are 'setting sail' towards gaining new knowledge, and who knows what else? We might get stuck in a few storms, but we will make it through in the end.'
Looking Back to Look Forward
I answer my toughest personal questions - Who am I? Why am I here? What impact do I seek? - based on the stories of my ancestors and family we have heard, the place in time of the country I call our own, and the education I got As a family our values - always fulfilling responsibility, valuing lifelong learning, freedom for individual thought balanced with interdependence, and fighting like hell for what you believe in - are reflected in my children’s choices; from the college they chose to go to in India, to the circles of relationships they strengthen over the years with friends and family (especially grandparents and teachers), the projects they worked on towards Service and Academics, their lifestyles of reading vastly, valuing resources and time and being fit, and even choosing college subjects based on their own unique identity.
Values and Identity are fertile soil for the hard work of goal setting, planning and executing in our daily lives The Bhagavad Gita suggests “what stands between us and our greatest goals are not obstacles but clearer paths to lesser goals”. Often I see students settle for a low bar, leaving out so much more learning (or sports, or initiative, or relationships) that they have time, ability and opportunity for Make sure you set big goals that force you to take risks after careful reflection. And then make sure your plans have deadlines based on an honest assessment of efforts, resources, and mentors. And then have an action bias; most of life is learning by doing Being the best version of ourselves requires carefully thinking about values, identity and goals before moving into planning and execution. Any student at Neev has the tools to do this well. Just do it.
Kavita Gupta Sabharwal, Head of School
EDITORIAL
Vulnerability and The Road to
Self-Discovery
What is the purpose of our lives? To question existence has proven mindless, especially if we lack knowledge of who we inherently are What do we believe in, value, desire, fear? Failure, grief, struggle and setbacks are not meant to be hidden, switched off in a perpetual panic and fear of shame. In fact, in numbing ourselves towards the negative, we also deprive ourselves of gratitude, happiness and our sense of worth. In Brené Brown's TED Talk, The Power of Vulnerability, she explores the idea of how seeking connection through sensitivity is imperative to growth Brown explores a rather terrifying notion: to be okay with authenticity and vulnerabilityto embrace shame, risk and the unknown - would mean seeing ourselves as worthy, and deserving of connection. Redefining the path to achievement, means acknowledging the imperfections that make us whole
Brown’s thesis, of starting with the thought “I am enough” and building up from there, might seem odd to us We are wired perfectionists, and have been told that before we can deem ourselves as “enough”, we must struggle. To a large extent, this is true. Achievement relies on resilience and hard work. However, this process is grueling; if we don’t accept this, and instead hide our vulnerability, the environment we create becomes one that could quash the possibility of connection Therefore, in order to succeed in whatever we choose, we must find the fine balance between self-satisfaction and an awareness of scope for self-improvement. We must be focused, adaptable and diligent, while at the same time remembering that our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses
Student Government Initiation: A New Chapter for Neev
By Anya Shenoy, Grade 11B
At Neev, the start of our school year was marked by one of the most exciting events, campaigning for our new student government. From the campaign posters that littered the halls to the chatter amongst the students, it was safe to say that the student body was filled with excitement After all, what isn’t to love about new people in power, new perspectives, and more importantly, new ideas to improve our school? Each year we have a fresh crop of students ready to take charge, students that represent the voices of our students.
The student government is not just a checkbox on a college application, or a display of popularity. It is a chance to turn the community that all of us know and love into a better place Students are so excited as they vote because they know that not only does every vote count, but because every vote takes them one step closer to seeing their opinions, beliefs and values being represented within the student government
The student government is key in forging a brighter future, and yet, it is always hard to meet the interests of such a wide student body. Regardless, each member of the leadership team is ready to put in their all to make a better school for all. Neev is a beautiful community filled with so many different opinions and beliefs, but at the end of the day, together our hearts beat to see a brighter future
78th Independence Day’s Jhankis at Neev!
By Arianna Sethi, Grade 9B
India's 78th Independence is a mark of resilience, teamwork, and perseverance. Every year we honor our history, and commemorate the hardworking freedom fighters that came before us. Every year on August 15th, us, the people of India rise up and show their passion for this country
Slowly, the history and uniqueness of this momentous day unfurls to the younger generations, and allows them to see what shapes our country. At Neev, Independence day is not only a special occasion to honor our country, but also an opportunity to showcase our artistic talents through the Jhankis event. The mesmerizing dance performances, the engaging skits, the talented voices, and the artistic skills of students sprinkled all over the school. All of the houses put up their best performances, and engage in team spirit
Independence day is one of the occasions where we connect with our culture again. We are reminded of our roots. Wearing ethnic clothing, having our food, and even hoisting the flag, showing our team and house spirit along with it, makes it an unforgettable experience that we look forward to, every year.
