backgrounds will easily recognize both the boy's delight in the dramatic rainstorm and the warm intergenerational relationship." School Library Journal: "...soft watercolors underscore the warm relationship between generations...This beautiful and atmospheric picture book makes a great addition for all multicultural collections." Smithsonian Magazine Online: "The author evokes [the] magical world of her childhood in India..." Papertigers.org, ** Book of the Month **: "...Jaeggi's soft, expressive watercolors are a perfect complement to Sheth's evocative text, and offer a wealth of cultural details..." Get it through Amazon.com https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ecef7882bab3153625e3689/1591315283878-0BULMY4EAL8TPBDPLKZH/my_dadima_wears_a_sari.jpg Books - Picture Books - My Dadima Wears A Sari AWARDS Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People —NCSS/CBC 2008 Best Children's Books of the Year —Bank Street College of Education 2008 CCBC Choices: 2008 Selected for Read On Wisconsin! (preschool group) 2007 Georgia Picture Book Award Nominee 2009-2010 REVIEWS Booklist: "…the continuous, loving exchange heightens the intergenerational warmth that's extended in Jaeggi's delicate watercolors, particularly in scenes of Dadima and the girls unfurling luxurious lengths of cloth. Young listeners will want to follow the appended, illustrated instructions demonstrating how to wrap a sari." Children's Literature: “Transparent watercolors project the delicacy and colors of the materials of the saris as well as the various scenes, both real and imaginary, where the saris are worn or used. Warm family affection is evident in both story and illustrations. The end-papers are a plus, adding almost a dozen patterns, some of which appear incorporated in the saris or decorations in the story. The author adds a personal note on the sari in her life, along with instructions.” Kirkus Reviews: "A strong depiction of family, this story shows how meaningful traditional clothing can be." Bank Street College: “A wonderful book, My Dadima Wears a Sari perfectly captures a loving relationship between grandmother and child while conveying a special regard for the clothes and customs of other cultures. Told mostly in dialogue, the story will leave readers feeling that they know the characters.” Paper Tigers: “My Dadima Wears a Sari is a sure-bet for young girls who will be anxious to try out sari-wearing themselves. The author includes step-by-step photos on "How to Wrap a Sari" at the end of the story. This book warmly captures the sweetness of a close relationship with a grandmother who takes palpable joy in sharing the traditions of her native culture with her American granddaughters.” Visit Yoshiko Jaeggi's website the illustrator of this book. Get it through Amazon.com