Publishers Weekly
08/07/2017
Set in a fictional Hindi-speaking Indian town in 1942, Kelkar’s debut is inspired by the life of her great-grandmother, who was active in the Indian independence movement led by Gandhi. The novel smoothly and realistically depicts the complex segregated world of India in those years, including characters from different castes. Told from the point of view of 10-year-old Anjali Joshi, a high-born Brahmin, the story traces the development of the nonviolence (Ahimsa in Hindi) movement and the Hindu-Muslim conflicts that arose at the time, along with the effects of both on one community and, especially, on Anjali’s family. When Anjali’s mother becomes a nonviolent activist fighting for Indian independence and social justice among the castes, Anjali—who is initially horrified by the her mother’s actions—gets swept up in the causes, focusing especially on treating the untouchables, whom she learns to call Dalits, as equals. Kelkar builds compelling tension, which leads to grim outcomes, while highlighting Anjali’s resulting bravery and maturity. An author’s note provides historical background, and a glossary of Hindi words is included. Ages 8–12. Agent: Kathleen Rushall, Andrea Brown Literary. (Oct.)
From the Publisher
* "A historical, timely, and informative story that is full of heart." — School Library Journal, starred review
* "Readers will empathize with this heartbreakingly charming debut about the universal struggle of overcoming fears and biases in order to make the world a better place." — Booklist, starred review
"Sprinkled with action as this story is, it is also packed with a wealth of interesting information and teachers and librarians will find much in this book to spur thoughtful discussions. Readers are also sure to discover parallels between the desegregation of schools in our nation and the attempt to integrate lower-caste children into the Indian education system. . . . A welcome addition to the growing body of South Asian literature for children in the United States." — Padma Venkatraman, award-winning author of The Bridge Home
"A poignant look at India's independence through the eyes of a ten-year-old, AHIMSA is a well crafted tale of resistance." — Rajkumar Hirani, director of the films 3 Idiots, PK, and Lage Raho Munnabhai
"As the world around us is getting more divided, Supriya has written a simple and yet compelling story about love and tolerance. Both her protagonists are strong women who take the lead in changing the world, even though one of them is only 10. Read out AHIMSA to your children. Its an important lesson delivered through a delightful story." — Vidhu Vinod Chopra, director of the films 1942: A Love Story and Eklavya: The Royal Guard
"Kelkar gives us a front row seat at a critical moment in history with skill and emotion as we journey through India with Anjali, a feisty, inquisitive daughter of a freedom fighter who strives to stay true to Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, ahimsa, while tackling issues of colonialism, caste, women's rights and communal violence at the eve of the country's independence." — N. H. Senzai, author of Ticket to India
"Young Anjali’s journey of awakening opens windows upon the complex history of India’s independence struggle. With simple text and dramatic action, we are drawn into one girl’s life and the steps she must take in her swiftly changing world. Here is a compelling character—impetuous, intelligent, and brimming with heart. At the same time, Kelkar’s novel reveals the power of compassion, as Anjali grows to be a clear-eyed witness to her time and a hero for our own." — Uma Krishnaswami, author of Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh
"Enriched by the author's proximity to the subject matter and access to primary sources. . . Offers a complex narrative and inspires readers to check their privilege to address ongoing injustices." — Kirkus Reviews
"Smoothly and realistically depicts the complex segregated world of India in those years, including characters from different castes. . . Kelkar builds compelling tension, which leads to grim outcomes, while highlighting Anjali's resulting bravery and maturity." — Publishers Weekly
"This is a story that is both easily enjoyable and hard to put down. Fluid writing and a delightful, realistic point of view make Ahimsa an enjoyable period piece for young adults." — Foreword Reviews
Amelia Bloomer Book List - American Library Association (ALA) New Visions Award Winner - Lee & Low Books Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People - National Council for the Social Studies (NCSS)
School Library Journal
★ 09/01/2017
Gr 4–6—Ten-year-old Anjali's comfortable life changes dramatically when her parents decide to honor Mahatma Gandhi's request that every Indian family give one member to the fight for freedom from British rule. Anjali's mother takes the active role, first learning to spin cotton on the charkha in order to make khadi, or homespun clothes, and teaching others to do the same. Her aspirations expand to helping the Dalit community, referred to with the pejorative "untouchables" by most in the town. It is Anjali's observation that the Dalit children in their town should be able to go to school, and Ma is determined to make that happen. The road ahead is not smooth, as violence breaks out between Hindus and Muslims in their town and across the country, and Ma and other freedom fighters are jailed unjustly for their efforts, though they follow the principles of "ahimsa," or nonviolent resistance. Anjali continues her mother's crusade to integrate their school, knowing that before she can change others' beliefs, she must first change her own. Inspired by the author's great-grandmother, this well-written, accessible middle grade debut is powered by strong, fully developed characters who make mistakes and learn over the course of the story. Anjali and Ma in particular, though well-intentioned, are guilty of several missteps, which make them even more realistic and relatable to readers. They learn that change is not easy or straightforward, and Anjali especially learns how important it is to recognize and confront inequality. VERDICT A historical, timely, and informative story that is full of heart and belongs in most library collections.—Amanda Raklovits, Champaign Public Library, IL
Kirkus Reviews
2017-08-07
Although Kelkar's debut novel takes place in colonial India in the 1940s, when Indian citizens were fighting for independence from British rule, it is uncannily timely: 10-year old Anjali grapples with issues of social justice in many of the same ways young people are today.When Anjali's mother quits her job to become a freedom fighter, Anjali is reluctant to join the struggle, as it means she will have to eschew her decorated skirts and wear home-spun khadi (hand-woven cotton) instead, inviting the mockery of her school nemeses. But as her relationship with her mother evolves, her experience of and commitment to activism change as well. When her mother is imprisoned and commences a hunger strike, Anjali continues her work and begins to unlearn her prejudices. According to an author's note, Kelkar was inspired by the biography of her great-grandmother Anasuyabai Kale, and the tale is enriched by the author's proximity to the subject matter and access to primary sources. Kelkar also complicates Western impressions of Mohandas K. "Mahatma" Gandhi—Anjali realizes that Gandhi is flawed—and introduces readers to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a figure rarely mentioned in texts for young people in the United States but who is best known for campaigning against social discrimination of Dalits, or members of India's lower castes. This 2015 New Visions Award winner offers a complex narrative and inspires readers to check their privilege to address ongoing injustices. (Historical fiction. 8-12)
