In Andal's House (Tales of the World) - Hardcover

Whelan, Gloria

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 158536603X ISBN 13: 9781585366033

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press, 2013

Synopsis

As a young boy in Gujarat, India, Kumar sometimes feels like he lives in two worlds. First there is the old world where people and their choices are determined by prejudice and bigotry. But then there is the second, modern world: in this world Kumar can be friends with whomever he chooses and his future looks bright. As part of the annual Diwali celebration, Kumar is invited to the house of his classmate Andal to watch fireworks. Andal is from a high-caste Brahmin family so Kumar is especially pleased to be included. But there in Andal's house, Kumar's two worlds collide in a very unpleasant way. Instead of being welcomed as a guest, Kumar is sent away, forbidden to join the festivities. Angry and hurt, Kumar is left questioning his place in Indian society. Where does he fit in? To which world does he really belong?

About this title

About the Author:

Award-winning author Gloria Whelan received the National Book Award for her young adult novel, Homeless Bird. Her books with Sleeping Bear Press include The Listeners, Friend on Freedom River, and Jam and Jelly with Holly and Nellie. She lives in Michigan.

From School Library Journal:

Gr 2-4-In this introduction to the Hindu caste system, Kumar is invited to his friend Andal's house to watch the fireworks for the celebration of Diwali. Andal is high-caste Brahmin, and his family is very wealthy. Kumar's family had been outcasts and are concerned about the visit. Kumar is the best student in his class and believes that is why Andal invited him. When he arrives at his friend's large home, he is met by Andal's grandmother, who tells him, "we cannot have a boy of no caste in our home. It would never do." Kumar returns home to his grandfather, who explains how things used to be and that at least now there are laws against discrimination that make everyone equal. He reminds his grandson that it wasn't Andal who turned him away. The story ends with Kumar feeling hopeful about his future as he dreams of the Diwali lamps lighting up the darkness. This picture book has vibrant and colorful artwork. It will have a place in collections that want to show how discrimination of any kind adversely affects young people. Readers will also see in Kumar the power of perseverance.-Nancy Jo Lambert, Ruth Borchardt Elementary, Plano, TXα(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

About this edition

• Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 158536603X
• ISBN 13: 9781585366033
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 40
• Illustrator: Hall Amanda