Books About East Indian Americans

The Best East Indian Americans Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about east indian americans? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

#2 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About East Indian Americans

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Red, White, and Whole

By Rajani LaRocca

An Indian American girl faces her mother's illness, torn between cultural worlds and expectations.

Newbery Honor (2022)

224 pages· 21,311 words· Est. 2.5 hour read

4.4/5 Goodreads · 8,235 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Reha, an Indian American girl, navigates the clash between her school life and family traditions. When her mother is diagnosed with leukemia, Reha's world shatters. Despite her fear of blood, she dreams of becoming a doctor to save her mother. Can she bridge the gap between her two worlds and meet her parents' expectations to heal her family? This poignant tale explores identity, cultural conflict, and the unyielding bonds of love.

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$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2020

Binny's Diwali

By Thrity Umrigar, Nidhi Chanani (Illustrator)

A girl shares her favorite holiday, Diwali, with her class, but words escape her.

34 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 478 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Binny is eager yet anxious to introduce her classmates to Diwali, the Festival of Lights. As she struggles to find her voice, she paints a vivid picture of fireworks lighting the sky and shares sweet treats like pedas and jalebis. With each diya she lights, Binny hopes to illuminate her world and connect with her peers. Will her story shine as brightly as the festival itself?

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$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2021

Tomatoes for Neela

By Padma Lakshmi, Juana Martinez-Neal (Illustrator)

A young girl bridges distance with her grandmother through cooking and family recipes.

40 pages· 1,033 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 1,008 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Neela loves cooking with her mother, capturing recipes in her notebook to feel closer to her grandmother in India. On a Saturday market trip, they gather tomatoes for a special sauce, learning about different varieties. As they cook, they find a way to share the love and flavors with her distant grandmother. This heartwarming tale celebrates family bonds and cultural connections through food.

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$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2021

Daughter of the Deep

By Rick Riordan

A secret sea trial turns deadly as rival schools clash, testing Ana's leadership and uncovering hidden truths.

336 pages· 74,898 words· Est. 8.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 34,118 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: Ana Dakkar, a freshman at Harding-Pencroft Academy, faces a perilous sea trial that spirals into chaos when a long-standing rivalry with the Land Institute erupts. As tragedy strikes, Ana must navigate treacherous waters, uncover secrets about her heritage, and rally her classmates against deadly foes. With her leadership skills on the line, Ana discovers unexpected allies and faces challenges that could change her life forever. Will she rise to the occasion or become another casualty in this undersea conflict? Dive into a thrilling adventure where the stakes are as deep as the ocean itself.

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

Midsummer's Mayhem

Can Mimi's magical baking fix the chaos it caused?

352 pages· 62,823 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 1,941 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Mimi Mackson, feeling overshadowed in her talented family, enters a baking contest to prove herself. But when her dad loses his sense of taste and strange events unfold, Mimi and her new friend Vik must uncover the mystery behind the enchanted ingredients they found in the woods. As her family's troubles mount, Mimi learns that not all recipes lead to sweet outcomes. Can she solve the culinary conundrum before it's too late?

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$1899

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2020

American as Paneer Pie

By Supriya Kelkar

A girl must choose between silence and speaking out against prejudice in her town.

320 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,861 ratings

$19.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a small town, Lekha Divekar juggles two identities: one at home, one at school. When Avantika, a bold new neighbor, challenges Lekha's quiet acceptance of bullying, Lekha faces a choice. As a racist incident shakes their community, will Lekha find the courage to embrace her voice and heritage, or remain silent? This heartfelt journey explores identity, friendship, and the power of standing up for what's right.

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$1597

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

The Best at It

By Maulik Pancholy

A boy seeks his unique talent to escape bullies and find self-acceptance.

Stonewall Book Award – Children's & Young Adult Literature Honor (2020)

336 pages· 56,624 words· Est. 8 hour read

4.1/5 Goodreads · 2,720 ratings

$16.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Rahul Kapoor faces the daunting start of seventh grade in Indiana, armed with his grandfather's advice to excel at one thing. With bullies looming and his best friend Chelsea by his side, Rahul embarks on a quest to discover his hidden talent. But what if he finds he's not the best at anything? As he navigates school pressures and his feelings for classmate Justin, Rahul must confront the fear of not fitting in and the courage to embrace his true self. Will he find his place or remain lost in the crowd?

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$759

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2021

A Batch Made in Heaven

By Suzanne Nelson · Book #9 in the Wish series

A secretive bakery, a forbidden kitchen, and a competition that could change everything.

