Books by Mitali Perkins

Mitali Perkins writes picture books and middle grade and young adult for ages 4–18, exploring themes of asian heritage, cultural identity, love & family.

Standalone Books (Ages 12–18)

The Not-So-Star-Spangled Life of Sunita Sen

Mitali Perkins

Sunita Sen navigates the complexities of her identity in this lighthearted yet moving story about family, culture, and g

Ages 10–14

Open Mic: Riffs on Life Between Cultures in Ten Voices

Mitali Perkins

Ten different voices share honest, funny, and poignant stories about the everyday realities of growing up between cultur

Ages 10–14

The Door Is Open Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices

Veera Hiranandani, Supriya Kelkar, Maulik Pancholy, Simran Jeet Singh, Aisha Saeed, Reem Faruqi, Mitali Perkins, Rajani LaRocca, Naheed Hasnat, Sayantani DasGupta

For children exploring how their cultural heritage and personal passions fit together within their community.

Ages 8–12

Bamboo People

Mitali Perkins

For the child grappling with the realization that people on 'the other side' of a conflict are humans just like them, re

Ages 11–15

Hope in the Valley

Mitali Perkins

Pandita finds solace in an abandoned mansion as she struggles with middle school, a broken friendship, and the fear of l

Ages 8–12

Monsoon Summer

Mitali Perkins

Jazz Gardner swaps her California life for a sweltering summer in India, working at the orphanage that was once her moth

Ages 12–17

You Bring the Distant Near

Mitali Perkins

For the teenager navigating the complex pull between their family's immigrant roots and their own modern identity across

Ages 12–18

By Age Range

The Door Is Open Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices

Common Themes

Asian Heritage Cultural Identity Love & Family Self-Confidence & Identity Family & Siblings Celebrating Heritage Loneliness & Belonging Friendship & Social

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William S. Gray

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