Our school’s interschool fest - Aikyam (unity in Sanskrit), is a celebration of solidarity through diversity The event brought together over 2,000 students from more than 30 schools across Bangalore this year, fostering camaraderie and healthy competition With 13 diverse events spanning cultural and sports categories, it provided a vibrant platform for students to showcase their talents, creativity, and athleticism. As the carefully laid plans came to life, the campus buzzed with excitement
The event was a valuable learning experience in effective planning and stakeholder management. From coordinating with the sports department to working alongside the admin team, we gained a deeper understanding of the roles and responsibilities involved in organizing an event of this scale.
We look forward to continuing this tradition and strengthening bonds among schools, and within the Neev community in the years to come, by sustaining this legacy
Navigating New Beginnings
By Mira Bantia, Grade 5A
Aikyam was much more than just showcasing sporting skills It was a chance for me to get to know everyone better, establish goals and relationships as we embarked on this new chapter –Grade 5 It was like setting sail into the unknown, navigating challenges together despite competing in individual sports. This was an experience I may never forget.
Though this experience was a great one, from skidding and slipping across the track together, to playing monkey in the middle during the awards ceremony, it also came with challenges. This year’s Aikyam has resembled the structure of every school year –endless waiting, to minutes of action, mindless fun and last minute learnings from my friends to tweak my long jump technique. The stakes have clearly gotten higher. I have had to adapt in many ways With that said, I am excited for all the challenges the year may bring, be it sports, academics, or otherwise.
Kashmir’s first legislative election in a decade
By Arin Jagtap, Grade 10A
Jammu and Kashmir’s history is rife with political tensions Jammu and Kashmir’s first ever elections were in 1951 to establish a Legislative Assembly However, violence, political unrest, and accusations of corruption have frequently impacted elections. In 2019, the Indian government divided the area into the two Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. This decision sparked doubts and uncertainties in the public's eyes. Mainstream parties began advocating for varying degrees of autonomy and integration with India, while separatist sentiments continued to hold strong.
The Indian government has recently shown a renewed commitment to reinstating democratic processes in Jammu and Kashmir. A new bill has been introduced to facilitate the organization of elections, including the redrawing of electoral constituency boundaries (delimitation) based on the 2011 census data. Ensuring fair representation in the Legislative Assembly is essential However, local political groups have opposed the delimitation process, arguing that it could reduce the representation of certain communities
These changes will have a large-scale impact on the future of Jammu and Kashmir and its relationship with India. The government aims to bring back democratic procedures to promote stability and political engagement. However, the success of these actions is dependent on the willingness of the local population of J&K to participate in the political process Currently, a majority views the forthcoming elections as unpredictable as they may intensify pre-existing tensions or pave the way for a more safe and stable Jammu & Kashmir.
Crafting Success: The National Museum of Women in the Arts
By Dhanvi Khemani, Grade 8A
The National Museum of Women in the Arts is a museum located in Washington, D C This museum strives for better ways to present artists who are women, and it gives them a chance to set realistic goals for themselves. However, this is a fantastic opportunity for unemployed women to showcase their skills and hopefully guide themselves towards success
This museum also has a variety of artistic collections, such as exhibitions and workshops, which all showcase the creativity of these female artists One outstanding piece of artwork is a carefully and beautifully sculpted sculpture of a woman's body that is on display. The artist's name is Niki de Saint-Phalle, who is a FrenchAmerican sculptor and painter. She was able to create this piece to capture viewers attention with its stunning dedication, patience, and powerful representation of feminine grace. This museum can help women empower each other and small changes, such as these museums, can have a lasting impact on their communities and help these female artists reach the success they deserve
India at the Paralympics
By Saanvi Singh, Grade 10B
After the recent conclusion of the Summer Olympics, Paris is now hosting the Paralympics. The games play a major role in allowing athletes with disabilities to pursue sports and establish themselves on an international platform. The competition hosts over 4000 athletes with live coverage of every sport for the first time.
