My Dadima Wears a Sari

Posted on June 12, 2011 by Mrs.N

My Dadima Wears a Sari by Kashmira Sheth

To some degree, it’s going to be the Kashmira Sheth show around here this month, as I’ve already posted two of her books and have three more (including this one)!

My Dadima Wears a Sari is about granddaughters and grandmothers. The text starts out very simply and moves into a conversation between a little girl and her grandmother about why the grandmother prefers wearing a sari to wearing western clothes. The grandmother shares her reasons, which range from utility to freedom of motion to beauty to history.  As the little girl hears her grandmother’s stories, her imagination takes over and she shares tales of how her grandmother’s sari could come in handy.  It’s a lovely story about family and love with culture and tradition woven in. Accompanied by a cool guide on how to wrap a sari and lovely illustrations, this would make a cute read aloud. Definite praise is in order for illustrator Yoshiko Jaeggi who manages to draw a grandmother who looks legitimately old and yet beautiful.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – A sari often exposes a woman’s midriff. This is depicted in the illustrations throughout the book and the photos at the end.
Profanity– None.
Death, Violence and Gore – None.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things – None.

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Looking for Bapu

Posted on June 8, 2011 by Mrs. N

Looking for Bapu by Anjali Banerjee

There is so much going on here I almost don’t know where to start. The book opens in the aftermath of 9/11. Anu is Indian and living in Seattle. His Bapu (grandfather) who lived with him dies. Anu is struggling very hard to cope with this loss, while at the same time struggling with the rampant racism displayed by many Americans in the days following the terrorist attacks on the twin towers. Despite the complicated and sensitive topics of racism, bullying and grief, Looking for Bapu is very age appropriate.

It will be difficult for some readers to follow Anu’s thoughts on faith if they have not had prior exposure to Hinduism . Anu himself discovers more as he tries to figure out how to let go of his grandfather.

Great for: Reading about grief in a non-oppressive not depressing way.  Anu’s loss is a major one; his grandfather lived with them and was a primary caregiver.  Without his grandfather Anu must make a new life for himself and find friendships to fill his time.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – At the Mystery Museum the kids look into an old machine labeled X-Rated movies, but the movie is from the 1920s so all it shows is a women in a tub (all parts obscured by the tub) showing her ankle. They talk about how that was racy back then. Then she wraps herself in a towel (again everything covered) and walks off screen.
Profanity – “Damned” twice, “Damn” twice, “sucks”
Death, Violence and Gore – Bapu dies. There is a brief explanation of what it means to be cremated. There are references to the twin towers. There is a description of how shrunken heads were made. Izzy was spanked once. A kid has cancer (but this is a minor character). In reading about the holy men Anu learns that before the 9th century some holy men sat on dead bodies or even ate flesh and blood. Anu trips his bully.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Bapu smokes a pipe. There is a reference to sadhus smoking cigarettes.
Frightening or Intense Things – None that are not mentioned above.

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Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

Posted on June 6, 2011 by Mrs. N

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet by Kashmira Sheth

Sigh.  This is not my favorite of Kashmira Sheth’s books.  Set in contemporary India, Jeeta struggles against her mother’s traditional ways.  While her mother believes that daughters should be married off as soon as possible, Jeeta’s innermost dreams are given life when she meets a friend whose family has more modern ways.  Jeeta believes that she deserves an education and a career if she wants one, and that she should be able to choose who she marries.

As always, Sheth does a lovely job of making India come alive, and even includes a glossary to help readers with the vocabulary sprinkled throughout (although most words are clear from the context). I think many with a background in Indian culture will appreciate this, but for some, the book lacks necessary clarification.  Sheth states that a fairer complexion is prized, but does not elaborate and she makes much of the caste system without explaining, which may be difficult for some readers.
So why did it fall flat for me?  For one, the book wrapped up way to quickly.  Also, although dressed as a romance, this is far more a book about mothers and daughters.  I have to say though, that Jeeta’s mother is very negative with her.

