New York Public Library’s “100 Best Children's Books of the Past 100 Years”

Jane Addams Honor Book

Maine Library Association Lupine Honor Book

ALA Amelia Bloomer Project Award Book

Bank Street Best Children's Books List (Starred)

Association of Children's Booksellers Best Book

The moving and critically acclaimed story of a young, artistic Bangladeshi girl who bravely defies tradition in order to support her family through hard times

Naima is a talented painter of traditional alpana patterns, which Bangladeshi women and girls paint on their houses for special celebrations. But Naima is not satisfied just painting alpana. She wants to help earn money for her family, like her best friend, Saleem, does for his family.

When Naima's rash effort to help puts her family deeper in debt, she draws on her resourceful nature and her talents to bravely save the day.

Includes a glossary of Bangla words and an author's note about a changing Bangladesh and microfinance.