India sent 84 athletes and aims to beat their previous performance of 19 medals from Tokyo. Their main medal contenders include Avani Lekhara for rifle shooting, Sumit Antil for the javelin throw, Mariyappan Thangavelu for the high jump and many others With increasing promotion of para sports in the country being done by the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), the future is extremely promising for para athletes who look to participate in global sporting events.
The prefix ‘para’ translates to ‘beside’ from Greek to show how the Olympics and Paralympics run alongside each other This representation is important to work towards equality in a world mmunities of people n't just help by giving its athletes but more as a platform for the ink differently about disability
Power of Voice: Potential of Fair Education
By Nishka Lahoti, Grade 9A
Currently, protests are gaining frequency and severity, in India and worldwide. It is crucial for us, the youth, to stand up for what we believe in Through recent protests in India, whether they are for environmental conservation, women's rights, or social injustices, they have showcased the power of collectivism and a strong voice. These protests reflect a growing awareness and determination to challenge the status quo, current issues and demand change.
One issue that deeply resonates with me is the fight for quality education for all. Despite the progress we've made, millions of children in India and around the world are still deprived of this basic right Setting sail isn't just about going on new journeys; it's about moving towards a future we believe in and want, one where education is accessible to every child, regardless of their social class or background
We witness people protesting for what they believe in, and are inspired to raise our voices too By fighting for equal education, we can bring light to the disparities in our nation and push for the changes needed to ensure every child has the opportunity to learn and grow. As young people, our voices carry the potential to shape the future into a different, new and better place
Biobank for Endangered Species on the Moon
By Diya Shetty, Grade 11 B
Experts today speculate that we are approaching or are amidst the sixth great mass extinction in the history of Earth. With unpredictable natural disasters, accelerating global warming and human conflict threatening the security of terrestrial bioreserves, scientists have begun to look beyond Earth
A biobank located in a constantly shadowed region of the Moon’s south pole is promising. Its frigid temperatures around -196˚C are optimal for the long-term storage of most animal cells, without energy or maintenance requirements. Fibroblasts, considered “one of the most powerful cells”, could also be effectively preserved By transforming these cells into stem cells and cloning them, entire populations of wiped-out species could potentially be regenerated in future ecosystems, wherever they may be.
Scientists were initially inspired by Norway’s Svalbard Global Seed Vault, which stores millions of international seed varieties at freezing ranges. However, following scorching Arctic temperatures in 2017, permafrost meltwater flooded its entrance. This breach shattered the image of ‘failsafe’ protection, stimulating the search for alternatives
Though an exciting prospect, factors of microgravity, radiation and dust may pose challenges Scientists have much to do before moving forward with this ‘out-of-the-world’ solution.
By Anaisha Manglik, Grade 6 - Agni
By Arham Jain, Grade 6 - Agni
Guided by History
By Prisha Agarwal, Grade 4B
Setting sail into Grade 4
New faces, new places
A fresh chance to grow And take on new races
But amid all the changes Some things stay the same Like homework, assessments, The sandpit, and my favourite game
As I reflect on the days gone by Some bright, some full of displeasure
But one thing I know for sure, I could have done better
History repeats itself, it’s true, But what that means is up to us
The good I’ve done, I must improve
The mistakes I made, I must adjust
Relying on the lessons of the past
I’ll keep the habits that served me well, And leave behind all that pulled me back
That’s the key to success, in a nutshell
So setting sail into Grade 4
I will face new things without fear
For history, when relied on just right, Can help me shape a much brighter year
Service and Learning: The Single Story
By Lujayn Fazal, Grade 10A
My name is Lujayn Durez Fazal, and I am a Grade 10 student and one of the leaders of The Single Story Last year, we collaborated with Parikrma for four months, working diligently with 50 students to enhance their reading proficiency and we achieved significant success.
This year, we are continuing our partnership with Parikrma while also expanding our efforts to the Tibetan Children's Village (TCV) in Dharamshala, Himachal Pradesh Currently, we are working with the entire Grade 5 cohort, which consists of approximately 62 students.
On August 19th, I conducted an assessment with a delightful little girl named Lobzang. It was our first meeting, and after the assessment she asked if I spoke any languages other than English. I shared that I’m learning Spanish in school She then proposed an exchange: “Teach me something in Spanish, and I’ll teach you something in Tibetan. When we meet next, hopefully in person, you can share what I taught you, and I’ll share what you taught me ”
My passion for service makes working with these children incredibly gratifying; their kindness and eagerness to learn remains inspiring
For the Love of Books - A Literacy Project
By Dhruv Krishnan, Grade 9C
The program named "For the Love of Books" attempts to enhance English literacy among children aged six to twelve Dhruv Nagri, Kaavya Sahi, and Shreya Jain founded this initiative, which constructs libraries to stimulate creativity in children and teaches reading comprehension to children in schools.