I think in terms of reading level, anyone from grade six and up would be fine to read this.  However, there’s one really strange scene (listed in the sex section below) that may make many want to hold off until children are older.

Great for: People who want to read about India.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – As this is a coming of age novel, focusing on the finding of husbands, there is much talk of arranging marriages.  There are a few references to nursing babies.  An Auntie’s sari slips revealing a breast.  Jeeta recollects getting her first bra.  Characters hold hands and a girl rests her head on a boy’s shoulder.  At one point he kisses her hand.  Then there is one scene which really has no bearing on the rest of the book that I really wish the author just hadn’t included.  There is no need for it, all it does is make it so you may not want younger readers to read the book (although it may go over many people’s heads).  Here’s what happens:  a character has a baby and is told she should do exercises three times a day.  Another characters asks what the exercises are for, and is told that they would help with the marriage, because when you have a baby things get stretched out and the exercises help everything get back to their original size.  She is told “it is important for our pleasure.”  In a book where kissing between a boy and a girl is a big deal, it seemed really out of place.
Profanity – “hell” used one time
Death, Violence and Gore – Jeeta’s mother is constantly threatening her.  Some highlights include “If you as much as go near a boy I’ll strip your skin off” and “If you ever talk like that again I’ll pull your tongue out.” A character in an arranged marriage is abused. Her husband slaps her and punches her causing enough injury that she needs medical attention.  This is a small but important subplot. Before exam time, the newspapers are full of reports of students killing themselves.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Pappa used to smoke cigarettes.
Frightening or Intense Things – Only as described above.

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Maya Running

Posted on June 4, 2011 by Mrs.N

Maya Running by Anjali Banerjee

Maya’s middle school existence is all mixed up. She can’t quite figure out how to fit in. She doesn’t feel Indian enough when she’s with around other Indians, but at her school in a small Canadian town, she certainly doesn’t feel Canadian enough. While one boy at school is hurling racist slurs at her (warning: the n-word is in this book repeatedly), another boy (Maya’s crush) seems to like her in part because she is exotic. When Maya’s cousin Pinky arrives from India, Maya feels even more threatened. Pinky is gorgeous and self-possessed, she stands up to the bully and tantalizes Maya’s crush. Lost and desperate, Maya begs help from the Hindu elephant god, Ganesh.

And that is when the story gets fun. The middle school angst was all right, but when Maya wakes up in the middle of the night to find the small golden statue of Ganesh munching away at jelly bellies, we are taken on a flight of fantasy. Ganesh cheerfully grants Maya’s wishes, and she’ll soon find out whether having your dreams come true is something you actually want.

The book is nearly half regular middle school and half fantasy.  While the first part is fine, the candy gobbling elephant is a delight and I tore through the rest of the book.  There is a great deal of Indian vocabulary which may slow down readers unfamiliar with the culture.   My recommendation of teen can be taken with  grain of salt, many middle schoolers will enjoy this provided you’re okay with the content. Also, the book is set in the 1970s which may make it more difficult for some readers who are unfamiliar with pop culture references from the time period.

Depending on the audience, names may be new for some readers, Sahadev, Vishnu,Thakur-dadu, Joyantoni, Sandhya, Kamala, Amitav, Priyanka.

