Customer Reviews

Reena's Bollywood Dream: A Story about Sexual Abuse

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Reviewed by: Nancy Messmore

Synopsis: Reena dreams of being a Bollywood star but it seems no one in her family--not Mommy, Daddy, nor Nani--thinks it's an appropriate dream for an eight year old. When Uncle Jessi, Reena's pen pal, joins the family in America, he encourages dreams of Bollywood. In fact, Uncle Jessi offers to make a video of Reena dancing and acting like the Bollywood actresses from India. However, playing the part begins to feel wrong and Reena runs away in tears. She recognizes that Uncle Jessi was trying to get her to do things that are wrong, so she takes the videotape to her parents. Although they are shocked by what they see on the screen, they praise Reena for her courage in doing the right thing. In the end, Reena trades in her Bollywood dream for the real-life drama club at school.

Overall thoughts: Sexual abuse is a difficult topic to discuss with children and even harder to write about. Remarkably, Jewel Kats has written about abuse in a sensitive yet thorough manner. In fact, the story could happen in any family or in any neighborhood. But by telling the story of Reena's Bollywood dream, the author not only offers an opportunity for families to discuss abuse but also a chance to glimpse another culture. A glossary of terms on the dedication page is a wonderful introduction to this multicultural book. Richa Kinra's illustrations enhance the story, especially with facial expressions that mirror the emotions articulated in the text. The rich colors reflect the culture of this family that has relocated from India to America.

During my tenure in an elementary school library, the guidance counselor often requested books on a variety of topics. I never had well-written or visually engaging books on sexual abuse. This title would fit the bill perfectly. Aside from guidance counselors, families looking for a way to discuss recognizing inappropriate physical contact and how to react to it will want to read this book together.

Reena's Bollywood Dream by Jewel Kats is a thought provoking book. The story is made stronger by the the simplicity of the words used to describe horrendous childhood experience of abuse.

Reena the main character tells her own story and that makes it easier for children to identify and understand the significance of the issue. Jewel has perfectly managed to bring out the strong emotions of the child character even in the restrictive space of a picture book. Her efforts to raise awareness among young people is commendable and there's no better medium then a picture book.

On the other hand Richa Kinra amazes the readers with her beautiful illustrations through out the book that enhances the story written by Jewel. The visual aid provided in the book by the talented Richa are immensely enjoyable and even though the theme is serious the pictures act as the positive harness for the story.

It would have been great if there was a little bit more on the feelings and emotions of a child after the incident.

Both Jewel and Richa have done a fantastic job of bringing up this tabooed issue and talking about it in a sensitive way as well as giving advice on how to deal with it. A must read for all young people and also adults as they need to know what a child could go through and also that they should trust their child more.

Smita Singh
VAANI

Do you know what "Bollywood" is? Since the majority of movie studios here in the United States have been located in Hollywood, CA, the film industry in this country is generally known as "Hollywood." The film industry in the nation of India is known as "Bollywood." Eight-year-old Reena's family is originally from India but she, her parents, and Nani her grandmother live in the United States. Reena's dream is to become a Bollywood actress, although her parents want her to become a doctor because she comes from a family of doctors. One day her Uncle Jessi, who is a Bollywood actor, arrives from India. He and Reena have been pen pals.
A few days later, when all the rest of the family members except Uncle Jessi and Reena are out on a shopping trip, Uncle Jessi invites Reena to his room for a secret surprise. He has a Bollywood actress outfit for Reena so that they can play a pretend acting game. When Reena has changed, he puts on some Indian music, takes out his video camera, and asks her to dance. While she's dancing, he tells her to take off her bangles, then her anklets, and she does these things. But then he tells her to take off her blouse. This request makes her feel very uncomfortable. What will Reena do? Will she comply with Uncle Jessi's wishes? Will she hide her feelings and suffer in silence? Or will she tell someone whom she trusts?
The subject of child sexual abuse which is raised in this book, with its brightly colored illustrations by Richa Kinra, is one that we'd rather not have to talk about, but it's certainly one that needs to be addressed. By reading Reena's Bollywood Dream or having it read to them, children can learn that sexual abuse is not their fault, come away knowing that they have the power to say no, and be assured that they will be believed when reporting inappropriate behavior. Also, child abuse survivors will know that they are not alone. While this very informative story about inappropriate advances by adults toward children, which is easy to read and understand, is about people from a particular background, it can be adapted to any culture.