Aruna's Journeys [Paperback]

Jyotsna Sreenivasan (Author), Merryl Winstein (Illustrator)

Book Description

Age Level: 8 and up

Aruna's Journeys -- Novel for ages 8-12. Winner, 1998 Skipping Stones Award for Multicultural Books. One of only a few available novels dealing with Indian-American children. "Should be in every school and library." - Multicultural Review. "Puts many Indian traditions into a twentieth-century perspective, something rarely seen in children's literature today." - Booklist.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It has been almost seven years since Aruna's family left their native India for Ohio, and Aruna, now in sixth grade, is desperate to be a "normal" American. She wishes she looked more like her classmates and she envies her best friend's all-American home, complete with patchwork quilt on the wall, friendly pup under the table and apron-wearing Mom serving up homemade apple pie for an after-school snack. This lack of subtlety characterizes the book as a whole. Using Aruna's trip to visit relatives in India to interject descriptions of contemporary Indian ways and traditions, the author presents an awkward jumble of fact and fiction. The writing is further marred by jarring transitions and wooden dialogue. What Aruna learns in India-pride in her heritage; self-acceptance-is passed along to the reader without benefit of art: this book never escapes its didactic agenda. Ages 8-12.
Copyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist

Gr. 4^-7. Eleven-year-old Aruna is an Indian in the U.S.--a very self-conscious Indian at that. Fearful of being labeled different, she avoids other students from her native country and cringes when her parents share information about India with curious friends and neighbors. But a summer trip back to Bangalore to visit family helps Aruna gain a new appreciation for her heritage and its customs and traditions. Likewise, it helps her realize that many of America's ways are of value as well. Although the story is somewhat saccharine, it does offer children a glimpse at the difficulties of being a minority in a foreign country. It also puts many Indian traditions into a twentieth-century perspective, something rarely seen in children's literature today. Frances Bradburn

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Smooth Stone Press; First Edition edition (January 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0961940174
• ISBN-13: 978-0961940171
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 6.2 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,228,058 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I was born and raised in northeastern Ohio for the most part, although we also lived briefly in Toronto, Canada and Bangalore, India. My parents are from India. I have an MA in English literature from the University of Michigan. I lived for many years in Washington, DC, where I worked as a writer and editor for a variety of nonprofit organizations. I currently live in Moscow, Idaho and work at the University of Idaho.

For more information see my web site, Gender Equality Bookstore, www.GenderEqualBooks.com

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating, April 13, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Aruna's Journeys (Paperback)

This book allowed me to learn about a culture with which I am unfamiliar: life in India. Some of the customs were strange, but I found that the story and the characters really kept my attention. The writing is intelligent. Children of many cultures will enjoy it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very authentic, April 17, 2005

By 

Murli Nagasundaram "Indam" (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Aruna's Journeys (Paperback)

I whole heartedly recommend this book to Indian Americans as well as American kids. It is a very authentic portrayal without the usual stereotyping that occurs.

4.0 out of 5 stars In This Book India was Important, February 23, 2011

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Aruna's Journeys (Paperback)

I would give this book a four star rating. I would recommend this book to a friend. In this book I felt as if India was important. Some characters in this book were supportive, and liked India. This is a good book and I think Indians would really like it. Girls would probably like this book.