Vocabulary words can be tricky too, so here’s a mini glossary:
Kathak – a type of Indian dance
raga – a genre of Indian music
sitar – a type of plucked string instrument
pakoras – batter dipped vegetables that are deep fried into fritters
samosas – (usually) triangular pastries that are stuffed with tasty fillings, like potatoes, onions, lentils etc. and deep fried.
dahl – lentil soup
papadum – a crisp round flatbread
bindi – this is the dot worn in the center of the forehead close to the eyebrows
Kohlapuri chappal sandals – this can refer to a variety of sandals, but they often have a small ring around the big toe and a larger sandal part across the top of the foot, making them somewhere between a slide and a flipflop.
choli – a tight-fitting, (often) midriff baring top which usually is worn under a sari or with a lengha (a skirt)
churidar kurtas – slim fitting pants worn with a loose fitting tunic
Paus Mela – a festival marking the harvest season
gulab-jamin – a deep fried dessert
roshagola – a cheese-based sweet which is cooked in syrup
modaka – a sweet made of rice, coconut, sugar and spices
Sex, Nudity, Dating – John Travolta is a dreamboat. Underwear sticks out of pants. Maya fears she’s meeting the boys as part of secret arranged marriage plan. Mention of a teacher’s wonderbra and boobs and classmates bra and boobs. Thinks about boyfriends, reading romance novels with cousin. A boy looks at her in a “thirsty in the desert” kind of way. Kissing. As an insult Pinky calls a boy a hermaphrodite. Boy stealing. More kissing.
Profanity – “N—r” which is written out in its entirety, no letters omitted, is used multiple times to refer to Maya despite the fact that she is Indian. “God forbid” “bloody” “Goddamn” “hell” “gandoo”
Death, Violence and Gore – Maya mentions that her great-grandfather choked on a wishbone and died. A parent whacks a kid in the head while calling him lazy. Psycho(yes, there is a character called Psycho) is into horror movies and talks about blood and guts stuff a bit. They talk about folk tales like the rickshaw-wallah demons that eat children. The two nerdy Ghose boys shove the boy who calls one of them a n—-r resulting in a fall and broken teeth.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Jamie smokes. A photo of her father shows him drinking whiskey and smoking a cigarette. Dad also smokes pipes. Jamie’s dad smells of beer.
Frightening or Intense Things – Brief mention of riots in West Bengal and unrest in Quebec. An Indian relative survived typhoid fever. They mention impoverished Indian children who sit in the dirt until they die or someone rescues them.

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June Travel Plans: India

Posted on June 2, 2011 by Mrs.N

Here on the Eastern seaboard June has been ushered in by intense heat.  I’m sure in August I’ll be dreaming of visiting the penguins at the South Pole, but this May was so frigidly cold that all I want is more of the same, which is reflected in my book picks.  This month I’ll be reviewing books with main characters from India.  Some of these books take place entirely in India, while others focus on characters of  Indian descent living in America.  While you’re waiting for my first review, go back and check out Blue Jasmine which I reviewed back in November.

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Coming Soon…June!

Posted on May 31, 2011 by Mrs.N

May has a been a bit quiet over here, mainly because I was busy packing up everything I own and moving across state lines.  Now that I am safely established in my new home, have unpacked the books I actually own and have a lease to wave at my new local library so that I can have a library card again, I will again begin to read.  June will be here sooner than you think.  Or sooner than I think as it’s tomorrow. Eek.

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Pantaloon

Posted on May 23, 2011 by Mrs.N

Pantaloon by Kathryn Jackson

The original version is linked on the left.

The shiny new reissue is linked on the right.

 

Source of Miscellany: A gift from my nostalgic mother.  She fondly remembered this story of a poodle turned baker and ordered it for me because we often call my dog “the bakery dog.”  He’s been known to hop directly onto the dining room table (shunning even chairs as steps) to chase a muffin or scone, while a steak left at snout level can escape unscathed.  Strange little beast I own.

Why this book?: Violent envy.  My parents are in France right now.  Have been for the past 2 weeks.  They are enjoying all manner of delicious desserts (although it’s doubtful they were poodle prepared).  I, however, am stuck here in a world entirely devoid of glamour.  In the past week I’ve used a homemade wrench to open a drain cover, slipped on slate while taking out the trash and cleaned out a drainpipe filled with leaves, acorns and all manner of other ooky things.  While there’s nothing actually in Pantaloon to suggest that it takes place in France, I’ve always thought of it that way.  Where else would a French Poodle live?

