Grandmother School, written by Rina Singh and illustrated by Ellen Rooney. Orca Book Publishers, 2020. $19.95 ages 5 and up

 

"Her school is a one-room bamboo hut 

at the end of the mango grove. It has a 

thatched roof, and the mud floor is 

covered with mats for the grandmothers

to sit on. The door is decorated with

marigold garlands, and inside there is 

a big chalkboard."

The narrator for this book, based on a true story, is one very proud granddaughter. Excitement begins the day as she arrives to encourage her beloved aaji to hurry. Aaji doesn't like being tardy. Out the door they go. Their walk takes them her aaji's school, where all grandmothers in the village meet daily to learn to read, write and count. They are the only ones in the village unable to do so. 

Aaji first learns to spell her name ... a joyful accomplishment and only the beginning of the many successes she will know. The two often complete their homework together in the evening. When Aaji needs help, she has a willing tutor. Aaji works hard to learn, and even practices rhymes in her sleep. What pride the young girl feels, and what joy! 

Although Aaji has not been able to read until much later in her life, she has always been an accomplished storyteller, regaling her grandchildren with exciting and engaging tales of bravery and courage. She has a perfect ending for each story she tells them:

"One day I will read you this story 
from a book."  

Energetic, multimedia illustrations by Ellen Rooney add to the emotional impact of this fine story. Cultural details provide further interest for young readers. An illustrated map of India shows readers where the Grandmother School is located, and an author's note explains how it came to be, and why it is of such importance to those women who have always been the backbone of village life.