Walking on My Hands: Out of India-The Teenage Years [Paperback]

Jamila Gavin (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

Born to an Indian father and an English mother, Jamila Gavin's childhood was divided between two worlds. Having spent her childhood in India, Jamila and her mother move to England. It is the time of the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth and England is experiencing a post-war boom, a time of positive anticipation and enthusiasm for the future. Jamila recounts how she experiences teenage life in England as she grapples with British culture, develops long-lasting friendships and harnesses her musical talent. An engaging and evocative insight into a young girl growing up and struggling with identity and culture.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Gavin's prose is graceful but with a mischievous twinkle and will appeal to thoughtful teens.' -- Observer PRAISE FOR OUT OF INDIA: 'A timely memoir of her Anglo-Indian childhood which deepens the understanding of her novels ... a unique record of dual heritage.' -- The Times 'Her story provides a fascinating - and not always comfortable - insight into the life of a family straddling two powerfully contrasting cultures.' -- The Guardian '...offers an enlightening, mixed-race slant on Indian independence as well as an account of a pre-TV, all-skipping 1940s childhood. The contrast between grey, cabbage-scented England and the vibrant sensuality of India is revealing as well.' -- The Independent 'a very moving and personal reminiscence...Filled with the author's own delightful and poignant photos ... will touch anyone's heart while also teaching readers about Indian traditions and culture.' -- 4:teens, April 2003 'a hilarious and informative account...It is something many mixed race children will be able to identify with.' -- The Voice

About the Author

Jamila Gavin is the author of Coram Boy (Whitbread Children's Book of the Year 2000, and shortlisted for the Carnegie Medal), The Wheel of Surya, The Eye of the Horse, The Track of the Wind, The Singing Bowls, The Wormholers, and several other works of fiction for children, including Coming Home, a story about Divali, one of Hodder Wayland's Celebration Stories. She lives in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 12 and up
  
• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton (April 1, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0340894490
• ISBN-13: 978-0340894491
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,211,747 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)