In Andal's House

Summary of Book

As a young boy in Gujarat, India, Kumar sometimes feels like he lives in two worlds. First there is the old world where people and their choices are determined by prejudice and bigotry. But then there is the second, modern world: in this world Kumar can be friends with whomever he chooses and his future looks bright. As part of the annual Diwali celebration, Kumar is invited to the house of his classmate Andal to watch fireworks. Andal is from a high-caste Brahmin family so Kumar is especially pleased to be included. But there in Andal's house, Kumar's two worlds collide in a very unpleasant way. Instead of being welcomed as a guest, Kumar is sent away, forbidden to join the festivities. Angry and hurt, Kumar is left questioning his place in Indian society. Where does he fit in? To which world does he really belong?

Author Biography

National Book Award-winner Gloria Whelan is the author of many children's books, including Mackinac Bridge: The Story of the Five-Mile Poem. Ms. Whelan lives in Grosse Pointe, Michigan.

Illustrator Biography

Amanda has been a children’s book illustrator since the mid-1980s, with books published in 26 countries. After a period in London and abroad, she returned to live in Cambridge, England, where she had trained.

She works from her garden studio “The Shadowhouse”, a step away from the house which she shares with her musician partner.