Kashmira Sheth's eloquent verse novel follows an Indian American Sikh boy through a year of change, challenges, and growth
Anoop is many things: a brother, a son, a grandson, a friend, a middle school student, and a budding writer. He is also Indian American and Sikh.
When he joins a new class, separated from longtime friends, aspects of his identity—especially his long hair, covered with a patka—draw attention in new and uncomfortable ways. At the same time, his beloved grandfather in India is nearing death, leading Anoop to think about faith and identity and his place in the world, especially as attacks on American Sikhs accelerate and he is reminded of his grandfather’s experiences during Partition.
Can the tenets of his faith—equality, justice, service, honesty—help Anoop navigate life? Can he even maintain them?---from the publisher
288 pages 978-1682636060 Ages 8-12
Keywords: novel in verse, middle school, main character male, Indian American Sikh, South Asian, diversity, diverse books, new experiences, belonging, faith, 8 year old, 9 year old, 10 year old, 11 year old, 12 year old
