Books
When Varsha is not writing or dancing, she’s probably reading a book for children. She reviews books she reads and enjoys.
Maya and the Robot
Maya and the Robot by Eve L. Ewing is a heart-warming story about a girl and a robot. It is the story of being lonely, finding community. and discovering what it is to be human.…
Song of the Asunam
Song of the Asunam is a stunning book. Just like when we read Chris Riddell’s Ottoline series, we’re going to spend a lot of time looking at the pictures of this gorgeous graphic novel as…
Rocket Champs
Rocket Champs by Niyatee Sharma is perfect for young readers who enjoy stories about STEM. It follows the timeless enemies-to-friends trope in a fun, believable way. I look forward to introducing this quick read to…
The Pink Dress
The Pink Dress is such a delightful book! Just like so many other books I’ve read by Shabnam Minwalla, it is hilarious and fun, while also addressing bigger themes, including class divides and education. Here’s…
A Time to Dance
I went back to a novel in verse after a long time with A Time to Dance by Padma Venkatraman. It’s a lovely tale of grit and ambition, about finding one’s path and learning…
Horton Halfpott
A hero who refuses to step out of line, even though he is employed by the worst sort of people. A nefarious, wickeder than wicked set of villains. A bumbling, larger-than-life detective. Bring them…
Mondays Are Murder
I used to read a lot of Tanya Landman when I was a member of the British Library. I remember Apache, Hell and High Water and The Goldsmith’s Daughter, but I feel I’ve read…
The Pink Dress
Earlier this month, I saw posts on social media about The Pink Dress–the story of a girl who wants a pink dress and will not let anything stand in the way. I was uncomfortable…
Maya and the Robot
What a charming middle-grade book! I stumbled upon Maya and the Robot completely by accident. I was looking for something by Maya Angelou, and this one showed up. It looked interesting, so I picked…
My Name Is Khadija
Do you like your name? Have you ever thought of changing it? I know lots of people who’ve changed their names–including my grandmother–but I’ve always loved mine. I love the letter ‘V’ and I…
