Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?

Can Sona be the best big sister ever when she's not sure she even wants a baby sister or brother? Brimming with warmth and charm, this story set in India will resonate with new older siblings everywhere.

Sona Sharma's house is full of three generations of people who joke often and argue sometimes. Relatives come over unannounced, the phone rings frequently, and friends drop by all the time. Then one day Amma tells Sona that she is going to have a baby. Is that good? Sona isn't so sure. She doesn't want to share her room or her things with a new baby, not to mention the attention of Amma, Appa, Thatha, and Paatti. And despite Amma's assurance that the sky always has room for new stars, Sona doesn't feel stretchy or bighearted like the sky. But when she learns there will be a baby-naming ceremony, she's determined to find the best name for her new brother or sister--one as nice as her own, a Hindi word for "gold." Perfectly pitched to young readers, this tale of warming up to change is followed by a glossary of words from India to explore in the story.

Author: Chitra Soundar
Publisher: Candlewick Press (MA)
Published: 09/14/2021
Pages: 112
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.55lbs
Size: 7.80h x 5.20w x 0.70d
ISBN: 9781536214826
Audience: Ages 9-12

Accelerated Reader:
Reading Level: 3.8
Point Value: 1
Interest Level: Lower Grade
Quiz #/Name: 513621 / Sona Sharma, Very Best Big Sister?


Review Citation(s):
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 07/01/2021 - Book Of Special Distinction
Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2021
School Library Journal 09/01/2021 pg. 82
Booklist 09/15/2021 pg. 53

About the Author
Chitra Soundar grew up in Chennai, India, in a multigenerational family that was filled with small fights, big laughter, and lots of stories. An award-winning author of more than forty books for children, she loves writing picture books, fiction, nonfiction, and verse. Chitra Soundar travels the world visiting schools and appearing at festivals to bring Indian stories to children everywhere. She lives in London.

Jen Khatun is an award-winning illustrator whose work incorporates whimsy and playfulness in each line. Based in England, she enjoys living close to the sea and regularly walks through the beautiful downs to fuel her creativity.