Pantaloon is overjoyed when he sees a help wanted sign at his favorite shop – the bakery!  His good cheer quickly dissipates when the baker sends him packing (a truly biased move if you ask me, the baker’s rather weak reason is that he suspects Pantaloon will eat more than he’ll help – if you’re looking at the original version you’ll probably see that Mr. Baker may be projecting a bit; his waistline is none too trim).  Pantaloon tries to pass as an old lady but he is sadly discovered.  His big break comes when the busy baker trips over Pantaloon’s bicycle.  Pantaloon is distraught, but also incredibly helpful.  In no time he’s done all of the work for the bakery and the customers are impressed.  When the baker heals, Pantaloon is again distraught, fearing he’ll be turned out again.  But in the end, he’s the star of the day.

All ratings below are based on the original, I haven’t seen the new version yet.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – Pantaloon is shown in the bath. Oh la la!  He also dresses as a lady to try to trick the baker.
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore – The baker takes a nasty tumble.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – None.
Frightening or Intense Things – None.

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The Quail Club

Posted on May 20, 2011 by Mrs.N

Source of Miscellany: My drafts file.  I wrote this up shortly after I wrote up The Gold-Threaded Dress but never got a chance to post it.

Why this book? I am teaching The Gold-Thread Dress as part of my immigration unit right now!  I was reminded that I had this lurking in my files when my students asked (as they always do) if there are more in the series.

I’ve been teaching The Gold-Threaded Dress, but only found out about this sequel a few months ago!  Oy is now in fifth grade and somehow has magically become friendly with her bully, Liliandra.  But of course, things will not go smoothly.  Liliandra is still the boss of a club – this time it’s called The Quail Club and she wants Oy to dance her way, the American way, at a talent show.

Oy again struggles with feelings of wanting to be American and wanting to be Thai.  Although things improve between her and Liliandra and we are given some insight into why Liliandra is a bully, I can’t say as I liked the overall message.  In books, it’s so easy to say that children should keep reaching out to someone who is mean and thing will get better, but it real life, things seldom work out that way.

This book is on grade level for third grade.  As I mentioned before I wasn’t thrilled with the message it sends about friendship.  Also of note (although pretty random), the girls use a wood-burning tool without adult supervision.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – The girls watch American dancing on TV.  The dancers on TV wear bikini tops and skirts so short they barely hide their underwear.  The TV dancers have pierced bellybuttons and bare midriffs.  Some girls on TV wear skin-colored tops so that they appear naked.
Profanity – None
Death, Violence and Gore – Boys play a computer game where the characters shoot laser guns at each other.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Liliandra comments that the smoke from incense smells better than cigarettes.
Frightening or Intense Things – None.

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Alligators All Around

Posted on May 15, 2011 by Mrs.N

Alligators All Around by Maurice Sendak

Source of Miscellany: I used to live around the corner from this rather fabulous museum, the Rosenbach.  They house a collection of rare books and manuscripts as well as antiques, silver, drawings and prints.  It’s a tiny little gem of a place.  They’ve had a long standing relationship with Maurice Sendak and they house many of his original drawings, manuscript material and much more.  Periodically they’ll hold special exhibits on his work.  It was during one of these that I first noticed Alligators All Around. It’s adorably pocket-sized, much like my copy of Chicken Soup with Rice (The two are actually packaged together along with two other offerings in the Nutshell Library).

Why this book? In the spirit of brutal honesty – because it’s short.  I’ve got a million things to do and no time!  And, I wanted to put in a good word for the Rosenbach which is such a lovely little museum.  Also, I find the alligators completely charming.

Alligators All Around is Sendak’s take on an alphabet book.  Each page features an alliterative phrase and an illustration of the alligators engaging in the noted activity.  But since it’s Sendak, expect the unusual.  Of course, since it’s Sendak, try not to be too uptight about the alligators imitating indians (in full headdress and smoking a peace pipe) or keeping kangaroos (I refuse to read any pro-slavery propaganda into the the pale green alligators owning dark colored kangaroos).  Instead enjoy them riding reindeer, wearing wigs and laying in bed with cloths over their eyes as they are having headaches. Also of note, this is a three gator family – so only one child for those of you who are looking for books featuring only children.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – The gators are usually wearing something, even if something is only a hat.
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore – A gator is shown “pushing people”.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Young gator is shown smoking a peace pipe.
Frightening or Intense Things – None.

