Parents' Guide to

American Desi

Happy, brown-skinned girl with glasses running with colorful cloth.

Common Sense Media Review

Carrie Kingsley By Carrie Kingsley , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 4+

Lovely celebration of Indian and American cultures blending.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 4+?

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What's the Story?

The young girl in AMERICAN DESI talks about the ways her Indian heritage weaves into her American life, from the foods she eats, the clothes she wears, the sounds of her words, the games she watches, and the small details of her everyday world. She sees that she doesn't need to choose one over the other, that she can bridge her worlds together, celebrating all aspects of herself.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say: Not yet rated
Kids say: Not yet rated

This gorgeous, warm picture book celebrates the differences in big moments and small details that are part of a multicultural life, centering the everyday life of an Indian American family. American Desi makes moments remarkable with a loving theme of inclusion, that the family gives space to grow and there's no need to hide any part of the person the child is becoming as she navigates and celebrates her past and her present. The illustrations are especially engaging, full of colors and textures that reflect a blended life.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about ways the family in American Desi blends traditions. What traditions do have from the different sides of your family?

  • Not every family has such clear cultural differences as the family in American Desi. But every family has things that make it unique. What are some of the things that make your family unique? What do you do differently from your neighbors and friends? What's the same?

  • How do you like the art in American Desi? Which page is your favorite? Why?

Book Details

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