#alwaysanjali

🥰 Snuggly wuggly #storytime 📖 #alwaysanjali 🤎 by @beneaththesheetz illustrated by @intentionallyjessblank 🎁 beautiful gift from @pjlovesall ✨ “to be different is to be marvelous!” 🌈 https://www.instagram.com/p/COEkr7MjZvtxh0Ks9-DKDAc8r44VlEirdBuJUk0/?igshid=786tkz9kht59

I’d like to let #SpanishPublishers know that one of my short term goals is to find a #publisher for #AlwaysAnjali, written by the wonderful and multitalented force of nature that is @beneaththesheetz. I loved this #book from the minute I opened it, a few years ago, at a signing event with the author at @watchungbooksellers. I bought two (signed!) copies for the two Anjalis in my life —one, a student; the other, a friend— and a copy for my son. We got in the car, I read the book to him, and I was so moved and inspired that we went back to the bookstore, where I reintroduced myself to #SheetalSheth and told her that I wanted to #translate her book. I had never done that. And there you have the origin story of our friendship. Why do I love #AlwaysAnjali? I’m glad you asked. (#NoSpoilers.) In an inspiring Hero’s Journey, the #book promotes tolerance, empathy and celebrating our differences by telling the story of a brave 7-year old brown girl who struggles to find her place in a world that tells her that she doesn’t belong. At a time when #SystemicRacism is a growing part of the national conversation, #AlwaysAnjali is serving as a vital resource in talking to #children about #racism. It's been featured on NPR, HuffPost, BookRiot, Today's Parent, Thrive Global, Cheddar, Children's Book Council, Publisher's Weekly and more... Even Gothamist recommended the book —in spite of it not taking place in #NYC— because of the universality of its story. I would love for my son and his generation to read in #Spanish this story about a girl from an #Indian family. Which is to say that #WeNeedDiverseBooks also in #Spanish. So if you are reading this and are in a position to acquire rights, reach out to me (or to the author herself!). https://www.instagram.com/p/CHN1BiOBZWW/?igshid=15nkxr9vpvywy