HOME, HOME

An Indian American child constantly feels like the odd one out.

Holed up with a sketch pad or savoring cups of chaiya (“the color of treasure and honey. The color of me”), Ajesh finds home to be a welcome respite from school, where the youngster feels like “the different one.” Happily, summer break is finally here, and Ajesh is thrilled at the prospect of “two whole months where I can be myself.” But when Mummy and Daddy announce a trip “back home” to the South Indian state of Kerala, Ajesh is unsure. In India, the child is overwhelmed by unfamiliar noises, sights, and sounds. Everything is different, except for one thing: Ajesh still feels out of place. But as the family spends time traveling through India, passing by the tea plantations of Munnar, enjoying a stay on a houseboat, and visiting Ajesh’s grandparents’ home, the protagonist’s attitude slowly changes. The familiar scents of Ammachi (Grandma) preparing chaiya make Ajesh feel right at home, and the book concludes with the child returning to America with a sketchbook celebrating cherished memories—and the understanding that Kerala is home, too. Relying on strong sensory imagery, this keenly observed tale speaks to the alienation experienced by many who straddle two cultures. Tightly packed illustrations reflect the hustle and bustle of daily life in Kerala, while wide luscious landscapes showcase the diversity within India.

A soothing read, warm and comforting as a cup of chaiya.