Young Kumar is invited to his classmate Andal’s house to watch the fireworks for the celebration of Diwali, India’s 5-day Festival of Light. Andal is a high-caste Brahmin and his family is wealthy. Kumar’s family had been Dalit, outcasts or untouchables. Kumar thinks he has been invited because he is the best student in their class, but when he arrives at Andal’s house, Andal’s grandmother sends him away. He cannot join the festivities. Disappointed, he returns home, where his grandfather explains how things used to be and that India is changing. Men like Mahatma Gandhi and Doctor B.R. Ambedkar have helped to outlaw discrimination against the Dalit, or the broken people. The story ends with Kumar feeling hopeful about both his and India’s future. A Glossary helps with unfamiliar words and an Author’s Note provides more information. Colorful folk-art illustrations in pencil crayon and watercolor ink depict the Diwali celebration and everyday life in contemporary India. mjw |
Title: In Andal’s House (Tales Of the World)
Author: Gloria Whelan
Illustrator: Amanda Hall
Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press. Ann Arbor , Michigan
Copyright: 2013
Original Language: English
ISBN: 978-1-58536-603-3
Hardcover pages: 40
Age range: 6-10
Genre: Picture Book
Book setting: Gujarat, India
Author’s ethnicity: U.S.
Author’s residence: Michigan, U.S.
Illustrator’s ethnicity: English
Illustrator’s residence: United Kingdom
Subjects: Castes, Diwali, Gandhi, Prejudice, Social classes, Untouchables |