Sonya Sahni and the First Grade

This uplifting children's story was a joy to read, as were the colourful images of wonderfully diverse representation.

"Sonya smiled at Mrs. Abdul, she felt at ease. She finally embraced who she was, a blend of West and East."

Soma Mandal expertly tells the story of what many children in America deal with in their lives. Sonya was born in America while her parents were born in India. She desperately wants to fit in with her friends, but her parents insist she stay close to her Indian culture. Sonya's teacher decides to create an International Day so that the class may experience each other's cultures.

This is a great story that is very relevant in America's schools, perfect to use in class and at home to teach children how to accept the differences in each other and themselves.

5 Stars. This story follows an Indian American grade school girl’s growing discomfort at being from teased about her classic Indian clothing, culture and diet. The wise teacher proposes a peaceful solution by embracing the many different cultures from which the students have come—an International Day at school. Alleviating Sonya’s discomfort and the probable unstated discomfort of other first generation American students, this subtle story resolves powerfully by defusing potential stronger acts of bullying amongst young students. Pleasantly, dramatically and colorfully illustrated by Tim Williams. Recommended for family reading time, this book shares an important message for our turbulent ti