IGNITING PASSION FOR BOOKS, ONE READING AT A TIME
An increasing number of children in the U.S identify themselves as multicultural, but there is just not enough representation. There is also a lack of authentic multicultural voices with very few authors of multicultural backgrounds. Indeed, though the south Asian population is at 20M and growing, only about 5% of the characters in children’s books are from Asia/Pacific.
Books function not just as mirrors for kids to see their likeness in the characters but also as windows where children can learn more about their friends and neighbors. This book is my humble attempt to bridge the diversity gap in a fun and relatable way for all kids.
I love interacting with kids of all ages during my book readings. As a part of my book reading sessions, I talk about the creative process and the basics of writing. I also like to include an element of craft or writing exercise during my session. At the end of any session, if I have generated a spark or passion for books and writing in young minds, I consider my work a success.
I am passionate about giving access to a quality education to all kids. If funding resources are scarce in your district, we can discuss funding strategies, and alternate approaches to collaborate. Here are some examples of formats.
HOLI Special
Glimpse into Holi – The Festival of Colors from India/ Holi themed songs for festival vocabulary/ Interactive, fun-filled book reading of 10 Gulab Jamuns/ Q&A
45 min program, K-4th grade
Please contact me for virtual visit details and rates at authorsandhya@gmail.com
DIWALI Special
A glimpse into Diwali – The Festival of Lights from India/ Diwali themed songs introducing new festival vocabulary Interactive fun-filled read-aloud of 10 Gulab Jamuns/ Q&A/
45 min program, K-4th grade
Please contact me for virtual visit details and rates at authorsandhya@gmail.com
Opinion Writing
Dissect my opinion pieces in Washington Post, KQED/ Discuss strategies of findings one’s voice, key message, points of view, editing, and narrating/Q&A
45 min program, Middle-Grade
Please contact me for virtual visit details and rates at authorsandhya@gmail.com
Diversity and #AAPI workshops
Introduce audience to culture from India and South Asia in an interactive, immersive and fun way.
45 min program, Ideal for Corporate Events
In-person and virtual formats. Please contact me for details/rates at authorsandhya@gmail.com.
TESTIMONIALS:
Sandhya Acharya did a book reading at our preschool that captivated the children. We have had the book out in our preschool lobby and it has become a favorite. There are many great learning opportunities in this book around culture, cooking, and math concepts, among others. The story also highlights the tremendous cultural diversity in our community and has beautiful illustrations to match
– WONDERLAND PRESCHOOL, CUPERTINO: OCT, 2017
Sandhya Acharya did a book reading at our preschool that captivated the children. We have had the book out in our preschool lobby and it has become a favorite. There are many great learning opportunities in this book around culture, cooking, and math concepts, among others. The story also highlights the tremendous cultural diversity in our community and has beautiful illustrations to match.
– WILKINSON SCHOOL, HALF MOON BAY: MAY, 2018
Sandhya Acharya conducted a book reading session with India Community Center’s summer camps in July 2018. Sandhya has an interactive style and the campers really enjoyed listening to her. The book she read, 10 Gulab Jamuns, was fun and was a good addition during our Little Chef Camps week. We particularly appreciated the authors ability to connect with the kids. recommend her highly for book reading events like this at schools, after-school, pre-schools and other similar settings.
– INDIA COMMUNITY CENTER: JULY, 2018
Sandhya does such a beautiful job at sharing the Indian culture through her book reading for a broad group of children. She is engaging and will moderate a lively discussion for the kids to participate in. We loved her session for our company’s AAPI month celebrations.
– Ro! Corporate #AAPI Event, May 2022
Sandhya is a wonderfully engaging and energetic storyteller who had the full attention of the preschooler audience (not an easy thing to do!) at our special library storytime. It was a real treat for her to read 10 Gulab Jamuns and even teach us a counting song in Hindi! It was very easy to plan an event with her and she made the storytime a very special experience with her warmth and enthusiasm.
– San Mateo Public Library, Sep 2022