The concept for this initiative came during Service Saturdays, when the team saw youngsters snuggled together, giggling over stories, or immersed in a book even while eating These experiences fuelled their desire to develop a curriculum that instills a lifelong love of reading
The program will develop as it enters its third year This year, the team hopes to reach out to a second school and recruit more volunteers and adapt their curriculum to account for students' varying reading levels They are prepared for this growth through their previous classes and funds for the upcoming year. "We're thrilled to incorporate reading circles into our new programs as they proved to be popular with younger grades," Dhruv stated
Working together is essential to the success of this project By assigning tasks based on each child's abilities, the team has built strong relationships with each child, which has enhanced their general literacy and reading comprehension. To date, the program has helped over 200 children, developing both their reading and imaginative skills
Football Junior National Championship 2024-25
By Anoushka D Johnson, Grade 10B
On July 24th, I was on a sleeper train to Belgaum, excited yet reflective Just a month and a half ago, I was at the state selections with 180 other girls, and now I was one of the final 22 representing Karnataka at the Junior National Championship.
Belgaum was an experience in independence and responsibility From figuring out how to dry our football shoes to adjusting to the weather, every day taught us something new. On the field, our teamwork shone as we won our group matches with significant goal margins Despite our diverse backgrounds, we bonded quickly, which translated into strong on-field chemistry
We made history by reaching the finals for the first time, defeating Assam 5-3 in the semi-finals Although we didn’t win the final against Rajasthan, our journey was a testament to grit, determination, and teamwork
Scoring 50 goals in 6 games, Karnataka set a record high for the tournament. This experience not only made me a better player but also a more resilient person. I'm grateful to my coaches, teammates, Ms. Shivashankari for guiding me these past 6 years, and teachers for their unwavering support.
Learning from Role Models: Achievement and Hard Work
By Zachary Ahamed, Grade 3B
My role model is my great-great-grandfather, Gustave Liard. He was a French Navy Officer. At 22 years, he graduated from military school and worked as a merchant Navy. He was such a hardworking person that, during World War 2, he became Captain of a sailboat called “La Belle Poule” where he was in charge of training young English military sailors. He had a dream of becoming a Senior Officer, which he achieved when he was 31 years old. He made a lot of sacrifices to serve France during the War and he was not able to meet his family for 5 years.
He is my role model because he was a hard-working person who never gave up. I am proud of him and want to be like him. His story taught me that, to achieve a goal in life, I have to work very hard and learn from my failures because there is no such thing as a perfect path.
Everybody can achieve things at any age. It is never too late
New Responsibilities: Discoveries and Opportunities
By Haya Nasir, Grade 6C
Transitioning to middle school was challenging, especially with so many changes For me, the hardest part of the transition to the sixth grade was the responsibilities and expectations Initially, I enjoyed the newfound freedom and independence However, I soon realized that freedom also comes along with duties and responsibilities.
Participating in clubs like MUN and Debate has helped me start developing time management skills. These opportunities also provide me with exposure to a new variety of topics, issues and ideas which I look forward to further exploring in MYP Furthermore, this change has encouraged me to set personal goals to strive for a better learning experience.
So far, MYP has been full of learning, challenges and fun and I have been able to get a good idea of what the next few years will look like. The support from my peers and teachers has been crucial in adjusting to this new environment. This shift has helped me recognise and appreciate core values such as commitment, respect and grit. I look forward to progressing in numerous aspects of my learning
Gustave Liard
Waffling 101
By Kabir Basu, Grade 11B
When I agreed to go with Dhruv and Utkarsh for the TAPD debate competition, my expectations for my performance were low Being in and out (mostly out) of the debate club since grade 10, and never having gone for a
competition before, I fully expected to fail miserably. Waking up at 4:55 AM, I had no clue just how much fun I’d have, or that I’d discover a hidden love for debating. In fact, I had no clue about anything really, considering the fact that I began my day fervently by brushing my teeth with face wash instead of toothpaste Armed with a lack of sleep, a foul mood, and a pen missing its cap, I set off for what was going to be an entirely novel experience.
