Bindi Babes

Starred review from August 23, 2004
Dhami's (Changing Places
; Annie's Game
) comedic sense of timing and endearing cast of characters will have readers alternately giggling and commiserating with the "Bindi Babes," three sisters whose parents were born in India and emigrated to England. Since their mother's death a year ago, Geena (the oldest), 12-year-old narrator Amber and Jazz have worked hard to push back their grief and put on a brave, cheerful front for their father. The last thing they want is for someone to try to take their mother's place. Nonetheless, "Auntie," their father's sister, arrives from India and seems to be trying to do just that. She urges the girls' father to be stricter with them and has a way of staying one step ahead of the girls, thwarting their plans to pierce 11-year-old Jazz's ears and to manipulate their father. So they conspire to marry Auntie off. Even through Amber's biased narration Dhami cleverly plants clues to Auntie's big heart and pure intentions. Readers will realize what Geena, Amber and Jazz do not—that with all her interfering, Auntie is slowly and methodically putting together the pieces of their broken family—and will appreciate Auntie's wisdom and compassion long before she wins over her nieces. The author creates a touching story about loss, adjustment and family love, laced with humor. Ages 8-12.