Posted in Little Ones | Tagged | 3 Comments

The 13 Clocks

Posted on May 11, 2011 by Mrs.N

The 13 Clocks by James Thurber

Source of Miscellany: This was a gift from my twelfth grade English teacher, who has known me since I was two.  As you can imagine there are pros and cons to this situation.  On the negative side, she thought nothing of announcing to the class that I used to chase her cats.  But I can’t thank her enough for telling me where to go to college.  At the time she said  something to the effect of, “Years ago, I told your mother to take the job she has now.  I knew what’s best for her, and I know what’s best for you.”  She was quite right.

Why this book? I very recently finished reading this aloud to my third grade.  Now that the spring wiggles are upon them I threaten to feed them to the geese with some regularity.  Only a few have been threatened with the Todal.

“Everybody has always wanted to love a Princess.
Everybody has always wanted to be a Prince.
Everybody has always wanted the wicked Duke to be punished.
Everybody has always wanted to live happily ever after.”

This is a book for lovers of words. I searched for a quote to show you exactly how pleasing it is to read. I would have to retype the book, truly so I settled on the above teaser. It’s a fairy tale to its core, with a princess, an evil duke, a prince, hidden identity, magical elements mixed with the mundane and yet the pure poetry of it makes it so much more. But although the vocabulary is perfection, it is also really, really, hard.  When I read it aloud I preserve almost all that I can because the sound of the words is such a large part of the experience, but I definitely changed some words to make it easier for my audience to understand.  Put enough feeling into it though and they’ll get most of it!

And if you don’t trust me, you can always choose to believe Neil Gaiman who says “It’s certainly the most fun that anybody can have reading anything aloud.”  The copy currently available on Amazon even has a foreword by Gaiman, which frankly should be enough to push some of you into reading it.

PC FAIL: The Duke is evil and walks with a limp and is missing an eye.  The eye thing is his own fault, but the decision to portray evil in a physically damaged package is not at all the thing anymore.  Saralinda is pretty, seriously pretty,  also serene.  But I can’t say she’s terribly clever and she’s only marginally helpful.  She’s a goal to be attained, a prize to be won.  But the story is not really hers, it’s the minstrel’s, so I don’t mind her useless beauty as much as I do in cases where the girl is constantly in scene.

Sex, Nudity, Dating – Of course there is a princess who has many suitors, including the Duke.  There’s one line where a toy ball winks and twinkles like a naked child saluting priests.  Read it as you will.  When Saralinda was a baby she shone like a star on her mother’s breast.
Profanity – None.
Death, Violence and Gore – There is an evil Duke, the book would be nothing without him.  He likes to tear the wings off nightingales and lines his gloves with the fur of kittens.  He greatly enjoys mauling animals and was once mauled in return.  Furthermore, the Duke feeds people to the geese.  It is a matter of great pride with him that he slew time and wiped his bloody blade upon its beard.  Quite frequently there is concern that one will be slit from one’s guggle to one’s zatch.  There is something icky in the dungeon that has no head.  And then there is the Todal, an agent of the devil who is made of lip and moves like monkeys and shadows.  A King gets his foot caught in a bear trap, but he’s fine.  In efforts to make a woman cry, people tell her of dead maidens, babies lost in woods and lost on mountains and other things which are not nearly so sad.
Drugs, Alcohol and Smoking – Only some implied use as revelers reel and stagger home from taverns.
Frightening or Intense Things – There is a very creepy looking thing that’s like a hand and also like a miniature person that runs through the room.  Icky.  There are also some children who died, but they are mentioned so briefly you barely have time to notice.

Posted in Middle Grades, Teen, Tween | Tagged , , | 3 Comments