BINDIYA IN INDIA (Book Review)

Last week, Kamala Harris became the first Indian-American woman elected as the Vice President of the United States. As the education world finally becomes more motivated to search for more South Asian representation, I have the perfect choice. It is my great honor today to highlight BINDIYA IN INDIA, a beautiful #ownvoices picture book. This story chronicles Bindiya’s first trip back to India to meet her family as well as experience the grandeur of an Indian wedding.

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BINDIYA IN INDIA

The adventure begins with Bindiya leaving the United States to fly to India for a family wedding. Bindiya is based on a 1990’s Bollywood character so fashion and appearances play a large role in the story. Weaving together Hindi and English, we follow Bindiya as she meets her extended family for the first time, celebrates Indian wedding traditions, and creates memories and bonds to last a lifetime.

This book is an introduction to North Indian, Hindu, Hindi-speaking cultural and language traditions for many readers. At the same time, all readers can relate with Bindiya as she nervously meets her cousins, lovingly receives blessings from her nana, and excitedly participates in wedding traditions such as medhani, getting henna on her hands and feet, and sangeet, a night of music and dancing before the wedding ceremony.

For those of us with multiracial and multicultural families, this lovely book is the perfect representation of the importance of keeping the sounds, the smells, and the family traditions alive for our kids. However, everyone can feel an emotional connection as the story unfolds through the eyes of a child. In turn, this book will help bridge the cultural gap; creating space to talk about race and culture at home and in school. Furthermore, the rhyming pattern in the book gives children and adults the opportunity to learn new Hindi words using context clues. (There is a glossary and pronunciation guide included as well.)

Book Resources

BINDIYA IN INDIA is a perfect choice for any bookshelf (ages 3-99).  You can hear this book read aloud by the author on Facebook HERE. You can print the FREE activity guide and coloring pages for the book HERE.

BINDIYA IN INDIA is masterfully told by debut author Monique Chheda, MD and beautifully illustrated by veteran illustrator Debsmita Dasgupta. 

Connect with Dr. Chheda on Twitter | Instagram | Facebook | Website

Purchase BINDIYA IN INDIA on Amazon | Bookshop | Indiebound

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