Reading for change

This Xmas, introduce kids to books that will open their minds. We handpick a list that will engage, educate and keep them hooked into the new year

I am so much more than the colour of my skin by Divya Thomas (HarperCollins)

Rhymes help kids remember. Rhymes set even the most serious of ideas in rhythm, like a quick-to-sing song. This book by Ruchi Shah, in rhymes, enables children to be happy in their different skin tones. It assures them that if their skin colour is warm honey, biscuit brown, stone brown or ivory patches, it should not limit their aspirations. 
Ages: 4+  log on to amazon.in 
Cost: Rs 242

Run Saba, Run! by Upasana Makati (White Print)

This illustrated book charts out the journey of two characters — Saba and Kabir. Although a fun, adventurous read, it opens up our thoughts about blind sportspersons. The book introduces young minds to diversity and inclusion, and lets them believe that the world of sports is not defined by gender or disability.   
Ages: 7+
Log on to: razorpay.com
Cost: Rs 379

Bhiku’s Diary by Geeta Dharmarajan and Keerti Ramachandra (Katha)

For teenagers keen to get a taste of diverse literature, this eclectic collection of fictional stories is a charmer. The book contains stories by some of India’s master storytellers like Gulzar, Paul Zacharia, Mannu Bhandari and Mahasweta Devi. It also opens the window to good translations.   
Ages: 11+
Log on to: amazon.in 
Cost: Rs 195

Pedru And The Big Boom by Nandita Da Cunha (Kalpavriksh)

A young boy Pedru lives amidst his father’s cashew trees and mother’s curries. He is fond of his life in Rotnagaon village, but wants to become an explorer. When his plans of escaping the village don’t materialise, he is drawn into other activities in the area. A mining company is blasting big holes in the hills. This book shares the fight of a boy and his people against a big and powerful opponent.
Ages: 12+
Log on to: amazon.in
Cost: Rs 150

Laxmi’s Mooch by Shelly Anand (Kokila)

Anand’s picture book narrates the heartwarming story of a girl called Laxmi, who never noticed her upper lip hair until her friends pointed it out. Laxmi calls it mooch. When her friends say she would make a nice cat for her whiskers, she is hurt and angry. Her family makes her aware that women from all walks of life and periods in history, heroic or ordinary, have always had body hair. Laxmi feels confident in her body and spreads the spirit of poise among her classmates. The book is an exuberant celebration in acceptance. Young girls learn to normalise their body hair however they grow.
Ages: 4 to 8 years
Log on to: amazon.in
Cost: Rs 402

Ammu’s Bottle Boat by Niveditha Subramaniam (Tulika)

Ammu is not aware of the grave consequences of plastic. She and her friends don’t know how plastic ends up in the guts of birds. When she leaves her plastic bottle boat in the stream to bob its way down to the sea, she doesn’t realise it would get stuck in a whale’s tummy. In verse, this story explains how humans destroy natural worlds through carelessness. It is a powerful teaching in co-existence and responsibility, too.
Ages: 4+
Log on to: tulikabooks.com
Cost: Rs 195

Jamlo Walks by Samina Mishra (Puffin Books)

With Tarique Aziz’ meticulous illustrations, the book is an account of how the pandemic affected the kids of the country, altering their lives forever. It follows Jamlo, who is walking back home from the farm she used to work in after the lockdown was announced. The story conveys that young citizens are not beyond class and caste divides, and their backgrounds decide much of their fates. 
Ages: 7 to 10 years
Log on to: amazon.in
Cost: Rs 202

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