Bringing Asha Home

November 1, 2006
K-Gr 3-Just a couple of months after Arun wishes he had a sister with whom to celebrate Rakhi Day, his parents announce that they are adopting a girl. As he awaits his new siblings arrival, he carefully crafts a special paper airplane, pretending that it is flying to India to bring her home. After more waiting, Dad finally retrieves Asha, who gives Arun the "rakhi" bracelet she clung to during the flight. An authors note provides additional details about adoption and the North Indian Hindu holiday that celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters, symbolized by a bracelet given by the sister. Realistic illustrations spread across the pages in muted colors and show well the characters range of emotions, but Aruns adultlike narration does not match the innocence of his actions. While the text states that Arun is eight, his size seems to vary from picture to picture. Although Krishnaswami does add a unique perspective to a genre largely focused on Chinese adoptions, Janet Morgan Stoekes "Waiting for May" (Dutton, 2005), Jean Davies Okimotos "The White Swan Express" (Clarion, 2002), and Ed Youngs "My Mei Mei" (Philomel, 2006) more fully describe the adoptive familys process."Julie R. Ranelli, Kent Island Branch Library, Stevensville, MD"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2006
Arun longs for a sister, so he is excited when his parents tell him that they are adopting a baby girl from India, his father's native country. As the year drags on and his parents speak of forms and permissions, Arun studies the baby's photograph and eagerly plans for her arrival. Finally, a full year later, his father returns with baby sister Asha and a special " rakhi" or bracelet for brother Arun. Filled with tender details, the story opens and closes on the Hindu holiday Rakhi, a day when siblings honor each other. Chalk pastel illustrations follow the text closely, but the dark palette of blues and grays sets a somber tone for the joyful story. Arun's tale presents an authentic slice of East Indian American life and provides a fresh perspective in adoption stories. An appended note adds information about Rakhi. Suggest Allen Say's " Allison" (1997) and Jean Davis Okimoto's " White Swan Express "(2002) to readers who want more on the topic of adoption.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)