Pashmina

In this debut graphic novel, comics-loving teen Priyanka doesn't know much about her mom's old life in India--or about her dad ("that subject is permanently closed"). Then Pri finds a beautiful pashmina in an old suitcase. When she wears it, Pri has visions of a vibrant India, complete with talking animals and an ominous shadowy figure. When Pri travels to India herself, she solves the mystery of the shadowy figure and the pashmina's origins (the goddess Shakti gave it the power to "allow women to see their choices"). Pri learns that even though the true India isn't the enchanted land she envisioned, that doesn't make it any less special: an aunt tells her, "Do not look at the dirt. Look at the people." Pri also learns that she and her mother are crucially connected through their shared experiences with the pashmina. Chanani's rounded figures give the illustrations accessibility, and colors are used to great emotional effect. Contemporary reality is shown in grayscale; the past in sepia hues; and Pri's imagined India in rich colors that radiate off the pages. Priyanka is a realistically complex, sometimes moody character, with depth shown through her varied interests and inquisitive musings. Although the protagonist is in high school, younger readers (especially fans of Brosgol's Anya's Ghost, rev. 7/11) will have no trouble reading up. elisa gall