4.5 stars ( I wish GR would institute the half star ! )

Lovely book. According to the cover it is made for 9-12 year olds, but @ 55 I enjoyed it very much.

I loved the way the author who is Indian wove Gujarati words into the story, authentic Indian foods were mentioned, holidays, the adjustment of a 12 year old from India moving to Iowa.

I want to read more by this author. I found this book very charming.

A ( )

Summary: When Seema moves to America, she struggles to fit in. While she has some kind friends, one girl in her class seems to go out of her way to be cruel to her, laughing at her accent and criticizing what she brings for lunch. But through another's unkindness, Seema recognizes her own mistakes in the past regarding a dear friend and learns firsthand how hurtful prejudice can be. But through being brave, owning her own identity, and being kind, Seema perhaps learns where she fits in the great wide world.

Review: I've read this book twice in my life, once in middle school and now again in college. Both times the story struck a chord with me because it makes one consider how their actions effect others. But beyond that, it gives firsthand experience of the life of an immigrant and fosters a sense of empathy between Seema and the reader.

Craft Elements/Lesson: After Seema goes back to India, why do you think she is kinder to Mukta? ( )

The main character is new to America and is in shock with the new culture and the differences in the two countries. She has to face many adversities and overcome the stigma of her culture.

This is a great book and I enjoyed reading about a culture that is different from my own. I would suggest this story to any student that does not feel like they fit in. ( )

This was a lovely, gently written book that explores the ideas of home, and adapting to new environments. Seema is a wonderful main character and the reader quickly becomes fond of and concerned for her and her family. The relationships between members of her family are the strongest part of the book. The details the author provides about the flowers, foods, scents and sights create a vivid and enticing picture of India. The language and phrasing are unique (“the sun set slowly, as if feeling guilty”). This book takes the difficulties of leaving behind the familiar and adapting to the unknown and makes it an uplifting and positive tale.

personal response: I enjoyed the distinction and reflection on the differences between Seema's 2 homes as she tries to reconcile her feelings about both. There were times, however, that I felt the thoughts of Seema and her introspection came off a bit too mature for her age. I appreciate the fact that the author is using her own experiences to build Seema's story, but this comes off unnatural for a 12-year old at times, both with the internal and external dialogue
grades 6-8

curricular connection:

multicultural studies

group reading ( )