BOOK: Ms. Marvel by G. WIllow Wilson illus. by Adrian Alphona.
Call # 741.5 Alp
Plot: There are only three issues out of this comic so far, but it’s likely to be collected as a graphic novel by the end of the year. Kamala Khan is a 16-year-old Pakistani-American girl who must contend with the usual high school issues plus the cultural stresses that come with being a Muslim and the daughter of immigrants. Then she turns into a shape-shifting superhero—but she must struggle to control her powers. This series really sparkles, and Kamala and her friends and family are a varied and interesting group.
Reading Level: GN 420L
Interest Level: Gr 7 and up
Themes:
Superheroes and Action Figures
East Indian and East Indian American
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BOOK: My Basmati Bat Mitzvah by Paula J. Freedman
Call # FIC Fre
Plot: This humorous middle-grade novel introduces readers to 12-year-old Tara Feinstein, who is learning to navigate her religious beliefs and her own sense of self as a half-Indian, half-Jewish girl. Tara struggles realistically with the biased perceptions of others but ultimately finds strength and pride in her diverse heritage. (Dec. 2013)
Reading Level: 690L
Interest level: Gr 4-7
Themes:
Adolescent Issues
East Indian and East Indian American
Jewish Experience
Resources:
BOOK: A Time To Dance by Padma Venkatraman
Call # FIC Ven
Plot: A Time to Dance tells the story of Veda, who lives for Bharatanatyam, the classical Indian dance form she excels at. Her rising talent is starting to draw in all sorts of challenges: rivalry with other dancers, distance from her friends, and anger from her mother, who wants her to be an engineer. But none of these can compare with the shock and horror Veda feels when she wakes up hospitalized after her van crashes - and her lower right leg is gone.
Call # FIC Ven
Reading Level: GN 420L
Interest Level: Gr 7 and up
Themes:
Perseverance
Overcoming obstacles
Dance
East Indian and East Indian American
Links to supporting digital content:
https://youtu.be/8EFqdcm86qU