(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi. During her sister's wedding, a child in an East Indian American family participates in many cultural practices that are new to her. One such tradition involves a little mischief and humor: hiding the groom's shoes. Soft watercolor paintings, some of which are framed in a recurring golden pattern, portray lush, gilded saris and a loving, happy family. An author's note provides cultural background.

Reviewer: Lauren Causey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jeffrey Ebbeler. Frustrated that his older sister won't read him a book, an attention-starved boy tries to convince her that there's a tiger in his soup; by book's end, he has come to believe the fantasy--or is it a fantasy? This adrenaline-pumped and unpredictable tale carries a strong undercurrent of sibling affection. The acrylics hit the mark with their skewed perspectives.

Reviewer: Nell Beram

(3) 1-3 Illustrated by Carl Pearce. East-Indian-American third-grader Ishan wants a dog but first must convince his mother to rescind the no-dogs-allowed rule. From making her parathas bread to pretending he is a dog, Ishan tries everything, with comically disastrous results. However, when their neighbor collapses, Ishan proves his dependability by calling 911 and caring for his dog. Ishan's relatable longings and efforts are accompanied by expressive black-and-white illustrations.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) 4-6 Eleven-year-old Gopal and his family hope moving from the country to Mumbai will save them from starvation; unfortunately, their misfortunes only intensify. Gopal is sold into child labor, spending grueling hours making picture frames. But as he befriends other workers and begins telling his kahanis (stories) he builds both his self-worth and plans for freedom. Sheth's unique voice is as compelling as her characters. Websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Katie Clausen

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi. During monsoon season in India, a boy and his dadaji (grandfather) spend a day sailing paper boats in a washtub, taking a walk, and swinging on a banyan tree. This paean to the pleasures of intergenerational companionship has universal appeal. Illustrations in soft colors display the warm-hearted sentiment of the text. An author's note gives more information about monsoon season.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute

(3) YA In 1918 India, when twelve-year-old Leela's husband dies, she's forced to follow widows' mourning traditions of the brahman (highest) class, including a year of isolation, or "keeping corner." Gandhi's influence on Leela's family--and all of India--eventually allows her to pursue larger goals. The national struggle provides a powerful backdrop for Leela's own increasing social consciousness. Glos.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Yoshiko Jaeggi. Dadima's descriptions of her sari's versatility capture her inquisitive granddaughter's imagination. While the dialogue is overly formal at times, the text and illustrations convey the pair's warm and loving relationship. The soft watercolors' borders and backgrounds mimic sari patterns. Directions on how to wrap a sari are appended.

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(4) 4-6 Moving from India to Iowa City means twelve-year-old Seema must leave her close-knit extended family and try to make new friends while struggling to learn English and puzzling through American customs. Though the writing is rather wooden, Seema's story is convincingly and compassionately told as she deals with her own problems and grows to have more sympathy for the problems of others. Glos.

Reviewer: Christine M. Heppermann