272 pages· 43,148 words· Est. 6 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 386 ratings

$7.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Mina's dream of becoming a baker is threatened when Flynn, the owner's son, bars her from the bakery's secretive kitchen. Without access, she can't compete in the cookie contest that could fund her father's restaurant dream. What is Flynn hiding, and can Mina uncover the truth before her plans crumble? With family and future at stake, Mina must navigate secrets and ambitions in a race against time.

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$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2019

Game of Stars

By Sayantani DasGupta · Book #2 in the Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond series

A girl must save a crumbling dimension from chaos and deception.

374 pages· 39,088 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 2,044 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Twelve-year-old Kiranmala faces a new threat in the Kingdom Beyond, where chaos reigns and a sinister game show controls all. With society unraveling and her friends in peril, she must solve riddles and confront her Serpent King father. As she navigates this treacherous world, Kiran must discern allies from enemies and discover the true essence of heroism. Will she succeed in saving her homeland, or will the multiverse fall into darkness?

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$1797

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

A Garden in My Hands

By Meera Sriram, Sandhya Prabhat (Illustrator)

A girl awaits the henna's reveal, each design a cherished family story.

40 pages

4.2/5 Goodreads · 335 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: A young girl sits as her mother adorns her hands with henna, each swirl a tale of family and heritage. As the wedding day approaches, she must protect the intricate designs, for a single smudge could erase a cherished memory. What secrets will the dried henna unveil? This vibrant picture book captures the essence of tradition, love, and the stories that bind us to our roots, inviting readers to explore the beauty of cultural rituals and the bonds they strengthen.

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East Indian Americans Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about east indian americans for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

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$1599

Bracelets for Bina's Brothers

Ages 4–7 · 2021

Bina's bracelet-making reveals surprising patterns and family secrets.

Series

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$1599

Usha and the Big Digger

Ages 3–6 · 2021

Three kids see different constellations. Who's right?

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$1695

Bindu's Bindis

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A girl's bindis help her find courage for the school talent show.

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$1799

How to Wear a Sari

Ages 4–7 · 2020

A girl tries to prove she's not too small by mastering a sari, with unexpected results.

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$1195

Hot, Hot Roti for Dada-ji

Ages 5–8 · 2011

Can Aneel uncover the secret to his grandfather's legendary strength with a batch of hot roti?

Sale price

$1999

Between My Hands

Ages 4–7 · 2024

A young girl discovers her small hands can offer the greatest gift: love.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$599

Starry Henna Night

Ages 5–7 · 2023

Can Priya plan the perfect henna party to save pangolins, or will it flop?

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$599

Awesome Orange Birthday

Ages 5–7 · 2023

Can Priya pull off a perfect party to save endangered quokkas in time?

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Browse by age

East Indian Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about east indian americans for developing and independent readers.

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$1799

Count Me In

Ages 10–12 · 2019

Two kids unite against hate after a shocking attack challenges their community.

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$799

Karma Khullar's Mustache

Ages 8–12 · 2017

Middle school looms as Karma faces friendship shifts and an unexpected mustache.

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$1699

Ahmed Aziz's Epic Year

Ages 8–12 · 2021

Ahmed faces bullies, family secrets, and unexpected friendships in a new town.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1799

Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms

Ages 6–9 · 2023

A hurricane threatens Diwali. Can two girls stop the storm?

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$1599

Same Sun Here

Ages 10–16 · 2012

Two pen pals bridge cultural divides, finding strength in shared struggles and unexpected friendship.

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$1895

Step Up to the Plate, Maria Singh

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A girl dreams of softball amid war and family struggles.

Sale price

$899

That Thing about Bollywood

Ages 8–12 · 2021

A girl's emotions trigger Bollywood song-and-dance routines, altering her reality. Can she regain control?

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$1899

From Twinkle, with Love

Ages 12–17 · 2018

A teen filmmaker's dream project leads to unexpected love and a tangled heart.

Series

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$1595

Meow Means Mischief

Ages 7–9 · 2000

A stray kitten helps Rana navigate new friendships and family bonds.

Sale price

$1999

Samira's Worst Best Summer

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A summer of mystery and friendship tests Samira's courage and sense of belonging.

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$1799

The Cobra's Song

Ages 8–12 · 2022

A girl must conquer her fears and find her voice to stop a mysterious threat in her town.

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$1899

The Secret of the Dragon Gems

Ages 8–12 · 2023

Two friends discover mysterious rocks with powers, sparking a thrilling adventure against a secretive camp owner.

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Our 10 Favorite Books About East Indian Americans

Great books, picked for their age.

East Indian Americans Picture Books

East Indian Americans Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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