Children's Books - South Asia - Curriculum Guides and Bibliographies at Primary Source, Inc.

Fiction

Rickshaw Girl - Mitali Perkins
In her Bangladesh village, ten-year-old Naimi excels at painting designs called alpanas, but to help her impoverished family financially she would have to be a boy--or disguise herself as one.
Climbing the Stairs - Padma Venkatraman
In India, in 1941, when her father becomes brain-damaged in a non-violent protest march, fifteen-year-old Vidya and her family are forced to move in with her father's extended family and become accustomed to a totally different way of life.
Homeless Bird - Gloria Whelan
When thirteen-year-old Koly enters into an ill-fated arranged marriage, she must either suffer a destiny dictated by India's tradition or find the courage to oppose it.
Four Feet, Two Sandals - Karen Lynn Williams
A picture book about two young Afghani girls living in a refugee camp in Pakistan share a precious pair of sandals brought by relief workers.

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Non Fiction

The Story of Divaali - Jatinder Verma
Retells the Hindu tale of a heroic prince and his bride who are separated by the demon prince Ravana until the Monkey Army of Hanuman, god of the wind, helps them. Includes facts about Divaali, the festival celebrating Rāma and Sītā's return to their kingdom.
Listen to the Wind: The Story of Dr. Greg and the Three Cups of Tea - Greg Mortenson
A children's book that tells the story of Dr. Greg Mortenson's promise to build a school in a remote Himalayan village after the villagers saved his life.
Indian Tales - Shenaaz Nanji
Presents an anthology of traditional tales from different regions of India.
Let's Eat!: What Children Eat Around the World - Beatrice Hollyer
Presents a children's book on the traditional foods around the world including Thailand, South Africa, Mexico, France, and India and provides a number of recipes.
National Geographic Countries of the World: India - A. Kamala Dalal
India: The Culture - Bobbie Kalman
Photographs and text describe the diverse culture of India which combines ancient customs and incorporates new traditions for the people who live there.
India: The Land - Bobbie Kalman
Photographs and text describe the geographical features of the land, its villages, cities, industries, transportation, and wildlife.
India: The People - Bobbie Kalman
Photographs and text discuss the people, history, social problems, and family life in India.
Going to School in India - Lisa Heydlauff
Elephant Dance: Memories of India - Theresa Heine
Grandfather tells many stories about his native India in answer to Ravi and Anjali's questions, such as the tale of a procession of elephants on the feast of Divaali when he was a boy, in a story which includes facts about life in India, a list of cooking spices, and descriptions of Indian animals.
Cultures of the World: Afghanistan - Sharifah Enayat Ali
Text and color photos profile the country of Afghanistan, covering its geography, history, government, economy, ethnic culture, lifestyle, religions, language, arts, leisure, festivals, and food; also includes a map of the country, fact list, chronology, glossary, and bibliography.