Supriya Kelkar grew up in the Midwest, where she learned Hindi as a child by watching three Hindi movies a week. Winner of the New Visions Award for Ahimsa, Supriya is a screenwriter who has worked on the writing teams for several Hindi films and one Hollywood feature. Supriya's books include Ahimsa; Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame; American as Paneer Pie; and That Thing About Bollywood, among others. Visit her online at www.supriyakelkar.com.
* "A historical, timely, and informative story that is full of
heart." -- School Library Journal, starred review * "Readers will
empathize with this heartbreakingly charming debut about the
universal struggle of overcoming fears and biases in order to make
the world a better place." -- Booklist, starred review "Sprinkled
with action as this story is, it is also packed with a wealth of
interesting information and teachers and librarians will find much
in this book to spur thoughtful discussions. Readers are also sure
to discover parallels between the desegregation of schools in our
nation and the attempt to integrate lower-caste children into the
Indian education system. . . . A welcome addition to the growing
body of South Asian literature for children in the United States."
-- Padma Venkatraman, award-winning author of The Bridge Home "A
poignant look at India's independence through the eyes of a
ten-year-old, AHIMSA is a well crafted tale of resistance." --
Rajkumar Hirani, director of the films 3 Idiots, PK, and Lage Raho
Munnabhai "As the world around us is getting more divided, Supriya
has written a simple and yet compelling story about love and
tolerance. Both her protagonists are strong women who take the lead
in changing the world, even though one of them is only 10. Read out
AHIMSA to your children. Its an important lesson delivered through
a delightful story." -- Vidhu Vinod Chopra, director of the films
1942: A Love Story and Eklavya: The Royal Guard "Kelkar gives us a
front row seat at a critical moment in history with skill and
emotion as we journey through India with Anjali, a feisty,
inquisitive daughter of a freedom fighter who strives to stay true
to Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, ahimsa, while tackling
issues of colonialism, caste, women's rights and communal violence
at the eve of the country's independence." -- N. H. Senzai, author
of Ticket to India "Young Anjali's journey of awakening opens
windows upon the complex history of India's independence struggle.
With simple text and dramatic action, we are drawn into one girl's
life and the steps she must take in her swiftly changing world.
Here is a compelling character--impetuous, intelligent, and
brimming with heart. At the same time, Kelkar's novel reveals the
power of compassion, as Anjali grows to be a clear-eyed witness to
her time and a hero for our own." -- Uma Krishnaswami, author of
Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh "Enriched by the author's
proximity to the subject matter and access to primary sources. . .
Offers a complex narrative and inspires readers to check their
privilege to address ongoing injustices." -- Kirkus Reviews
"Smoothly and realistically depicts the complex segregated world of
India in those years, including characters from different castes. .
. Kelkar builds compelling tension, which leads to grim outcomes,
while highlighting Anjali's resulting bravery and maturity." --
Publishers Weekly "This is a story that is both easily enjoyable
and hard to put down. Fluid writing and a delightful, realistic
point of view make Ahimsa an enjoyable period piece for young
adults." -- Foreword ReviewsAmelia Bloomer Book List - American
Library Association (ALA)
New Visions Award Winner - Lee & Low Books
Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People - National
Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
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