Children’s Chapter Book · 2020
About the Book
Avantika brushes and brushes, but there’s no keeping her curly hair down. How she wished her hair was straight and smooth like Amma’s and Appa’s and her brother Avnish’s. Their parents had adopted the two of them when she was three-and-a-half years old and Avnish a six-month-old baby. Avantika often wonders if their birth mother had curly hair.
There are so many questions in her head, the school year has started with hair-raising troubles and Amma is busy at work. Avantika finds a confidante in the mysterious paati she meets in the park.
Why Is My Hair Curly? is a celebration of curly hair and the courage it takes to be yourself. Interspersed with black-and-white illustrations by Niloufer Wadia, this chapter book explores genetics, family dynamics, and adoption identity through a light-hearted and sunny tale.
Details
- Publisher: Red Panda (Westland Books)
- Format: Chapter book
- Age range: 8-11
- Available: Amazon
Reviews
A slim chapter book for kids between 9 – 12 years, this book is a treasure for every library at school and at home. It is a fantastic read aloud book for parents and children to get into the diverse areas mentioned in it. This is the rare book that mentions adoption but is a general must-read book for everyone. Adoptive parents should definitely grab this off the shelves for their tweens.
– Women’s Web (07/03/2020)
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved this debut!
Reviewed in the United States on June 30, 2020
Verified Purchase
Chapter book for children (~age 8-12).
A delightful read with beautiful illustrations. Set in a country outside the US and features people who do not speak/live/eat the way the majority here do. Offers a glimpse into another culture while addressing universal themes. Opens the way for meaningful conversations on acceptance, adoption, and navigating complex feelings. Excellent way to add diversity to young readers’ bookshelves.
Free Guides for Teachers and Families
Two companion guides are available for classroom and family use.
- Teacher’s Guide: discussion questions, classroom activities, and CCSS + NCF 2023 standards alignment for Grades 3–5.
- Parent & Family Reading Guide: conversation starters, three small things to try together, and picture book pairings.
Both guides are free to share for personal and classroom use.