Pashmina
by Nidhi Chanani
Graphic Novel
Realistic Fiction
* * * Stars (Pretty good)
Priyanka is full of questions for her mother, who emigrated to America just before Pri was born. She wants to know more about India (the country her mother left), her father (her mother won’t talk about him at all), and her family. There are reasons her mother won’t talk about these things, but those are hidden from Pri as well. Then she discovers a beautiful pashmina (scarf) in her closet that – when she puts it on – takes her to a magical India, and her tour guides, an elephant and a peacock, show her around. This only makes Pri more eager to see the real thing, but her mom refuses to return even for a visit. Just when Pri believes that her dream is impossible, her aunt contacts them out of the blue and offers to host Pri in her home. There, with her aunt, she finally learns the truth about everything and begins to understand and appreciate her mother’s circumstances and courage. A culturally rich coming of age story with elements of magical realism that enhance the telling.
Reviewed by YA Librarian
