Bipathu and a Very Big Dream

Bipathu often has the same dream. A dream where she, her Ikka Saad, and Hrithik Roshan are playing football. But dreams don’t come true, do they? Especially not very big dreams like this one?

As we read the story, we find out!

Bipathu and a Very Big Dream is about dreams, reality, and everything in between. All kinds of special relationships blossom in the story, and the most precious one of all, to my mind, is the one between Bipathu and her neighbour, whom everyone calls Madama. Madama has strange notions about how the universe comes to help people, and much to her surprise, Bipathu realises that Madama isn’t entirely wrong. The universe takes multiple forms, though. Sometimes, it even takes the form of a wounded puppy, one that leads to the spark of another unusual relationship.

From gender stereotypes to bullying and disability, Bipathu and a Very Big Dream addresses very big themes with the lightest possible touch.
Bipathu wants to play football, but she “knows” that girls aren’t allowed to.
Her brother Saad has cerebral palsy, but evoking pity or empathy isn’t a central element of the plot.
Bipathu’s classmate Suleiman is a bully, but he isn’t one-dimensional. Although we never find out why he became a bully, we do see her wondering what changed him: a hint at complexity, which leads to conversation and questions.

Every detail of the story is nuanced, making Bipathu and a Very Big Dream a warm read that leaves the reader smiling. Bipathu sparkles brightest, but there are so many other quirky, delightful characters that won my heart! All in all, it is a sweet, feel-good book for middle-grade readers.