Copyright Date:
2024
Edition Date:
2024
Release Date:
08/06/24
Illustrator:
Sreenivasan, Archana,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
1-338-83414-2
ISBN 13:
978-1-338-83414-7
Dewey:
E
LCCN:
2023038577
Dimensions:
29 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
A young South Asian girl dreams of wearing a saree.Divya loves her mother's sarees, whether "peacock blue," "lotus pink," or "parrot green," or "soft and silky" or "crisp and stiff." But when Divya asks Amma if she, too, can wear one, Amma tells her she's too young. Although disappointed, Divya accepts that one day, she'll be able to make use of her mother's impressive collection. But then Divya's teacher, Mrs. Gonzalez, announces that the school's upcoming Heritage Night will feature a fashion show. When Divya asks Amma if she can don a saree for this special occasion, Amma says no: "You know you have to be olderâ¦.And it's too long and too wide for a little girl like you." Disheartened, Divya agrees to wear a silk skirt made by her grandmother. The next day, her classmates enthuse about the dirndl, hanbok, and salwar kameez they'll be wearing, while Divya stays quiet. It isn't until Heritage Night that Divya finds a reason to be cheerful again-when Amma presents Divya with her first saree. The story's pacing feels a bit uneven; the reasons for Amma's sudden change of heart are unclear. Still, Divya's love for her heritage is palpable and relatable, and the conflict she grapples with will resonate with many young people. Sreenivasan's inspired use of patterns gives the artwork a sense of movement and energy.A passionate celebration of cultural identity. (author's and illustrator's notes, glossary) (Picture book. 4-8)
A sweet and joyful story of self-discovery and identity from the same celebrated creative team who brought us My Bindi, and the co-author of the bestselling middle grade story Save Me a Seat.
I look in the mirror, I see me in my saree. And my heart is full... In my beautiful peacock blue saree. I bring my palms together and smile. "Namaste, I am Divya, and this is my saree."
Divya loves her mother's sarees. Each one is unique; some are soft and silky, some are stiff and crisp, and some dazzle with gold and silver. And she can't wait for the day when she's old enough to wear one herself! It's Heritage Night at school and everyone gets to share something from their culture with the class. Divya hopes this is her chance to finally wear her first saree. Will Divya get to wear one after all?
In this tender follow-up to My Bindi, author Gita Varadarajan's lyrical and moving text is accompanied with Archana Sreenivasan's charming and vibrant illustrations and bring to life another beautiful story as a young girl discovers a new way to embrace her Indian culture.