- Mar 13, 2023
How M.S. Subbulakshmi
Used Her Voice for Change
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Farrar Straus Giroux
(pub.11.8.2022) 40 pages
Author: Suma Subramaniam
Illustrator: Shreya Gupta
Character: M.S. Subbulakshmi
Overview:
" Before M.S. Subbulakshmi was a famous Carnatic singer and the first Indian woman to perform at the United Nations, she was a young girl with a prodigious voice.
But Subbulakshmi was not free to sing everywhere. In early 1900s India, girls were not allowed to perform for the public. So Subbulakshmi busted barriers to sing at small festivals. Eventually, she broke tradition to record her first album. She did not stop here. At Gandhi's request, Subbulakshmi sang for India’s freedom. Her fascinating odyssey stretched across borders, and soon she was no longer just a young prodigy. She was a woman who changed the world."
Tantalizing taste:
" She became friends with other women attending the conference. With their encouragement, she traveled to nearby towns by train, bus, and bullock cart. Everywhere, she was the only woman among the singers. And she was never offered the best time slot to perform.
Her path was long, but Subbulakshmi was determined. After every song, she bowed, and in her smile, the audience saw a glimmer of her strength."
And something more: Author Suma Subramaniam's letter to the reader explains that "M.S. Subbulakshmi's life [1916-2004] is an example of how a small-town girl with a great devotion to her craft realized her dream. In her time, it was rare for a woman to make a mark in the world. I wrote this story because through this astounding human being's life, we can learn that the ability to heal ourselves and the world is within us."
- Feb 27, 2023
The Story of Maryam Faruqi,
Trailblazer for Women's Education
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Harper
(HarperCollins Publishers)
(pub.1.17.2023) 40 pages
Author: Reem Faruqi
Illustrator: Hoda Hadadi
Character: Maryam Faruqi
Overview:
" Maryam was a trailblazer for women’s education and the author is her granddaughter, creating a personal, inspiring tale.
Milloo lives in a time when school is considered unnecessary for girls. But to Milloo, education is essential.
When Milloo reads, her thoughts dance. Milloo courageously dreams of becoming a teacher, but in fifth grade her parents tell her she has had enough school. Milloo is heartbroken but finds a way to achieve her educational goals, graduating high school and college with honors. When she’s married, Milloo’s husband tells her to stay home, but she does not let that stop her.
She decides to open a school in her house and later opens more schools around Karachi, Pakistan, fulfilling her dreams."
Tantalizing taste:
" 'Milloo! Time for school!' yelled her brothers.
Milloo snaked past the sabzi wala,
cha-chaed past the chai wala,
danced through the dusty alleys,
all the way to school.
Although Milloo knew every answer, she didn't raise her hand
She looked down at the floor.
One day Milloo's teacher didn't come.
Children drew on the chalkboard.
Children stood on chairs.
Children threw paper airplanes.
Milloo wanted to read, but it was too noisy.
She closed her book.
SNAP!
She put her hands on her hips. She stomped to the front of
the class. She whistled loudly.
'Enough is enough!'
Milloo grabbed a piece of chalk and began to teach her class.
When the teacher returned, Milloo raised her hand the highest."
And something more: Reem Faruqi, in the Author's Note explains that her " grandmother, Maryam Faruqi (December 13, 1920-April 9, 2012), affectionately called Milloo by her father, is famous for founding Happy Home Schools in Karachi, Pakistan. These schools are still thriving today...She won scores of lifetime achievement awards, including the President's Award for Literacy (1987) as well as awards from the prime minister and the president of Pakistan. She educated thousands of students, students who have flourished in various professions in life."
- Feb 27, 2023
How Nichelle Nichols and Star Trek
Helped Advance Civil Rights
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Harper
(HarperCollins Publishers)
(pub.1.17.2023) 40 pages
Author: Angela Dalton
Illustrator: Lauren Semmer
Character: Nichelle Nichols
Overview:
" To Boldly Go tells the true story of Nichelle Nichols and how she used her platform on tells the true story of Nichelle Nichols and how she used her platform on to inspire and recruit a new generation of diverse astronauts and many others in the space and STEM fields.
As Lieutenant Uhura on the iconic prime-time television show Star Trek, Nichelle Nichols played the first Black female astronaut anyone had ever seen on screen. A smart, strong, independent Black woman aboard the starship Enterprise was revolutionary in the 1960s when only white men had traveled to outer space in real life and most Black characters on TV were servants.
Nichelle not only inspired a generation to pursue their dreams, but also opened the door for the real-life pioneering astronaut Sally Ride, Dr. Mae Jemison, and more.
This empowering tribute to the trailblazing pop culture icon reminds us of the importance of perseverance and the power of representation in storytelling. You just might be inspired to boldly go where no one like you has ever gone before!"
Tantalizing taste:
" We watched to see Lieutenant Uhura perform her duties as the starship's communications officer.
Lieutenant Uhura was played by actress Nichelle Nichols, and we burst with pride seeing someone who looked like us standing as an equal to make the future better for everyone. This was important not just to my family but for all Black people, because our reality told a very different story."
And something more: Angela Dalton, in the Author's Note, writes: "When Star Trek first aired in 1966, I hadn't been born yet. But by the time I was seven, watching reruns with my parents was as much of a treat as drinking red Kool-Aid (though I got to watch way more Star Trek than drink Kool-Aid). Back then, I knew why I got excited when Star Trek came on - it was about the future and exploring different galaxies and plantets - but I didn't understand the hold it had over my mom and dad.
Now... I understand my parents' sense of pride. They were finally seeing themselves being represented with dignity to millions of white people and embracing the idea that each of us can be significant in ways we may not know...
Nichelle Nichols isn't just an actress; she is the embodiment of promise and strength for so many people. I hope in reading her story you will be inspired to dream big, believe in the importance of those dreams, and 'boldy go' wherever they may take you."
