Curriculum Connection

CALIFORNIA ENGLISH-LANGUAGE ARTS CONTENT STANDARDS Grades 6, 7, 8
3.0 Literary Response and Analysis - Students read and respond to historically or culturally significant works of literature that reflect and enhance their studies of history and social science.

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Bhangra Babes

Bhangra Babes (2005) by Narinder Dhami. 185 pages.
ISBN: 0-385-90337-5

Ambajit (Amber) Dhillon, a young Indian-British girl, tells this story rich in dialogue. Amber and her sisters, Jazz and Geena, live with their father in England. Their aunt has moved in to take care of them since their mother died. The sisters are annoyed with their aunt's interference in their lives. Auntie has been dating one of their school teachers, Mr. Arora, and becomes engaged.

While leaving the house for the first day of school, a new newspaper carrier stuffs a newspaper down Amber's shirt and bad feelings ensue. At school, Amber and her sisters meet up with their good friend Kim. George, who has always had a torch for Amber, has improved looks and continues to get Amber's attention. While starting classes, Amber discovers that the newscarrier is a new student at the school and she's charged with assisting this brooding girl, Kirandeep (Kiran), in getting familiar with the school. Later they discover that Kiran has something in common with them. Already on unsteady ground, the relationship is tense. Another new student, Rocky, attracts Amber's attention. Her sisters also find him cute. Soon the three have a bet to see who Rocky likes best and viy for his attention. Amber with a penchant for "helping" people, which appears more like interfering.

As plans for Auntie's Indian wedding progress, Mr. Arora's Auntie-ji starts interfering and pushing her crazy wedding plans; causing much discontent for Auntie and the Dhillon sisters.

Contemporary tween and teen perspectives and activities take place in this fun, upbeat story with witty dialogue and banter. Readers will discover that people in another country also deal with similar teen issues. Enjoyable read for 10 to 12 year olds.

The author Narinder Dhami wrote the novelization of the movie Bend It Like Beckham .

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