The first round went well, boosting our team's confidence. I also realized that I had a knack for forming spontaneous rebuttals, and learned how to structure my speech from watching my opponents The various briefings definitely helped me understand how debates worked, but there’s something about real practice that no amount of Google Meet sessions can replicate. With 3 wins and a loss, it was a comfortable break into the knockouts While we were eliminated at the quarterfinals, it was still a lot farther than I thought I’d get I was deathly scared of dragging down the team, but over the two days I understood that I actually complemented my teammates’ strengths instead.
It was not until the closing ceremony that another miracle took place By some stroke of luck, I was named the second best speaker of the whole tournament At first, I couldn’t fathom it. It was only after looking at the speaker scores that I realized it had been my consistency that had awarded me my high average Placing in the top 10 has given me direct placement in round 2 of national selections, which is an opportunity I’m definitely not going to pass up on. This is just the beginning, and only goes to show how the first step of an extraordinary journey can be taken in the most unexpected of places
The Deep End
By Atharva Raghavan, Grade 4D
My fear of water was so great, My feet trembled like Jiggly jellies
Two years and some time ago Monsters dominated the water's flow, Dragons and snakes with venomous tails Tigers wielding fish on sails.
The sun rays made them all go away
But on gloomy days Demons lurked and traps lay And awful things they used to say
Then one fine day, I found some hope to fight my fears with my cloak.
When my feet touched the bottom of the pool
My fears collapsed and cooled Bobbing up and down, I started to goof like a clown.
Backflips and acrobatics, oh my
I was a water gymnast I can't deny I was off on my journey
And suddenly I felt like sailing the seven seas
As my technique improved, I found I could put my swimming to use
Now I set a goal for myself
To become the next Michael Phelps.
So if you are fearful of anything at all
You're not alone in feeling small, There's a bright light inside you that powers up when you give the cue
So turn your imagination into a friend
And jump into the deep end
My six-point strategy to set sailing this year
By Zayn Maniar, Grade 3C
Analyse my strengths and weaknesses 1
Learn from mistakes and improvise 4
Streamline my options and focus on improvement 2
Face challenges with confidence 3
Learn the needs of the community 5 Gather support and race towards a better future 6
Setting Sail as a Class Representative
By Barkha Chandra, Grade 4A
I really wanted to be a class representative from Grade 2 onwards, even though I was not fully aware of the responsibilities and challenges the role held I tried out last year, and was not selected, however, I learnt how I needed to improve
This year, in Grade 4, when they announced the student government elections, I decided to give it a try again. My classmates showed confidence in me, and to my surprise, I was elected My journey as a class rep in the last month has been very enriching
My teachers helped me understand the responsibilities and tasks of a class rep. I am learning to be more empathetic and learning to take others along with me I have to balance my responsibilities, studies, and sports I am sure with my efforts and the help of my teachers, classmates and family, I will be able to face any difficulties and overcome them. I am looking forward to the rest of the academic year.
Adaptation: An Outlook on Change
By Riddhi Mantri, Grade 6D
The start of a new academic year could mean a lot - from new classmates, peers, and teachers to new learning environments and practices
But the changes this year meant a lot more to me - because I wasn’t just going to another ordinary classroom. I was changing buildings, exploring MYP - and am a junior again, from being a senior in PYP. MYP is exciting, but it takes time to adjust, to calling drama “theater”, to new classes, topics, and new expectations
Change can mean two things - something good, or bad. MYP is not as difficult as I thought it would have been, and it is certainly an enjoyable experience. For all 5th graders, trust me, enjoy yourself as much as possible, because MYP is going to be a whole new chapter, with new relationships and learnings coming your way.
Ship of Life
By Neyamukil K M, Grade 5B
All aboard, all aboard
This is the ship of life.
Unfurl the sails and get her moving 'Aye-Aye, captain!'
This is the first harbour, The harbour of childhood
Filled with innocence and joy
The most wonderful one of all
All aboard, all aboard
This is the ship of life.
It's time to move on
This is the second harbour, The harbour of adolescence
Don't hesitate to ask why
Seek your identity, the shining jewel within you.
All aboard, all aboard
This is the ship of life.
Open the sail for the winds of stress,
They push us forward.
This is the third harbour, The harbour of adulthood
Be responsible and independent
But keep the innocent child in you alive
All aboard, all aboard
This is the ship of life.
