Diwali in My New Home
By Diondra K. Brown,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Warm story embraces celebrating holiday in a new place.
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What's the Story?
DIWALI IN MY NEW HOME is a heartwarming story about a young girl named Priya, who's coping with the transition of moving into a new home in the United States. Far away from all she knows and loves in India, Priya finds it hard to get excited about the upcoming Diwali celebration. How can she celebrate when no one in her new neighborhood seems to know what the holiday is?
Inspired by her family, Priya chooses to bring the magic of Diwali into her new home. Other people are attracted to the beautiful sights and yummy smells coming from their house. Priya takes the opportunity to teach them about the holiday that is so important to her. Along with her parents, she honors old traditions while also embracing new ones with newfound friends. This Diwali isn't the same as it was in India, but it's special and new!
Is It Any Good?
This book is a great representation of the power of sharing your family's cultural with new friends. Diwali in My New Home shares the meaning of the bright and festive holiday with readers, who may or may not be familiar with its origin. Either way, it's a learning opportunity! The book's powerful message of adapting to change, while remaining true to your roots is a wonderful one. Readers are sure to be engaged by the eye-catching illustrations.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how in Diwali in My New Home, Priya and her family move from India to the United States. Have you ever moved far away from home? If so, how did it make you feel to celebrate holidays for the first time in a new, unfamiliar place? If not, how do you think you would feel if you had to move away from your home?
What did you know about Diwali before reading the book? What is something new you learned about Diwali?
Diwali is a "festival of lights, feasts, and fireworks." Of the traditions explained in the book, which one sounds the most fun? Why?
Book Details
- Author: Shachi Kaushik
- Illustrator: Aishwarya Tandon
- Genre: Picture Book
- Topics: Great Girl Role Models , Holidays
- Character Strengths: Curiosity , Gratitude , Perseverance
- Book type: Fiction
- Publisher: Beaming Books
- Publication date: September 27, 2022
- Number of pages: 32
- Available on: Hardback, Kindle
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: October 12, 2022
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