Sneaker Paati is an engaging book that I read a few months ago. Even as I read it, I thought about the fact that it would make for a quick, easy read for middle-grade readers who want something lighthearted and fun. That's why we'll be reading it at my book club next month! Here's what we'll do as we read. Grandparents Grandparents in stories often knit, crochet, make delicious food, and pamper their grandchildren. Have you read about a grandmother who is different? What about your grandparents? I would love for the children at my book club to talk about grandparents who fit the mould or break the mould. At my book club, I will ask each child to tell me a story about a grandparent. Any sort of story will do--one that features their grandparents as children, or one that involves the book clubbers too! Sport Sneaker Paati can do … [Read more...]
Sneaker Paati
Kittu is delighted to discover that he has a cool Paati, the kind he can boast about! She does headstands, and is even willing to teach him to do them! Soon enough, Kittu discovers that his Sneaker Paati, aka Shobha Attai, can do more than just headstands. Maybe she'll be his new confidante and solve the problem of Big Bad Abby, the local bully.Sneaker Paati is an amusing story, one that I particularly appreciated because it breaks the convention of children solving everything themselves. While I do usually like stories that feature children with agency, I've noticed that the children's literature I read (and write!) hardly ever steers away from this formula, leading to a surfeit of orphans, boarding schools and conveniently missing parents. As a child, I did read several stories featuring grown-ups, and I didn't like them any less for it!In terms of plot, however, I did find … [Read more...]