Pashmina

Priyanka Das has so many unanswered questions: Why did her mother abandon her home in India years ago? What was it like there? And most importantly, who is her father, and why did her mum leave him behind? But Pri's mom avoids these questions - the topic of India is permanently closed. For Pri, her mother's homeland can only exist in her imagination. That is, until she finds a mysterious pashmina tucked away in a forgotten suitcase. When she wraps herself in it, she is transported to a place more vivid and colourful than any guidebook or Bollywood film. But is this the real India? And what is that shadow lurking in the background? To learn the truth, Pri must travel farther than she's ever dared and find the family she never knew.

Chanani masterfully turns the complex immigrant narrative into a magical and captivating work of art. --New York Times Chanani's debut graphic novel is a charming blend of fantasy and reality with a feminist twist. --Washington Post In this spectacular debut graphic novel, a young woman searches for the truths of her past. --Teen Vogue"Colorful and deeply personal, Pashmina illuminates the experience of an Indian-American teenager and invites us to contemplate the power of our choices." --Gene Luen Yang, national bestselling author of American Born ChinesePashmina is filled to the brim with magic and heart." --Victoria Jamieson, author or Roller Girl Most impressive is the way Chanani keeps the story's distinct and fascinating plot elements spinning. One work can't represent a whole subcontinent, but readers will come away with a living sense of a small part of it--and characters to care about. --Publishers Weekly, starred reviewThis dazzling blend of realistic fiction and fantasy is perfect for fans of characters who have to overcome obstacles on their way to growing up. --School and Library Journal, starred review An original graphic novel written and illustrated by an Indian-American creator, this is both a needed contribution and a first-rate adventure tale. --Kirkus Chanani's debut is a lively, engaging exploration of culture, heritage, and self-discovery. --Booklist Fantasy with humor and substance, this is a book for girls seeking empowerment and agency. --The Bullitin of the Center for Childrens Books

Nidhi Chanani was born in Kolkata, India, and raised in Southern California. She holds a degree in literature from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She creates illustrations that capture the love in everyday moments. In 2012 she was honored at the White House as a Champion of Change for her art. Her illustrations are sold in boutiques along the West Coast and she's worked with companies like Disney and Hasbro. Nidhi lives in the San Francisco Bay area with her husband, daughter, and two cats. Pashmina is her first graphic novel.