Summary
The story starts with a nine-year-old girl named Bindiya who is taking her first trip to India! Her family is traveling there to celebrate their cousin’s wedding. The author takes the reader on a journey of what a traditional Indian wedding looks like. While reading the story, the reader is learning various Hindu words. The majority of the Hindu words within this story relate to traditional values in Indian culture. The bright colors and alluring images truly capture the reader’s eye!
Theme(s):
Tradition, Culture, Diversity
Personal Response
I enjoyed reading this story because I personally do not know much about Indian culture. However, I have always admired how beautiful Indian weddings are. Additionally, I did not know any words in Hindu. However, reading the Indian words within this text was both engaging and informative. At the end of the story, the author provides and glossary and pronunciation guide for all of the Hindu words provided in the story.
Teaching Ideas
This story could have been used within my fifth-grade classroom. Many of my students came from India and would travel to India during the holidays and breaks. When talking about their culture with the class, this book could have been used to support our discussions and learning. This story can be incorporated into history, ELA, or writing lessons that focus on Indian culture and the Hindu language. Students may participate in comparing and contrasting their culture to Bindiya’s culture.
Recommended Reading Level
Grade 01, Grade 02, Grade 03, Grade 04, Grade 05
