Aruna's journeys

by Jyotsna Sreenivasan

Gr. 4^-7. Eleven-year-old Aruna is an Indian in the U.S.--a very self-conscious Indian at that. Fearful of being labeled different, she avoids other students from her native country and cringes when her parents share information about India with curious friends and neighbors. But a summer trip back to Bangalore to visit family helps Aruna gain a new appreciation for her heritage and its customs and traditions. Likewise, it helps her realize that many of America's ways are of value as well.