On to the golden harbour
This is the fourth harbour, The harbour of old age,
Filled with love and peace, It is an age of reflection.
Moving on, moving on
To a destination incomparably beautiful.
Curiosity: Space and Exploration
By Tara Pramod, Grade 4A
I have always been fascinated by the immensity of space I’ve wondered what lies ahead of our solar system. And just as I was starting grade 4, Sunita Williams went into space yet again aboard the Boeing Starliner. There is so much we can learn from Sunita Williams as we set sail into a new academic year. Even when the seas get rough (or skies in this case), we need to persevere and not give up Sunita Williams was supposed to be in space for just a week but will now be there for months. Unexpected setbacks and challenges can happen to anyone but we need to brush them off and understand that things will not always go the way we planned. It's ok to be stuck sometimes But it’s important to adapt to our new situations. As we embark on a new journey, we should be positive, curious, set goals and stay committed to them As Sunita Williams says, "Believe in yourself and your journey Each step you take, no matter how small, brings you closer to your ultimate goal. Trust the process and stay committed " Safe journey home, Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore
Planning for Success
By Bhumi Bhandari, Grade 7B
It's always important to plan ahead, to know what you need to do to achieve your goals Goals don't need to be two-page-long explanations, but can just be a single line or two, describing what you want to happen, and when you want it to happen. Setting goals, making schedules, and creating lists are all important to planning a successful year ahead But that’s not all; adjusting to things, coping with what you have, and making use of time and space are all integral parts of this process too, needing determination, willpower, and grit
Doing these things is important, for many purposes To begin with, you can align your schedule to make sure your summatives, and other events don't clash You can create time for yourself and your hobbies You can manage work efficiently, and not stress about anything, and most importantly, you can enjoy school. Planning for a successful year doesn't only involve setting goals, and planning schedules, it also means looking back at what didn't work out well last time, and how you can set it straight this time, what methods you'll use and whose help you'll need. Planning for a successful year is important, and no matter the way you choose to do it, making sure it works is what matters.
Setting Sail to Finland
By Anezka Sequeira, Grade 5B
One of my ambitions in my music school was to get selected for the concert choir that would be representing India at Finland. I wasn't completely sure of getting through since the process was tough, but I made it Organizing myself was one of my concerns, since this was my longest time away from my parents. But I learnt to be independent, and I was able to adapt to the different time zones, keep up with the group and manage the hectic schedule. This was a great opportunity because of the masterclasses, Grammy award winner Jacob Collier's concert, and the performance by one of the last tribes left in Europe By being courageous I was able to overcome my challenges, and the trip ended leaving me with some of my proudest moments.
In With The New
By Alisha Patil, Grade 10B
Into a new year we venture, A new day, a new life Old practices we censure, A new way, a new try. This world is ours for the taking, Its troubles, ours to inherit Just what are we forsaking, In this race to repair it?
The new, the old, The meek, the bold.
The safe, the simple, The chafed, the symbol
What do we preserve, As we work to escape our fate?
What do we deserve, If not a second chance to prevail?
By the NBA Student Team
Adam Gidwitz
Children’s Author
Adam Gidwitz is the author of the newly released Max in the House of Spies, the Newbery Honor book The Inquisitor's Tale, the New York Times bestseller A Tale Dark & Grimm and its companions, the bestselling Unicorn Rescue Society series, and the Star Wars novel The Empire Strikes Back: So You Want to Be a Jedi
He is also the creator and narrator of Grimm, Grimmer, Grimmest, a #1 podcast for young people, and he produced the Netflix animated adaptation of A Tale Dark & Grimm, which was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Animated Series He lives in Brooklyn, NY, USA with his wife and daughter.
Sophie Blackall Artist, Author & Illustrator
Sophie Blackall is an award-winning illustrator of over 55 books for children, including national bestsellers If I Was a Horse, and Farmhouse; the 2016 Caldecott Medal winner, Finding Winnie and the 2019 Caldecott Medal winner, Hello Lighthouse, and the Ivy and Bean series.
She is the five-time recipient of The New York Times Best Illustrated Picture Book Award and has worked with UNICEF and Save the Children on global health and literacy initiatives.
Originally from Australia, she now splits her time between Brooklyn, New York, and the Catskill Mountains, where she runs a retreat for the children’s book community called Milkwood Farm.
