Published by HarperCollins

Summary:  The author of Unsettled tells the story of her grandmother, Milloo, who grew up in India in the early 20th century.  Milloo loved school, but her parents told her at the end of fifth grade that she was done with education.  Milloo launched a campaign all summer long and finally got her parents’ permission to enter sixth grade.  She went on to finish high school and college at the top of her class, then became a teacher herself.  After getting married, she tried staying at home as her husband wanted, but found that cooking and sewing were not her thing.  She started a girls’ school in her home, and when classes outgrew that space, she founded a series of schools.  The author’s note tells that the Happy Home Schools in Karachi, Pakistan are still thriving.  40 pages; grades K-4.

Pros:  Both the text and the collage illustrations exude a bright energy that reflects Milloo’s enthusiasm and passion for education.  File this away to read for Women’s History Month next month.

Cons:  I was a bit confused by Milloo being referred to as Maryam in the subtitle, which was not explained until the author’s note (Milloo was her father’s nickname for her, and she’s referred to by that name throughout the story).