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sducharme's review against another edition
4.0
India, 1950s - Young Anjali learns about the freedom fighter movement and the importance of "ahmisa" (nonviolence) in India's fight for independence from British rule. Her mother is her inspiration as well as her own deep understanding of the unfairness of the caste system which limited access to education to only certain levels in society. She experiences some of the work done by "the untouchables" in her attempt to understand.
A middle grade story with plenty of action, emotion and heart. It's a perfect fit for middle schoolers' strong sense of fairness and justice.
A middle grade story with plenty of action, emotion and heart. It's a perfect fit for middle schoolers' strong sense of fairness and justice.
aoosterwyk's review against another edition
4.0
The story is well told, sometimes predictable, but with a good amount of detail and explanation which keeps it interesting.
This time and place is not often studied in schools, so I like that students can access it with this book.
Good for booklists on diversity and tolerance.
This time and place is not often studied in schools, so I like that students can access it with this book.
Good for booklists on diversity and tolerance.
thowell's review against another edition
Source: New Vision Award Winner
Age Range:
Evaluation of Quality:
Assessment of Potential Use:
Assessment of appeal to Children:
Age Range:
Evaluation of Quality:
Assessment of Potential Use:
Assessment of appeal to Children:
thekissballad's review
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
singh_reads_kanwar2's review against another edition
3.0
This book is set in 1942, when Mahatma Gandhi asks Indians to give one family member to the freedom movement for Non-cooperation civil disobedience, ten-year-old Anjali is devastated to think of her father risking his life for the freedom struggle.
But it turns out Anjali's mother is actually joining the cause for nation. And with this change comes many more adjustments designed to improve their country and use "ahimsa"—non-violent resistance—to stand up to the British government. Irrfan being her constant companion always side her and help her.
First the family must burn their fine foreign-made clothes for homespun cotton (khadi), so Anjali has to give up her prettiest belongings but saved one of those. Then her mother decides to reach out to the Dalit community, the "untouchables" of society.
They teach there, Anjali plays with them. Mohan had a great effect on her thinking and he make some point that Anjali understand and also shared with her mother. First Not to called Harijans, Distribution of sweets is no way to show they are equal and changing the prospective of society people towards them is important. Cleaning your household by self then forcing others to do it for you. Anjali did with enthusiasm and vigour and goes beyond her mother expectations. When parents confronted regarding teaching Dalits in the Pragati school, they stand tall and when Hindu muslim violence broke out Anjali and Irrfan friendship jeopardize because of misunderstanding. Then Anjali's mother is jailed, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work, ensuring that her little part of the independence movement is completed.
She Saved Mohan from mob beating, Her promise to Paro that they will be taught in same school fulfilled and reconciliation of friendship with Irrfan when she saved Brent from mob along came Irrfan preaching the mob 'Ahimsa' and this was the moment which make this novel a highlight.
But it turns out Anjali's mother is actually joining the cause for nation. And with this change comes many more adjustments designed to improve their country and use "ahimsa"—non-violent resistance—to stand up to the British government. Irrfan being her constant companion always side her and help her.
First the family must burn their fine foreign-made clothes for homespun cotton (khadi), so Anjali has to give up her prettiest belongings but saved one of those. Then her mother decides to reach out to the Dalit community, the "untouchables" of society.
They teach there, Anjali plays with them. Mohan had a great effect on her thinking and he make some point that Anjali understand and also shared with her mother. First Not to called Harijans, Distribution of sweets is no way to show they are equal and changing the prospective of society people towards them is important. Cleaning your household by self then forcing others to do it for you. Anjali did with enthusiasm and vigour and goes beyond her mother expectations. When parents confronted regarding teaching Dalits in the Pragati school, they stand tall and when Hindu muslim violence broke out Anjali and Irrfan friendship jeopardize because of misunderstanding. Then Anjali's mother is jailed, Anjali must step out of her comfort zone to take over her mother's work, ensuring that her little part of the independence movement is completed.
She Saved Mohan from mob beating, Her promise to Paro that they will be taught in same school fulfilled and reconciliation of friendship with Irrfan when she saved Brent from mob along came Irrfan preaching the mob 'Ahimsa' and this was the moment which make this novel a highlight.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
5.0
A stunning tale of social justice set in 1940s India, AHIMSA gives readers a glimpse into what the true meaning of non-violent resistance is. A required purchase for school libraries.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the digital review copy of this title
This story has now become my absolute number one title to recommend about social justice and equality in any era, country, religion or race. Kelkar has done such a superb job of with this story that although it is set in 1940s India and deals with the caste system, English colonialism, and religious strife between Muslim and Hindu groups, the messages she conveys can be applied to virtually any other country and time period and still be applicable.
This story is a timeless choice for classroom use, as the events and messages can be compared to so many other situations and will make for rich discussion and analysis. Included in the book is a very thorough afterword by the author about the genesis of the novel as well as a general overview of the history of India and a glossary.
Highly recommended for grades 4-8, but also a rich enough title to use for cultural discussion in high school. Required purchase for school libraries, and highly recommended as a whole class read aloud.
Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for the digital review copy of this title
This story has now become my absolute number one title to recommend about social justice and equality in any era, country, religion or race. Kelkar has done such a superb job of with this story that although it is set in 1940s India and deals with the caste system, English colonialism, and religious strife between Muslim and Hindu groups, the messages she conveys can be applied to virtually any other country and time period and still be applicable.
This story is a timeless choice for classroom use, as the events and messages can be compared to so many other situations and will make for rich discussion and analysis. Included in the book is a very thorough afterword by the author about the genesis of the novel as well as a general overview of the history of India and a glossary.
Highly recommended for grades 4-8, but also a rich enough title to use for cultural discussion in high school. Required purchase for school libraries, and highly recommended as a whole class read aloud.
guineapiggirl's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
beccalove's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
5.0
wizardamit's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0