Middle Grade Books featuring Indian or Pakistani Characters

I'm getting requests for these books more and more lately from my students, so I wanted to collect an updated list. Many of these protagonists are Indian-American or Pakistani-American, while other books feature protagonists living in India or Pakistan.

Thirst by Varsha Bajaj
Minni and her family work hard to survive, and when Minni's mother has to leave for a month, Minni takes over her job as a housekeeper for a wealthy family. The 12-year-old girl in that family has her own private bathroom, while Minni has to stand in line to pump water, and then take time to boil it before using it for cooking or bathing. Minni has big dreams, but struggles to keep up with school and family obligations. How much is too much?

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Also by Varsha Bajaj: Count Me In and Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood

That Thing About Bollywood
by Supriya Kelkar
Sonali refuses to let her emotions show, even though her little brother is always showing his. As her parents' relationship crumbles and Sonali's best friendship begins to erode, something odd begins to take over: her life becomes a series of scenes from Bollywood movies. Sometimes Sonali's feelings completely escape, and she sings and dances like a Bollywood star, much to her humiliation. She'd give anything to get control of her life again - especially if she can save her grades, her friendship, and her family.

Also by Supriya Kelkar: Ahimsa and American as Paneer Pie

Yusuf Azeem is Not a Hero
by Saadia Faruqi

It's 2021, and Yusuf wants to be on the robotics competition team at school. Born and raised in the Muslim faith in small-town Texas, he still experiences racism, just as his uncle did 20 years earlier after the 9/11 attacks. This book is an exploration of family and community, with a look at two 12-year-olds' experiences, twenty years apart.

Also by Saadia Faruqi: A Thousand Questions and the Yasmin series - the latter targets early chapter book readers

Golden Girl by Reem Faruqi

Aafiyah has everything she needs, so why can't she stop herself from taking other people's things? When you steal from people you know, what happens when they find out?

Also by Reem Faruqi: Unsettled

Midsummer's Mayhem
by Rajani LaRocca

This updated version of A Midsummer Night's Dream features Mimi, who hopes to win a baking competition and gain recognition in her over-achieving family. Unusual ingredients lead to some magical outcomes . . . but is there success beyond the dream?
Don't miss the companion book, Much Ado About Baseball.

Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year
by Nina Hamza

Ahmed doesn't want to move from Hawaii to Minnesota, and he doesn't want to read three required books for English class. It's not easy having brown skin when almost everyone around him is white. As Ahmed learns more about his uncle, who passed away at an early age, he builds new connections. Maybe the epic year won't be all bad.

Amal Unbound by Aisha Saeed

An unlucky encounter means Amal is suddenly forced to work in a wealthy household to pay off a family debt. She makes an enemy in the household, and has very little hope of ever earning enough to be free again. Amal's dreams of being a teacher emphasize the value of learning, and the injustice of her situation offers a lot of opportunities for discussion.

Barakah Beats
by Maleeha Siddiqui

Nimra begins attending public school instead of Islamic school for the first time ever, but her best friend, Jenna, becomes distant instead of supportive. In secret, Nimra begins practicing with a popular music group at school, but her family religion discourages most kinds of music - and she doesn't tell the group. Jenna is impressed, but is that a good enough reason for Nimra to stay in the group?

The Night Diary
by Veera Hiranandani

Nisha's diary is a series of letters to a mother she can't remember, as she and her family flee their home. It's 1947, and India is being split into two new countries. Nisha is half Muslim and half Hindu, so as tension rises between citizens, she seeks to define herself.

Also by Veera Hiranandani: How to Find What You're Not Looking For and The Whole Story of Half a Girl

A Time to Dance
by Padma Venkatraman
Veda is determined to excel at Bharatanatyam, an Indian classical dance, although her mother isn't completely supportive of her dance competitions. An accident and leg amputation force Veda to examine her dreams, relationships, and identity. The serious accident might make this book better suited for sixth graders than fourth graders.

Also by Padma Venkatraman: The Bridge Home and  Climbing the Stairs

Boys Without Names
by Kashmira Sheth

Gopal moves to Mumbai, and he is supposed to attend school, but can't resist an opportunity to make money working for his family. It turns out to be something very different - he and other boys are trapped and forced to work in miserable conditions, with no way to contact their families.

Also by Kashmira Sheth: Keeping Corner and Blue Jasmine

Karma Khullar's Mustache
by Kristi Wientge

A light-hearted look at a collection of seventh grade problems, from her parents' shifting work roles to Karma's friendships and school relationships.

Amina's Voice by Hena Khan

Amina is facing a lot of changes: her best friend Soojin wants to change her name to Susan (and has started spending a lot of time with Emily), and Amina's parents are worried about pleasing her traditional uncle, who is coming from Pakistan to stay with them. They also signed her up for a public speaking contest - something Amina isn't excited about. This story is a well-rounded examination of middle school life in accessible language for upper elementary students.

Secondary readers may also try books by Mitali Perkins - I'm a fan of Secret Keeper. What other great titles are out there?