If You Were Me and Lived in...India

Young readers learn about the culture, geography and life of their peers in India.

In Roman’s (If You Were Me and Lived In…Kenya, 2013, etc.) latest installment of her cultural series (previous volumes covered France, Mexico and other countries), she transports readers to India, where she takes them on a whirlwind, detailed tour. Geared toward young readers, the story also works as a primer for readers of all ages. Beginning with maps showing India’s place in the world and the location of the capital, New Delhi, the book reveals everyday life in India from the perspective of a child. For instance, readers learn what children call their parents—“When you talk to your mommy, you would call her Maaji. Then when you need your daddy, you would say, ‘Pitaji!’ ”—and about the food—“Some people in India do not eat beef or pork, so there are ways to cook vegetables with interesting spices. Cumin, curry, cinnamon, and chilies are used in abundance to flavor the dishes.” Roman describes important sites in the country, such as the Taj Mahal; holidays; sports; and other details. This book, like the others in Roman’s series, is engaging and straightforward. The colorful images help comprehension of the text. An illustration of a cricket match, for example, helps show the similarities to American baseball. At the conclusion, a pronunciation key provides phonetic spellings and definitions. In addition, the construction of the sentences throughout the story—“You would…” and “You might like…”—helps young readers imagine themselves in the various scenes. Most kids go to school, play games and celebrate holidays, and Roman’s stories help them realize how much we all have in common.

A colorful, engaging text that will help young readers find a greater appreciation of another culture.