Illus by Alice Priestley. 24 p., Tilbury House, 1994.
Sometimes it takes a great deal of creativity to see a new country as home. Gita has moved to North America from India because of her father's job. At first the move had seemed like an exciting adventure, but as Divali approaches, she misses India, her relatives, and the community celebration. When freezing rain threatens, it feels as if her new home can never really be home. Gita's mother helps her understand that Divali is a celebration of bringing light to darkness, and when the ice storm causes a power outage, the family's glowing diyas literally bring light to the neighborhood. Gita understands that she and her parents have, in fact, created light, and she's able to see the ice as a source of sparkling light too. Gita shows children the possibility of joy in integrating their experiences of their old home with those of their new home.
Ages 4-7
Main character's cultural background: Indian American
Cultural context: multicultural
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