Raashi's Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan - by Sheetal Sheth (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A young girl questions the fairness of traditions that favor boys while celebrating Raksha Bandhan"--

Book Synopsis

Celebrate Raksha Bandhan in a totally new way! Little Raashi is ready to update this popular South Asian festival with her idea that both boys and girls get to trade rakhi bracelets.

Raksha Bandhan is Raashi's favorite festival! Every year, her family comes together to dance, eat, and celebrate! Most importantly, siblings give out rakhis--beautiful handmade bracelets meant to provide protection in all of their advetures.

But rakhis are traditionally only given to boys! Raashi doesn't like that. . . . Why don't girls receive rakhis too? Why do some people think that only boys go out into the world? Now it's up to Raashi to inspire the change she imagines.

Sheetal Sheth, award-winning actress and author of the Anjali series, delivers another empowering story of a young girl bold enough to start her own traditions and blaze a trail toward inclusivity.

Review Quotes

"A gendered ritual in this straightforward picture book....provides opportunity for a more inclusive celebration." --Publishers Weekly

"The book includes timely twists that can bring traditions up to date for today's kids, along with a nod to girl power!" --Booklist

About the Author

Sheetal Sheth is an award-winning actress, producer, author, and activist. She is also the author of the Always Anjali picture-book series and Making Happy. She is known for her provocative performances in a wide range of film and TV roles and for being a fierce advocate of traditionally marginalized communities. She is one of the founders of the nonprofit For the Love of Reading, served in AmeriCorps, and is currently on the board of SAYA and the advisory board of Equality Now. She has had op-eds published on CNN, The Daily Beast, Parents.com, and Thrive Global. Although she was told she'd have to change her name to work, her successful career has trailblazed paths for other women of color across media. Visit her at sheetalsheth.com.

Lucia Soto was born in Spain and is now based in London. She aims her brushes at giving voice to the stories we all need to hear, creating powerful characters with relatable families and strong communities, and surrounding them with colorful worlds lit with the Mediterranean light of her childhood. Visit her at luciasoto.com.