Education Resources: South Asia and Freeman Awards
South Asia Book Award
In recent years an increasing number of high-quality children's and young adult books are published that portray South Asia or South Asians living abroad. To encourage and commend authors and publishers who produce such books, and to provide librarians and teachers with recommendations for educational use, the South Asia National Outreach Consortium (SANOC) will offer a yearly book award to call attention to outstanding works on South Asia. - South Asia Book Award
Award-Winning & Honorary Books
American Fever by
Publication Date: 2022A compelling and laugh-out-loud funny novel about adolescence, family, otherness, religion, the push-and-pull of home. It marks the entrance on the international literary scene of the brilliant fresh voice of Dur e Aziz Amna.Thirst by
Publication Date: 2022The riveting story of a heroic girl who fights for her belief that water should be for everyone.The Moon from Dehradun by
Publication Date: 2022Inspired by the author's family story, this lyrical, moving picture book is a testament to the strength, courage, and perseverance of the over 10 million refugees displaced by the largest forced migration in recorded history, and shares a young girl's journey from her old home to a new one.Burying the Moon by
Publication Date: 2021A beautifully illustrated novel in verse about a young Indian girl who tackles the taboos around sanitation in her village.Where Three Oceans Meet by
Publication Date: 2021A child, mother, and grandmother travel all the way to the end of the earth in this picture book that celebrates multigenerational love--perfect for fans of Drawn Together and Alma.Dancing in Thatha's Footsteps by
Publication Date: 2021A heartwarming picture book about a multigenerational Indian-American family discovering a shared love for bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance that continues to fascinate dancers worldwide.American Betiya by
Publication Date: 2021A luminous story of a young artist grappling with first love, family boundaries and the complications of a cross-cultural relationship.Born Behind Bars by
Publication Date: 2021The author of the award-winning The Bridge Home brings readers another gripping novel set in Chennai, India, featuring a boy who's unexpectedly released into the world after spending his whole life in jail with his mom.The Marvelous Mirza Girls by
Publication Date: 2021Gilmore Girls meets vibrant New Delhi in this thoughtful and hilarious new novel about a teen facing family expectations, relationship complications, and hidden secrets in a new country--sprinkled with Sheba Karim's signature wit and steamy romance,A Gift for Amma by
Publication Date: 2020A young girl explores the vibrant rainbow of items for sale in a southern Indian street market as she searches for a gift for her mother. Includes facts about the items mentioned and markets around the world, as well as photographs taken by the author in her hometown of Chennai, India.Crossing the Farak River by
Publication Date: 2020A poignant and thought-provoking introduction for young readers to the military crackdown and ongoing persecution of Rohingya people, from the perspective of a brave and resilient protagonist.Ritu Weds Chandni by
Publication Date: 2020This warmhearted debut from Ameya Narvankar celebrates the power of young voices to stand up against prejudice and bigotry.The Secret Kingdom by
Publication Date: 2018Author Barb Rosenstock introduces readers to the outsider artist's stunning creation, while Claire A. Nivola's illustrations bring to life the land's natural beauty and the surreal world Nek coaxed from his wild landscape.Amal Unbound by
Publication Date: 2018The compelling story of a girl's fight to regain her life and dreams after being forced into indentured servitude.Iqbal and His Ingenious Idea by
Publication Date: 2018It's monsoon season in Bangladesh, which means Iqbal's mother must cook the family's meals indoors, over an open fire. The smoke from the fire makes breathing difficult for his mother and baby sister. Hearing them coughing at night worries Iqbal. So when he learns that his school's upcoming science fair has the theme of sustainability, Iqbal comes up with the perfect idea for his entry: he'll design a stove that doesn't produce smoke! Has Iqbal found a way to win first prize in the science fair while providing cleaner air and better health for his family at the same time?Manjhi Moves a Mountain by
Publication Date: 2017Dashrath Manjhi used a hammer and chisel, grit, determination, and twenty years to carve a path through the mountain separating his poor village from the nearby village with schools, markets, and a hospital. Manjhi Moves a Mountain shows how everyone can make a difference if their heart is big enough.You Bring the Distant Near by
Publication Date: 2017This elegant young adult novel captures the immigrant experience for one Indian-American family with humor and heart. Told in alternating teen voices across three generations,You Bring the Distant Nearexplores sisterhood, first loves, friendship, and the inheritance of culture--for better or worse.Maya by
Publication Date: 2016Elly MacKay mixes miniature-paper-theater art with spellbinding shadow puppetry to play with darkness and light, giving Maya's real, fantasy, and story-within-a-story worlds unique treatment--and making Maya's world come alive on the page.What Elephants Know by
Publication Date: 2016In simple poetic prose, author Eric Dinerstein brings to life Nepal's breathtaking jungle wildlife and rural culture, as seen through the eyes of a young outcast, struggling to find his place in the world.The Boy Who Speaks in Numbers by
Publication Date: 2015Mike Masilamani's ironic narrative centers around an unnamed boy who is more at home with numbers rather than words. Along with a constantly chattering -- and prophetic -- cow he bears witness to a bizarre and violent time. Matthew Frame's textured illustrations are a powerful testimony to the absurd horror of prolonged civil strife.Tiger Boy by
Publication Date: 2015 (eBook)Through his encounter with the cub, Neil learns that sometimes you have to take risks to preserve what you love. And sometimes you have to sacrifice the present for the chance to improve the future.Dear Mrs. Naidu by
Publication Date: 2015Told through letters to Mrs. Naidu, this is the story of how Sarojini learns to fight--for her friendship, her family, and her future.Twenty Two Cents by
Publication Date: 2014A biography of 2006 Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, who revolutionized global antipoverty efforts by developing the innovative economic concept of micro-lending.God Loves Hair by
Publication Date: 2014 (eBook)"A touching poetic exploration of budding sexuality, the mysticism of religion, and family dynamics. Shraya's text and Neufeld's illustrations capture the confusion, innocence, and de3lusions of adolescence bang on." -Brian Francis, author of FruitRazia's Ray of Hope by
Publication Date: 2013The layered, mixed-media illustrations by Suana Verelst add contextual details about life in an Afghan village. This book works perfectly for a social studies lesson on global cultures.
Using the Library
- Borrowing Materials FAQQuestions related to how you can check out books.
- Recommend a Library PurchaseHave a book to recommend? Fill out this form and a librarian will get back to you.
- Ask a LibrarianIf you have a question, try chatting with a librarian to get a quick answer.
Freeman Book Award
The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden by
Publication Date: 2019When Spring Comes to the DMZ by
Publication Date: 2019My Beijing by
Publication Date: 2018Thirty Minutes over Oregon by
Publication Date: 2018Are You an Echo? by
Publication Date: 2016