inkygirl's review against another edition
5.0
A thoroughly engaging read about friendship, family and embracing cultural differences. Although I wasn't quite as self-conscious as Shivani when I was her age, I do remember feeling nervous about how others at my school would react to my mother (whose English was not perfect), and how ashamed I was later on of how I felt. I wish this book had been around back then!
Reading Mahtab Narsimhan's books almost always make me hungry for Indian food, and EMBRACE THE CHICKEN is no exception. Plus I love that there are simple recipes at the end for butter chicken and chana masala.
Reading Mahtab Narsimhan's books almost always make me hungry for Indian food, and EMBRACE THE CHICKEN is no exception. Plus I love that there are simple recipes at the end for butter chicken and chana masala.
ljrinaldi's review against another edition
4.0
This is rather a cute, quick read about a girl, Shivani, who is trying to desperitly be like all the other white Canadians that she sees around her. Her family only recently emgrated, and she wants so much to fit in, that she eats white bread sandwiches, rather than Indian food, so she doesn't look weird. She wears jeans, instead of a sari, and she does not let any of her friend come to her home, because she is embarrassed that her mother doesn't speak good English yet.
This gentle book, told from Shivani's point of view, shows that things are not the way they seem. That people will not shun her because of her mother, or her mother's cooking, or her mother's use of English. That instead, they will embrace her.
It is a common fear, that of not fitting in, and this is a well done take on it.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This gentle book, told from Shivani's point of view, shows that things are not the way they seem. That people will not shun her because of her mother, or her mother's cooking, or her mother's use of English. That instead, they will embrace her.
It is a common fear, that of not fitting in, and this is a well done take on it.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
twiinklex's review against another edition
4.0
This is a simple but meaningful story about embracing one's heritage, culture and uniqueness. I loved all the descriptions of Indian food and cuisine. They made my mouth water! This is definitely an important read that I would recommend to all kids.
cweichel's review against another edition
4.0
This little novel packs a lot of important messages into it. Like many newcomers to Canada, Shivani is struggling to fit in and find a place for herself in her new school and community. She is terrified that if people meet her mother, who is struggling with English, people will make fun of her. If they do that, they will also end up making fun of Shivani.
I cringed at how Shivani was ashamed of her family and her culture. Thankfully, her parents are smart and their new community is diverse and accepting. I really appreciated how responsible and responsive all the adults in this book are. I also liked how thoughtful the students are. This is the reality of the multicultural world I spent many years teaching in.
I cringed at how Shivani was ashamed of her family and her culture. Thankfully, her parents are smart and their new community is diverse and accepting. I really appreciated how responsible and responsive all the adults in this book are. I also liked how thoughtful the students are. This is the reality of the multicultural world I spent many years teaching in.
amdame1's review against another edition
3.0
Shivani and her family have moved to Canada from Mumbai. Shivi and her younger sister and her dad have all learned English quite well, but her mom still struggles with the language. Shivi is trying to fit in and make friends so she is embarrassed by her mom and doesn't want anyone to meet her, including her new friend Mel. Shivi makes up all kinds of excuses to keep her mom away from the school fundraising event - but her lies might cost her more than she bargained for.
A typical hi-lo from Orca although I do like the diverse theme with it's realistic topic and very authentic student voice. Also includes 2 Indian recipes!
A typical hi-lo from Orca although I do like the diverse theme with it's realistic topic and very authentic student voice. Also includes 2 Indian recipes!
sinamile's review against another edition
3.0
ARC Review: Received for free via Netgalley for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Cool.
I think Shivani was unnecessarily cruel to her mother, really. There were moment where I literally cringed because it was too much! This one seemed too rushed, I think it would've been better if it was a little longer, where we build up to the point where Shivani learns to live herself and her culture.
Books like this one are important, especially for immigrant children who'd most likely go through the same situation as Shivani, but I think with this one it would've worked so much better if it was longer and explored Shivani's growth more.
This is not to say I didn't like this book, I did and younger reads may enjoy it a lot more. But some of it was cringe worthy because Shivani was just so awful to her mom sometimes, and it was way too quick!
P. S. I'm definitely going to try do the recipes given (I definitely liked that that bit was added in!)
Cool.
I think Shivani was unnecessarily cruel to her mother, really. There were moment where I literally cringed because it was too much! This one seemed too rushed, I think it would've been better if it was a little longer, where we build up to the point where Shivani learns to live herself and her culture.
Books like this one are important, especially for immigrant children who'd most likely go through the same situation as Shivani, but I think with this one it would've worked so much better if it was longer and explored Shivani's growth more.
This is not to say I didn't like this book, I did and younger reads may enjoy it a lot more. But some of it was cringe worthy because Shivani was just so awful to her mom sometimes, and it was way too quick!
P. S. I'm definitely going to try do the recipes given (I definitely liked that that bit was added in!)
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