Looking for Bapu
by Anjali Banerjee
When his grandfather Bapu suffers a stroke, 8-year-old Anu runs for help, but Bapu dies at the hospital. Anu feels responsible: if only he had run faster! or brought a cell phone!
Anu begins to dream of Bapu, and decides to become closer to the Indian gods and traditions in order to bring Bapu back. He shaves off all his hair (two days before school pictures!) and tries to be a holy roller (right through dog poop!) but these efforts and others are doomed to fail ... until finally, Anu's father decides to step in and provide some of the comfort that Anu has been missing.
This sweet story of love and family set in post 9-11 Seattle is interspersed with stories and traditions from India. It would make an excellent read-aloud to small or large groups. Recommended for readers ages 8 to adult.
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS
Anu begins to dream of Bapu, and decides to become closer to the Indian gods and traditions in order to bring Bapu back. He shaves off all his hair (two days before school pictures!) and tries to be a holy roller (right through dog poop!) but these efforts and others are doomed to fail ... until finally, Anu's father decides to step in and provide some of the comfort that Anu has been missing.
This sweet story of love and family set in post 9-11 Seattle is interspersed with stories and traditions from India. It would make an excellent read-aloud to small or large groups. Recommended for readers ages 8 to adult.
The events may not have happened; still, the story is true. --R. Silvern
Aarene Storms, youth services librarian
Richmond Beach and Lake Forest Park Libraries, KCLS
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