title:  Blue Jasmine                                                                   

author: Kashmira Sheth

publisher: Hyperion, 2004

main character: Seema Trivedi

(award:  Paul Zindel First Novel Award; Oppenheim Toy Portfolio Award; IRA Children’s Book Award: Notable Book)

Seema’s dad’s job is transferring him to work in the US. So, Seema and her immediate family pack up to move to be with him. This is not easy when all family seems immediate! Seema has tight bonds with her cousin who feels more like a brother, with her grandparents (nanaji and nanima) and even her classmates and neighbors.

Seema immediately made friends in her new home in Iowa, as children often do. Luckily, her new friends are in her class at school and they support her as she makes a few faux pas in learning the new culture and language and also when a new girl enters their class and bullies Seema. Seema is also able to turn to a neighbor, Mrs. Milan, at times to learn about new words, flowers and other little things in life. After a particular discussion, Seema tells her mom that she feels “strange calling Mrs. Milan, Mrs. Milan. It feels so…distant.” How often do we give such notice to the way we address people?

While this is Seema’s story, told in her twelve year old voice, we do get a few insights into adjustments made by her mom and little sister as well. Author Sheth makes us realize that not all people adapt to new situations in the same manner. She does make us realize that it is not easy for most people to relocate because of those we leave behind. Probably the most affecting part of the story is Seema’s relationships with Mutka. Or, was it with Carrie?! Through both, we learn to be careful how we treat one another.

Kidlit has a short interview with Kashmira Sheth in which she discusses the autobiographical nature of Blue Jasmine and the road to getting it published.

Blue Jasmine will appeal most to middle through 9^th grade readers.

themes: bullying; Indian American teens; assimilation; loyalty