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Position paper: What does it mean to read "diverse" literature?

Monday, December 10, 2007

Here Comes Diwali!


Pandya, Meenal. Here Comes Diwali! The Festival of Lights. Masachussets: MeeRa Publications, 2000.

This text tells the story of Diwali (the Festival of Lights and the Hindu New Year) through history and the perspective of a child. The child in the text accounts the happenings in her home around the time of Diwali. Then as the days leading up to Diwali arrive, she accounts through family story why Diwali is so important to Hindus. The book also includes recipes that are traditional during Diwali and also activities that children can participate in.

I think the part that I enjoyed the most was the introduction page. It gives a great description of Diwali in just a few words. Its paints a picture of the colors that shine throughout the night and what it means to the people that celebrate this holiday. To Hindus, as the introduction reads, Diwali is:

“… A new light

A new hope

A new inspiration


To make a difference

In your life

In your family

In your neighborhood

In your world”


I think that the text would be a good one for the classroom. It is accurate, complete, and easy for younger children to understand.
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