Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood by Varsha Bajaj

Water may not flow freely like it does in the high-rise Minni works in, but community and hope do. Minni can't focus on schoolwork because she's hungry and exhausted anger, fear and frustration frequently play out in the water line and people adapt just to survive their environment (e.g., boiling water to fend off diseases). Bajaj shows how a lack of clean water, decent health care and education can affect people's lives. Bajaj thoughtfully examines class and privilege, making topics like water access and income inequality accessible to middle-grade readers. * “Varsha Bajaj ( Count Me In) brings awareness to the world water crisis and social inequality with Thirst, a moving, hopeful story. A meditative first purchase for middle grade collections.” - School Library Journal, starred review

The book also serves as a window into class difference. Minni is a likable narrator, and readers will connect with her dreams and courage in the face of unfair treatment. The story largely focuses on Minni’s internal thirst-for her family to be reunited, for knowledge, for opportunity, for fair treatment. * “Twelve-year-old Minni and her older brother Sanjay might live in a poor neighborhood in India, but they have big dreams: to finish school, get good jobs, and maybe live in one of the tall buildings where water runs from the taps. The story is filled with hope and faith as Minni learns the importance of education, family, friendship, opportunities, and taking a stand for her community.”- School Library Connection, starred review This title gives readers a powerful look at the importance of free water and how the inequalities surrounding its distribution impacts communities in India. It just pours freely out of the faucets in the bathrooms and the kitchen-something she has never witnessed before.

While working, Minni is confronted by the abundance of water everywhere. One night while out riding with her brother, Minni witnesses thieves stealing water. It’s both time-consuming and inequitable. Their only access to clean water occurs during a set time of day when the spout is turned on and members of the community wait in line for their turn to fill their containers. * “Minni lives with her family in Mumbai, India in an incredibly poor neighborhood.

Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood by Varsha Bajaj