A review by kaylawhata
Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar

4.0

Ahimsa means respect for all living things and avoidance of violence toward others. Non-violent resistance is a tenant of Ghandi's teachings during the Indian Freedom movement in 1942. Anjali is a 10-year old Hindu girl in the Brahmin caste. Her mother has joined the freedom fighters and encourages Anjali to treat the "untouchables" --- the lowest caste tasked with doing the worst jobs in society, like cleaning toilets --- as regular people. Though hesitant at first, Anjali grows into her role as young freedom fighter. She realizes along the way that when trying to help someone, it is better to ask them what they need instead of assuming. I think this book does a great job of depicting this historical movement from the eyes of a young person.