Böcker av Namita Moolani Mehra

Set during the Partition of India, a moving story about a girl who helps others the only way she knows how: by cooking up a small taste of home.Veena loves her home, especially spending time in the kitchen learning how to make roti. But everything changes when India suddenly becomes free from British rule, and the country is to be divided in two according to religion. Fearing for their safety, Veena's family flees in the middle of the night. They make their way to a dusty and crowded refugee camp, where life is difficult and her family struggles. Even the roti is different from what Veena remembers from home. She wants to do something to bring hope and comfort to the people at the camp. By making them tasty roti, maybe Veena can use her skills to lift everyone's spirits.This poignant picture book is based on the experience of author Namita Moolani Mehra's grandparents, who left nearly everything behind when they fled Sindh province in 1947 during the Partition of India. Sensitively written, the story can serve as an excellent starting point for classroom discussions of migration and refugees. Veena is an engaging and resourceful girl who helps put a face to the refugee experience. Beena Mistry's colorful illustrations bring a relatable warmth to the story. The content also connects to social studies lessons on conflict and change, local and global communities, and the cultural importance of food. Back matter includes an author's note, a map, contextual information about Partition and a glossary.

Diya is excited to be going to India for Diwali, the Festival of Lights. That means she'll get to spend time with Nani, her beloved grandma, who she hasn't seen since her family moved from India. Now India is 7,850 miles away... Once Diya arrives in India, she immediately feels at home with Nani. Together they go shopping at the bazaar and prepare for the festival. As Diya and Nani celebrate Diwali together, Diya's heart soars. But all too soon, her trip will come to an end. Is there a way for Diya to take some of the light and magic of Diwali with her when she leaves?

"The caéf across the street from Anni's home in Little India makes the best biryani in the world. Fluffy and fragrant, spicy and succulent, Anni could eat it every day. In fact, Anni loves that biryani so much that she's determined to uncover the secret to the recipe. She has so many questions for Uncle, the grumpy chef and owner of the caéf. But he isn't providing any easy clues. So, with some careful planning, Anni sets out on a mission to find out the secret ingredients to this most special dish. Will Anni get the answers she's looking for ... before it's too late?"--Dust jacket.