Title: Dhara’s Revolution

Author: Varsha Seshan

Illustrator: Tanvi Bhat

Publisher: Puffin

Length: 112 pages

Age recommendation: 7+

Dhara and Carol are 4^th graders at Sarvaloka Public School and best friends. Their teacher, the inspiring Chandra ma’am wants her class to do something revolutionary. But what? She isn’t going to tell them! Every Monday she will check in with her class on what matters to them and where they feel their voice can make an impact. The school has decided to build a new state-of-the-art assembly hall and this leads to Dhara coming up with the idea of electing a student respective from their grade. Yes, a 4^th grader. Why? Because they will stay in school for 6 more years and can take initiatives that will make a difference.

But…. Dhara wants a farm while Carol wants a library instead of the proposed assembly hall. They are now on opposing teams for the election and Dhara decides to not talk to Carol until the elections are over. Team Carol seems to be coming up with great ideas while Team Dhara is struggling. It’s not fair, thinks Dhara! The whole idea was mine; how can someone be better at it? Join Dhara as she finds her way back to her friendship and the things that truly matter.

This book is great to introduce the power of choice and voting to children. Chandra ma’am cites an example in the beginning, of how the school uniform was changed because students wanted it. Varsha Seshan’s writing is brilliant and one feels as though they are with Dhara while reading the book. Tanvi Bhat’s captivating illustrations add charm to a beautiful story.

(Disclosure: I received this book from penguin @penguinsters for review)

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