With her parents, Shanti says goodbye to her village (presumably in Bangladesh or India) and moves to a town (it looks like a smallish American or Canadian city). "Village" pictures, such as dancing Kathak with Ma, are on the left-hand page; "town" pictures, such as taking a ballet class, are on the right. In the space between, the gutter is used effectively, as Shanti skips, then trudges, back and forth - and eventually lies down. After a rest, she rises: "She was good at making anywhere feel like home." Shanti weaves her two cultures together.

See also: Between Us and Abuela

Back matter includes author's note and glossary. ( )

helps reader see how someone can live two cultures, and how difficult it can be ( )