The Many Colors of Harpreet Singh
Harpreet Singh has a different color for every mood and occasion, from happy sunny yellow to courageous red. He especially takes care with his patka—his turban—making sure it always matches his outfit. But when Harpreet’s mom finds a new job in a snowy city and they have to move, everything just feels gray. Can he find a way to make life bright again?
Born and raised in the Midwest, Supriya Kelkar learned Hindi as a child by watching three Hindi movies a week. Supriya is a screenwriter who has worked on the writing teams for several Hindi films and one Hollywood feature. Her books include American as Paneer Pie, Strong as Fire, Fierce as Flame, and Ahimsa.
Alea Marley is a children's illustrator who is is currently based in North England. Her illustration clients include Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Sterling, American Girl, Little Bee, and Macmillan.
“I was so happy to see a book celebrating Sikh culture and religion on the cover. This children’s book showcases a beautifully colored illustration of a young Sikh boy wearing the traditional turban, or patka. Sikh people have unfairly suffered from our current racist society, so I’m happy to see a book celebrating their kindness and charisma. This book is relatable to anyone who has had to move and make new friends. Supriya Kalkar expresses her protagonist’s joys and fears through colors of the season and his environment. I would love to see more books like this, celebrating the many cultures of people of color.” —Bookriot
Brilliant, brief text provides easy forward movement and fun moments for a read aloud, like the alliterative ‘He wore pink... bopping along to bhangra beats.’ Marley's digital illustrations include full-page spreads and smaller isolated scenes showcasing a gorgeous palette of colors and subtle indicators of the challenges faced by Harpreet in his new community. One page shows the various incorrect ways classmates spell his name on valentines; another shows everyone curiously examining his lunch. An enlightening afterword from professor of Sikhism Simran Jeet Singh shares important context about the Sikh religion and the role of turbans as social equalizers.
Discover: This bright, vivacious picture book captures a spectrum of emotions as a young boy shows off his colorful head coverings.” —Shelf Awareness
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