Suchi Sairam – Author Anthony Avina

i received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

A young girl yearns to share her passion for dance with her class in the book “Dancing Deepa.”

The Synopsis

Deepa LOVES to dance. She studies a dance from India called Bharatanatyam that is like moving poetry! But since her dance is different from what her friends at school do, she isn’t sure if she should share it. Is there someone like Deepa in your class at school? What passion might you two share? Read to find out how you two are alike, how you are different, and how you could be friends to one another.

The Review

This was another fantastic entry into this beautifully written children’s book series. The shift in focus to Surya’s older sister Deepa was a welcome change of pace, and gave a fresh perspective on the story. The relatability of Deepa as a protagonist and her experiences in school were well balanced by the fast pacing of the story and the warmth of the illustrations. The exploration of Bharatanatyam as a dance and the importance to Indian culture as well was phenomenal, allowing younger readers to experience a new culture while also giving younger readers of the Indian culture a story they could see themselves in.

At the heart of this book was the power of the story’s themes. The book artfully delves into peer pressure and identity again with this book, while also bringing in the power of confidence and self expression as well. The deflating feeling of feeling like you have to hide a part of yourself is a struggle far too many young people have to go through, and the power positivity and encouragment can have on a young person is greatly felt throughout this story as well.

The Verdict

Engaging, memorable, and thoughtfully written, author Suchi Sairam’s “Dancing Deepa” is a must-read illustrated children’s book. The colorful and moving illustrations when paired with the moving and powerful themes the story brings to life allow readers to greatly engage with Deepa’s character and become entranced in her experiences overall. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10

About the Author

SUCHI SAIRAM is an Indian-Texan-Minnesotan-American with her feet firmly and proudly planted in multiple cultures and identities. She is equally an engineer and artist, leader and entrepreneur, student and teacher.

Her passion is to integrate the arts, leadership, and entrepreneurship to help develop great people and spread good in the world around us.

Suchi’s nearly 40 year journey in the Indian classical arts as a student, teacher, dancer, choreographer and performer alongside her long career in corporate and small businesses gives her a unique worldview. She founded St. Paul, MN based dance studio and company, Kala Vandanam in 2002. Her first book, a multiple award-winning illustrated children’s book “Dancing Deepa” was inspired by her loving students at Kala Vandanam, and is dedicated to them and all of the young, aspiring dancers out there who just want to share what they love with others.

Suchi has devoted her time and talents to organizations supporting science and math education for girls, empowerment for women, the arts, and developing vibrant small businesses in her community.

Find Suchi on social media – instagram.com/suchisairam | linkedin.com/in/suchisairam

For more about Kala Vandanam – kalavandanam.com
facebook.com/kalavandanam | instagram.com/kalavandanam

Trailer – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MG-cKCRdDE8

The Review

This was an uplifting and moving children’s book read. The author does a remarkable job of conveying a sense of heart and passion into the story, infusing warm imagery and great insight into what life a child is like, both for everyday life and for those from other cultures as well. The characters feel relatable and make the reader feel connected to both the story and the life experiences the story conveys.The depth of culture the author poured into this book was amazing as well.

What really stood out was the powerful themes of this narrative. The exploration of peer pressure, identity, and following one’s dreams is very prevelant throughout the book, giving readers a chance to see how the opinions of our peers and the world around us often hinder a person’s desire to follow their dreams or passions in life. Yet the book celebrates what makes people different, and encourages children to explore those passions with zeal and bravery. The courage and positive message the story drives home and even exploring how often ideas about what certain things are associated with certain genders and how that can impact a person exploring their passions made a strong statement in this book.

The Verdict

Thoughtful, uplifting, and engaging, author Suchi Sairam’s “Singing Surya Dreams to Dance” is a must-read children’s illustrated book. The steady pacing of the narrative, rich imagery, and the memorable themes the story explores will keep young readers entertained and help educate them on how to embrace their identities and celebrate what makes them different. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!

Rating: 10/10