2207 Honolulu Ave. Montrose Shopping Park, Montrose, CA 91020
Phone: (818) 248-9668 | Email: Maureen@onceupona.com
Update:Due to the increase in COVID percentages in our area, we are temporarily closed for instore browsing but still offer the 24/7 website as well as helpful bookseller phone ordering. Thank you for your understanding as the safety and health of our employees and customers are our #1 priority.
Open Hours for phone orders and curbside pickup:
Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm and Sunday: 12 pm (noon) - 4 pm
As the only Indian American kid in her small town, Lekha Divekar feels like she has two versions of herself: Home Lekha, who loves watching Bollywood movies and eating Indian food, and School Lekha, who pins her hair over her bindi birthmark and avoids confrontation at all costs, especially when someone teases her for being Indian.When a girl Lekha's age moves in across the street, Lekha is excited to hear that her name is Avantika and she's Desi, too Finally, there will be someone else around who gets it. But as soon as Avantika speaks, Lekha realizes she has an accent. She's new to this country, and not at all like Lekha.To Lekha's surprise, Avantika does not feel the same way as Lekha about having two separate lives or about the bullying at school. Avantika doesn't take the bullying quietly. And she proudly displays her culture no matter where she is: at home or at school.When a racist incident rocks Lekha's community, she realizes she must make a choice: continue to remain silent or find her voice before it's too late.
I am unable to put into words how much I loved this book. Each of Sandhya's pervious books are wonderful (When Dimple Met Rishi and From Twinkle, With Love). I read this book all in one night and was so happy with it that I sat down the next morning to write down my thoughts but I felt so intimidated by how much joy this book brought me. Strange to belive, but I just don't think my words would be able to describe to you the sweet happiness, quiet power, and gentle love in this story. All I can tell you is that this book will leave you grinning from ear-to-ear.