Thao Lam
Author & Illustrator
Thao Lam fled from Vietnam to Canada with her family as a child. Learning English was difficult, and it was picture books that helped her understand this new world and ignited her passion for visual storytelling. She has an insatiable love for colored and textured papers, which she uses to create her exuberant collages
Recommended Age Rating: 8+
Genre: Realistic Fiction Novel
“The Red Queen” Series by Victoria Aveyard
Shenaya Bhattacharjee, Grade 10B
In “Red Queen”, the author Victoria Aveyard weaves together a story that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, discussing real-world problems of class division, discrimination, and standards of living.
Aveyard encapsulates Mare's struggle to navigate who she is, while simultaneously challenging an oppressive system, for those like her, for “abominations”.
Although portrayed in a fictional world, it is not simply a tale of fantasy, it is a story about resilience and finding your voice, battling against oppression, and courage. Vivid imagery and detailed descriptions make it a difficult read but completely immerse the reader nonetheless In “Red Queen”, one never knows what to expect next, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.
Recommended Age Rating: 14+
Genre: Young Adult Fantasy Novel
“Wonder” by RJ Palacio Ruhi Singh, 6C
“You can't blend in when you were born to stand out ” This is a quote from “Wonder” which I like a lot. I recommend this book because it shows how one small act by a 10-year-old boy can make a huge difference at his school, Beecher Prep.
This book is about a boy named August Pullman (Auggie) He has a condition called Treacher Collins syndrome. He has been homeschooled most of his life and now has to start middle school. This book is about how Auggie impacted the lives of the people around him While reading the book, I felt as if I was part of Auggie’s world by the way the author described his daily life adventures
“The Girl Who Drank The Moon” by Kelly Barnhill
Meera Tantia, Grade 5D
Recommended Age Rating: 11+
Genre: Fantasy Novel
This book talks about a girl named Luna who is left in the forest for the witch to find. However, the witch is kind and not evil. When she got Luna home, she accidentally fed her moonlight instead of starlight which enabled Luna to have magical powers that no one else had. One main thing that the witch, Xan, was worried about was the effect that the magical powers would have on Luna once she got older
I recommend this book because it teaches you what it is like to deal with challenges that are all around you and that are all part of your life. This book values bravery, courage, determination, and wit, which is why I recommend it!
“Breaking Moulds” by Vaishali Shroff
Reyansh Choudhary,
4D
Recommended Age Rating: 6+ Genre: Children’s Non-Fiction Novel
This book takes us on an artistic journey of an Indian sculptor named Meera. A journey that began from alponas in Calcutta led her to European countries to master art, only to be drawn back by her own roots in India. Meera’s sculptures spoke about common people and showed how art can connect us to who we are, so I really recommend this book!
“Butterfly: From Refugee to Olympian - My Story of Rescue, Hope, and Triumph” by Yusra Mardini
Haya Nasir, Grade 6C
Recommended Age Rating: 11+ Genre: Autobiography
“Butterfly” is an autobiography by Yusra Mardini that entails the swimmer’s perilous journey from Syria to Germany, across dangerous waters to a successful future. The book expresses the various struggles she faced, from family separation to being stranded at sea. Eventually, due to escalated bombings, she and her sister were driven out of the country and forced to migrate to Germany, in search of a better future They crossed the sea and traversed Europe, risking their lives, but forming vital bonds along the way.
Reading about Yusra’s struggles enabled me to appreciate my own privileges “Butterfly” is an enjoyable and interesting read filled with suspense, leaving the reader with many lingering questions. Would Yusra ever live a happy life again? Would she ever reunite with her family? What would her future in swimming hold?
“Daughter of the Deep” by Rick Riordan
Sanjana Dravid, 5A
Recommended Age Rating: 10+
Genre: Adventure Fiction Novel
“Daughter of the Deep” is an inspiring book that tells us about the journey of a young girl named Ana Dakkar It’s a perfect read for fiction lovers and is based on the story of Captain Nemo, from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea”, by Jules Verne Ana learns that she is a descendant of Captain Nemo, and only she can control his submarine, the Nautica. As she progresses through the story, she meets challenges, secrets, and surprises. In the novel, she sets sail literally and figuratively on a journey that tests and builds her resilience and bravery.
When Ana sets sail she is not so sure about leading. She doubts herself, but as she progresses, she becomes more of a leader. This is a work of fiction, yet one can relate to it through examples in daily life We may not realize it, but we set sail on a new journey every day, which is what Ana does in the book! Happy Reading!
