Paromita

Paromita
by Paromita De, Abdullah (illustrator)
 
Paromita is a heartfelt and empowering children’s book about identity, culture, and learning to take pride in who you are. On her first day of third grade, Paromita feels embarrassed and isolated when her teacher and classmates struggle to pronounce her Indian name. Hurt by the teasing and attention, she even considers changing her name to “Pat” in hopes of fitting in.
 
As the story unfolds, readers learn the beautiful meaning behind Paromita’s name and the deep connection it carries to her family, heritage, and grandmother. Through her love of kathak dance, traditional clothing, and celebrating Diwali, Paromita slowly finds the courage to embrace her identity rather than hide it. Her powerful moment at the school talent show becomes a turning point, not only for herself, but for her classmates as well.
 
This story delivers an important message in a way young readers can easily understand. It gently teaches children about respect, inclusion, cultural pride, and the importance of pronouncing someone’s name correctly. The emotional journey feels authentic and relatable, especially for children who have ever felt different or misunderstood. The book also offers meaningful opportunities for conversations about diversity in classrooms and at home.
 
The inclusion of Indian culture throughout the story, from kathak dance to diyas and rasgulla, adds warmth and educational value without ever feeling forced. The illustrations by Abdullah help bring Paromita’s emotions and experiences to life, making the story even more engaging for younger audiences.
 
Paromita is an uplifting and timely read that encourages children to celebrate their names, voices, and backgrounds with confidence and pride.
 
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