I'm from Here Too - by Kashmira Sheth (Hardcover)

About the Book

" In the midst of adjusting to a new class, eighth-grader Anoop finds his patka drawing unwarranted attention, leading him to contemplate faith, identity, and his role in the world, especially as his grandfather approaches the end of life in India and attacks on American Sikhs intensify"--

Book Synopsis

Kashmira Sheth's eloquent verse novel follows an Indian American Sikh boy through a year of change, challenges, and growth

Anoop is many things: a brother, a son, a grandson, a friend, a middle school student, and a budding writer. He is also Indian American and Sikh.

When he joins a new class, separated from longtime friends, aspects of his identity--especially his long hair, covered with a patka--draw attention in new and uncomfortable ways. At the same time, his beloved grandfather in India is nearing death, leading Anoop to think about faith and identity and his place in the world, especially as attacks on American Sikhs accelerate and he is reminded of his grandfather's experiences during Partition.

Can the tenets of his faith--equality, justice, service, honesty--help Anoop navigate life? Can he even maintain them?

A Jane Addams Children's Book Award Finalist

Review Quotes

"A strong introduction to Sikh culture and faith."--Booklist

"[A] moving verse novel . . . Sheth evocatively explains Sikhism in this compassionate story in which characters combat hate with reason."--Publishers Weekly

"Readers who want a window or mirror into Sikh culture, and fans of novels-in-verse like Rajani LaRocca's Red, White, and Whole, will appreciate I'm From Here Too."--Shelf Awareness

"A worthy coming-of-age story with heart and hope."--School Library Journal
Journal

"A valuable addition to any young adult fiction shelf."--The Bulletin

"An informative coming-of-age journey."--Kirkus Reviews

"I'm From Here Too is a beautiful book that explores universal themes of belonging, confidence, and identity from a perspective that's too often overlooked--a young Sikh boy. The author deftly conveys experiences of what it's like to be minoritized in our society, and how we move through those experiences together. It's a powerful story for people who see the difficult realities of our present moment yet hope for a better future." --Simran Jeet Singh, Sikh scholar and author of Fauja Singh Keeps Going and The Light We Give

About the Author

Kashmira Sheth was born in India and came to the United States when she was seventeen to attend Iowa State University, where she received a BS in microbiology. She is the author of several picture books, chapter books, and middle grade and young adult novels.