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ICC Book List
The Black Lives Matter movement changed how we talk and think about race. We want children to be anti-racists, and we also want children to feel good about themselves when they look or feel different. ICC was founded, in part, so kids of South Asian descent could meet kids who share their culture. For all the kids in ICC’s South Asian community and in the larger community, ICC has compiled a booklist for kids 0 to 18 which (mostly) explores the experience of being South Asian. Many of the books address race directly and many explore cultural identity and self-esteem. The list also showcases the literary talent of South Asian authors.
ICC thanks Greenwich High School students Divya Shenoy and Veda Swaminathan, a president of the GHS South Asian Heritage Club for researching and compiling this list.
Always Anjali is a children’s picture book about a 7 year-old girl who feels like she doesn’t belong in her community. She is excited to get a new bike and take it to the school carnival with her friends to get personalized license plates. When she cannot find her name as easily as her friends, she becomes embarrassed and demands that her parents change her name. In this electrifying story, Sheetal Sheth represents the uniqueness of being South Asian in an American community and teaches young children the importance of embracing their identity.
Yasmin is a spirited second-grader whose love of solving problems and going on adventures is sparked by her creativity and curiosity. She has a knack for paying attention to detail and does not tire of her small but significant dilemmas. As a Pakistani-American girl, she is a one-of-a-kind character given life and soul by Sadia Faruqi, who has uniquely portrayed her personality.
ABC Day is about a simple day’s adventure that we might have experienced as kids. It’s a story about a group of compassionate and diverse kids who are unconcerned with race, gender, or other barriers. They simply care about each other, bonded by their shared interests, curiosity, and natural zest for life.
Special Note: Dipti Joshi is a member of ICC’s community.
A young Pakistani boy is confined to a wheelchair, but this does not stop him from trying to catch the most kites during Basant, the annual spring kite festival. Rukhsana Khan educates readers on the liveliness of Basant as the boy is crowned “king for a day” by proving through his glory that the sky's the limit.
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Ages 0-3
This charming picture book is about a little girl who loves her bindis (and the many creative shapes they come in!). The bindis are also a connection to her Nani who lives in India. When Nani comes to visit Bindu and brings the bindis to her, it is just in time to wear something new to the school talent show. Bindu and Nani work together to shine their brightest and embrace their sparkle, even when they stand out from the crowd.
The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one-hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to the positive representation of the Sikh community. Beautifully illustrated by Baljinder Kaur.
Super Satya is beyond excited to have a fantastic day, including overcoming her fears about the tallest slide in her town. However, her hopes are diminished when she finds out that her superhero cape is stuck at the dry cleaners! How will she overcome her fears, help her friends, and be a true hero regardless of her cape? Super Satya Saves the Day introduces an Indian-American superhero who is eager to save the day, no matter what obstacles she might face.
In Supriya Kelkar’s debut picture book, The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh tell the story of a Skih boy who affirms through his colorful “patkas” (turbans) that there is beauty in love and friendship. He wears a different color for every mood and occasion, and learns how they represent him and influence his relationships.
How Our Skin Sparkles is a beautiful representation of acceptance and embracing one’s identity despite the insecurities and flaws we have as children. Aarav is constantly asking his mother about his skin color and why he looks the way he does. Through Singh’s language, Aarav’s curiosity and the lessons he learns is distinctly highlighted within the story.
Rebecca Manari has sculpted a beautiful, accepting character in this unique storybook. Samaira is a little Indian girl who meets a purple-colored lady who wants to turn her skin color white. The way Samaira responds shapes her character throughout the story and teaches children the importance of embracing the color of their skin, especially how it does not define who you are as a person.
This picture book revolves around Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful protest against the British when India was colonized. As a young man, Gandhi saw and experienced firsthand the brutality and oppressive treatment towards Indians, and he wanted to take action. Meltzer takes these unforgettable moments and condenses them into a beautiful picture book about Gandhi’s fight for change during one of the longest colonizations in history.
Harini is excited to celebrate Diwali and share stories, but she realizes she is not the only one who enjoys the festivities. In this cute and witty story, Anjali Joshi incorporates the unique ways in which Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and other religions celebrate the same holiday.
In this lighthearted and humorous story, a multi-cultural family with an Indian mother and Jewish father celebrate Hanukkah while combining elements from both cultures. Instead of preparing the traditional Jewish latkes, tasty Indian dosas are prepared instead to incorporate Indian food into a Jewish celebration. Pamela Ehrenberg is intent on breaking the barriers between two different cultures and promoting inclusivity within diversity in this sweet story.
Ages 3-5
This charming picture book is about a little girl who loves her bindis (and the many creative shapes they come in!). The bindis are also a connection to her Nani who lives in India. When Nani comes to visit Bindu and brings the bindis to her, it is just in time to wear something new to the school talent show. Bindu and Nani work together to shine their brightest and embrace their sparkle, even when they stand out from the crowd.
The true story of Fauja Singh, who broke world records to become the first one-hundred-year-old to run a marathon, shares valuable lessons on the source of his grit, determination to overcome obstacles, and commitment to the positive representation of the Sikh community. Beautifully illustrated by Baljinder Kaur.
Super Satya is beyond excited to have a fantastic day, including overcoming her fears about the tallest slide in her town. However, her hopes are diminished when she finds out that her superhero cape is stuck at the dry cleaners! How will she overcome her fears, help her friends, and be a true hero regardless of her cape? Super Satya Saves the Day introduces an Indian-American superhero who is eager to save the day, no matter what obstacles she might face.
In Supriya Kelkar’s debut picture book, The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh tell the story of a Skih boy who affirms through his colorful “patkas” (turbans) that there is beauty in love and friendship. He wears a different color for every mood and occasion, and learns how they represent him and influence his relationships.
How Our Skin Sparkles is a beautiful representation of acceptance and embracing one’s identity despite the insecurities and flaws we have as children. Aarav is constantly asking his mother about his skin color and why he looks the way he does. Through Singh’s language, Aarav’s curiosity and the lessons he learns is distinctly highlighted within the story.
Rebecca Manari has sculpted a beautiful, accepting character in this unique storybook. Samaira is a little Indian girl who meets a purple-colored lady who wants to turn her skin color white. The way Samaira responds shapes her character throughout the story and teaches children the importance of embracing the color of their skin, especially how it does not define who you are as a person.
This picture book revolves around Mahatma Gandhi’s peaceful protest against the British when India was colonized. As a young man, Gandhi saw and experienced firsthand the brutality and oppressive treatment towards Indians, and he wanted to take action. Meltzer takes these unforgettable moments and condenses them into a beautiful picture book about Gandhi’s fight for change during one of the longest colonizations in history.
Harini is excited to celebrate Diwali and share stories, but she realizes she is not the only one who enjoys the festivities. In this cute and witty story, Anjali Joshi incorporates the unique ways in which Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, and other religions celebrate the same holiday.
In this lighthearted and humorous story, a multi-cultural family with an Indian mother and Jewish father celebrate Hanukkah while combining elements from both cultures. Instead of preparing the traditional Jewish latkes, tasty Indian dosas are prepared instead to incorporate Indian food into a Jewish celebration. Pamela Ehrenberg is intent on breaking the barriers between two different cultures and promoting inclusivity within diversity in this sweet story.
Ages 5-8
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