Today's read is the third in a three-book series. Nope, I didn't read the first two, so this comes with a fresh surprise. But I believe these books don't really build on each other. Rather, they should make nice read-alones. Maybe, I'm wrong, though.
Anyway, Anjali seems to have done well, and I'm excited to meet her and her gang. I'm not sure what to expect, but we'll find out!
ANJALI CAN!
Always Anjali
by Sheetal Sheth
Illustrated by Lucia Soto
Picture Book
40 pages
ages 4 to 8
Anjali is back and ready to prove there’s nothing she can’t do, in this third book in the Always Anjali series! When a beloved community center is threatened with shutting down, Anjali must quickly find a way to save the space or risk losing it.
The local community center is a second home to Anjali. It's where she met her best friends; it's her favorite spot for game and movie nights; and it's where she learned to play tabla.
Anjali has so many happy memories there, but now the community center is closing! Unwilling to let the center shut down for good, Anjali is determined to keep the place open. Some people may say there's nothing she can do, but Anjali knows better--she can and must take action! There is no stopping her.
From actor, author, and activist Sheetal Sheth comes the third book in the Anjali series and a reminder of the power of one and to always fight for what you believe in.
The local community center is a second home to Anjali. It's where she met her best friends; it's her favorite spot for game and movie nights; and it's where she learned to play tabla.
Anjali has so many happy memories there, but now the community center is closing! Unwilling to let the center shut down for good, Anjali is determined to keep the place open. Some people may say there's nothing she can do, but Anjali knows better--she can and must take action! There is no stopping her.
From actor, author, and activist Sheetal Sheth comes the third book in the Anjali series and a reminder of the power of one and to always fight for what you believe in.
MY TIDBITS
With vibrant illustration and energy, this book inspires young readers to let their ideas be heard.
Anjali can't believe her eyes, when she sees that the community center is going to shut down. The city no longer can fund it, which means her neighborhood looses a special place. After speaking to her parents, she decides to organize a protest with flyers and everything. But when the day comes, it's more like a little fizzle than an explosion of voices. Anjali, however, isn't about to give up.
Anjali is a character to root for. Her joyful attitude and big heart make her a girl to get behind. Her parents offer the support and guidance, as do several other adults, which I found to be a nice touch. The neighborhood might support her, but this also shows that nothing comes easily. Life is a magical spell, and despite Anjali's hard work, things still don't go quite as hoped. This realistic angle grounds the tale, and yet, doesn't forget to inspire as time goes on. There's a lovely sense of community and friendship, too, and of course, diversity doesn't fall short, either. So, it's goodness front beginning to end.
The text flows smoothly and the colorful illustrations support each scene, giving added clarity and zest. Young listeners will be able to flip through these on their own to enjoy the tale that way, and beginning readers can pick this one up on their own with a little help, too.
There are several messages in these pages. Community, family, and friendship come across with wholesome goodness and inspire. But it's the idea that a person can make a difference if they try...not always and not immediately, but it can pay off. There are also some general ideas on how to organize a protest and collect signatures but this is kept light and sticks well to the age group.
All in all this is a energetic read with several points to enjoy.
And here she is...
Sheetal Sheth is an acclaimed actress, producer, author, and activist. She has starred in more than feature films and TV shows. Sheetal supports marginalized communities through her work as an actor and by appearing at workshops and panels to speak directly to issues facing those communities. She is an outspoken advocate, and has delivered talks and keynotes at festivals and charity galas. She has had op-eds published on CNN, the Daily Beast, and Thrive Global. She served in President Clinton’s AmeriCorps and is currently on the advisory board of Equality Now and an ambassador for the Representation Project, founded by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, the First Partner of California. Sheetal is also the author of Always Anjali and Making Happy.
