52 pages 1 hour read

Nidhi Chanani

Pashmina

Fiction | Graphic Novel/Book | Middle Grade | Published in 2017

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2017, Pashmina by Nidhi Chanani follows Priyanka, a teenage girl in California, who discovers a magical pashmina in her mother’s suitcase that transports her to a fantastical version of India, sparking her curiosity about her family's history and cultural heritage. Her journey leads her to visit her aunt in real India, where she uncovers family secrets and embarks on a path of self-discovery. Descriptions of racist and xenophobic bullying appear in the book.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Nidhi Chanani’s Pashmina is celebrated for its vibrant artwork and authentic portrayal of cultural identity and womanhood. Readers appreciate its magical realism and engaging narrative. However, some find the plot too simplistic and the resolution hurried. Overall, it’s a well-received graphic novel offering a meaningful exploration of heritage and self-discovery.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Pashmina?

Readers who would enjoy Nidhi Chanani's Pashmina are typically fans of graphic novels that blend heartfelt storytelling with cultural exploration, much like Gene Luen Yang's American Born Chinese or Raina Telgemeier's Smile. They appreciate themes of identity, family, and heritage, and enjoy visually engaging narratives.

RecommendedReading Age

10-14years

Lexile Level

GN240L

Book Details

Themes

Identity: Race

Life/Time: Coming of Age

Relationships: Family

Genre

Children's Literature

Magical Realism

Indian Literature