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Summary
Summary
New York Public Library's "100 Best Children's Books of the Past 100 Years"
Jane Addams Honor Book
Maine Library Association Lupine Honor Book
ALA Amelia Bloomer Project Award Book
Bank Street Best Children's Books List (Starred)
Association of Children's Booksellers Best Book
The critically acclaimed story of a young, artistic Bangladeshi girl who bravely defies tradition in order to support her family through hard times
Naima is a talented painter of traditional alpana patterns, which Bangladeshi women and girls paint on their houses for special celebrations. But Naima is not satisfied just painting alpana. She wants to help earn money for her family, like her best friend, Saleem, does for his family.
When Naima's rash effort to help puts her family deeper in debt, she draws on her resourceful nature and her talents to bravely save the day.
Includes a glossary of Bangla words and an author's note about a changing Bangladesh and microfinance.
Author Notes
Mitali Perkins is the author of several novels for children, including SECRET KEEPER, the First Daughter series, BAMBOO PEOPLE, MONSOON SUMMER, and The NOT SO-STAR-SPANGLED LIFE OF SUNITA SEN. She lives in California.
Reviews (4)
Horn Book Review
(Younger, Intermediate) Ten-year-old Naima may win prizes for designing and painting alpanas, the traditional decorative patterns that women use to adorn homes in their small Bangladeshi village, but, as her mother says, ""Alpanas can't put rice on the table."" Naima's parents can't afford school fees for both their daughters; now that it's her little sister's turn for schooling, disguising herself as a boy seems the only way for Naima to contribute much-needed earnings to her household. Naima's covert attempt to drive her father's rickshaw during his lunch break is met with disastrous results. Ultimately, though, Naima's recklessness leads to a solution that enables her to earn money with her talents -- no disguise necessary. Perkins depicts a rural Bangladesh on the verge of change, as evolving gender roles travel from big cities to small villages. In addition to capturing contemporary Bangladeshi culture, Perkins even connects the vibrant plot to the economic model of microfinance -- probably a first for an early chapter book! Black-and-white pastel drawings depict authentic alpana designs and also provide glimpses into Naima's dynamic world, underscoring the novel's accessible message about the intersections of tradition and transformation. A glossary and an author's note are appended. Copryight 2007 of The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Perkins draws on her family roots to tell the lively contemporary story of a young Bangladeshi girl who challenges the traditional role of women in her village so that she can help her struggling family in hard times. Naima's parents cannot afford to pay school fees for her anymore, but she wins the village prize for painting the best traditional alpana patterns. She wishes she could help her father drive his rickshaw, and one day, disguised as a boy, she drives--and crashes--it. How will they afford to fix the dents and tears? More than just a situation, this short chapter book tells a realistic story with surprises that continue until the end. Hogan's bold black-and-white sketches show the brave girl, the beautiful traditional alpana painting and rickshaw art, and the contemporary changes in the girl's rural home. An author's note and a glossary enhance the moving story. --Hazel Rochman Copyright 2006 Booklist
School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-5-Ten-year-old Naima longs to earn money to help her poor Bangladeshi family, but her talent in painting traditional patterns, or alpanas, is no use. While considering whether she could disguise herself as a boy and try to drive her father's rickshaw, she wrecks the vehicle and its painted tin sides on a test-drive, threatening the family's sole livelihood. Her solution is to steal away, disguised as a boy, to a repair shop and offer her services painting decorations on the rickshaws. She is surprised to find that the owner is a woman. When Naima reveals herself, she is hired on the condition that her father will keep bringing her for training at the shop, so that her paintings will help the business. The future looks bright for the girl and her family. Short chapters, well-delineated characters, soft black-line pastel illustrations, and a child-appropriate solution enrich this easy-to-read chapter book that would also appeal to less-able middle school readers. The rich back matter includes an informative glossary of Bangla words, plus a valuable author's note that explains the process of microfinance and its results for poor women in rural markets.-Susan Hepler, formerly at Burgundy Farm Country Day School, Alexandria, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
Money is tight, and Naima wants to do something to help her family. If only she were a boy like her friend Saleem, she'd be able to drive her father's rickshaw and add to the family's income. Naima does have a special talent; she can paint beautiful alpacas--traditional patterns used by women to decorate Bangladeshi homes during special occasions--but how can this help her make money? When Naima decides to disguise herself as a boy and drive the rickshaw, she accidentally crashes it, and the family's debt soars even higher. Now Naima is more determined then ever to help her family--and prove that being a girl can be a good thing. Straightforward black-and-white pastel illustrations incorporate alpaca patterns and depict various elements of Naima's daily life, and a helpful Bangla glossary and informative notes are included. A child-eye's view of Bangladesh that makes a strong and accessible statement about heritage, tradition and the changing role of women, Naima's story will be relished by students and teachers alike. (Fiction. 7-10) Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
