Book Thoughts: Book Uncle and Me (Krishnaswami)

• unique setting in India
• first person writing–the girl was very introspective and observant
• discussion questions in back help listeners stay engaged
• a “Pir” revered briefly (a Sufi spiritual guide, part of Islam)
• clean language + several possibly new vocabulary words for kids

Type: chapter book
Ages: 7-10
Author: Uma Krishnaswami
Illustrator: Julianna Swaney

This chapter book was quite unique! The Indian culture is pretty foreign to us, so all the names, traditions and foods were a fun change of pace.

If you’re reading it aloud to kids, I recommend doing “voices” so that they know when the first person thoughts end and actual speaking begins.

Besides the father briefly trying to speak wisely like a Pir (chapter 14), the rest of the book is secular.

I loved how the girl worked so hard, and inspired others to join her, for a good cause.