V. Malar – Greatest Host of All Time
V. Malar can’t wait to celebrate the harvest festival Pongal with her cousins from Seattle. But will they have enough in common to make it enjoyable? An illustrated chapter book about extended family and holiday traditions, kicking off a charming new series.
Reviews:
Culture clash propels this spirited series starter by Subramaniam (My Name Is Long as a River). In the tiny coastal Indian village of Pori, 10-year-old Malar is excited that her Seattle relatives are visiting her family’s farm during Pongal, the harvest festival. Flipping the outsider script by centering the Indian host immediately establishes empathy for Malar, whose enthusiasm for family, farm animals, and village life suffuses this infectious narrative. Animated b&w illustrations by Sreenivasan (My Saree) depict Malar, Priya, and Kamal with verve and individuality, adding giddy energy to a story that encourages gracious hospitality and open-mindedness.
– Publishers Weekly, Starred Review
A strong title for holiday early chapter book collections. This is a great purchase for elementary school libraries where Subramaniam’s other books, such as My Name Is Long as a River, are popular.
– School Library Journal
As readers follow the characters through all the preparations, festivities, and mishaps, they will find lots to like in this fast-paced, energetic novel, including all the cultural details, Tamil words, emotional roller coaster of three spunky children, and line drawings that accentuate the narrative. Ultimately, all is resolved satisfactorily, as the characters find that friendships take time to form, misunderstandings are inevitable, and patience is a venerable teacher.
– Booklist
A heartening tale of cultural clashes, family drama, and ultimately, forged bonds
Malar’s honest, insightful narratorial voice deftly guides readers through rural Indian life, Pongal traditions, and the experience of hosting Western visitors in the global South. Overall, the layered characters and authentic conflict will resonate with a wide range of readers.
– Kirkus Reviews
Openhearted Malar shines in this cross-cultural story of family and friendship. The global message of getting along and reaching across divides could not be more timely.
—Megan McDonald, author of the best-selling Judy Moody series
V. Malar: Greatest Host of All Time tenderly celebrates the power of ritual and tradition to bring family together. It’s a vivid read that sparkles with a sweet and relatable protagonist.
—Maya Prasad, author of Sejal Sinha Battles Superstorms
A beautiful story of family and friendship and an authentic peek into the celebration of Pongal, the Tamil harvest festival. Archana Sreenivasan’s illustrations are evocative and pair gorgeously with Suma Subramaniam’s detailed and rich descriptions. A must-read for all children who have cousins and extended families across the world. —Chitra Soundar, author of the Sona Sharma series
Subramaniam’s warm layers of story are so evocative, akin to a poem of place, people, and family. The story of V. Malar celebrates who we are and what we can be together. I was moved by the art of forgiveness, the rewards of self-study, and the brightness that young Malar brings to all she does. I can’t wait to see what she gets up to next. V. Malar really is the greatest.” —Vita Murrow, author of Power To The Princess
V. Malar: Greatest Host of All Time is an endearing story about patience and friendship. Family, farm animals, food, and a colorful festival make for a delightful backdrop while we cheer on Malar, against all odds, to become the best host ever. The artwork is joyous and a perfect match!” —Joe Cepeda, recipient of a Pura Belpré Honor and a Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor
The Hero Next Door
Published in partnership with We Need Diverse Books, this vibrant anthology from Penguin Random House features thirteen acclaimed authors whose powerful and diverse voices show how small acts of kindness can save the day. So pay attention, because a hero could be right beside you. Or maybe the hero is you.
AUTHORS INCLUDE: William Alexander, Joseph Bruchac, Lamar Giles, Mike Jung, Hena Khan, Juana Medina, Ellen Oh, R. J. Palacio, Linda Sue Park and Anna Dobbin, Cynthia Leitich Smith, Ronald L. Smith, Rita Williams-Garcia, and short-story contest winner Suma Subramaniam
Awards:
2023 Massachusetts Book Award Finalist
Praise:
“A stellar collection that, in celebrating heroes, helps readers find the universal in the specific.”
—Kirkus Reviews starred review
“A great anthology with a message of spreading kindness and hope.”
–School Library Journal
“There is a story here for everyone.”
–Booklist
“These accomplished stories triumphantly redefine the meaning of the word hero.”
–Publishers Weekly
“As with the two previous anthologies from We Need Diverse Books, this collection admirably succeeds in making available to all readers a wider and more representative range of American voices and protagonists.”
-The Washington Post
Order here:
sumasubramaniam.com 