When her grandmother comes off the airplane in Houston from Pakistan, Mahnoor knows that having Dadi move in is going to disrupt everything about her life. She doesn’t have time to be Dadi’s unofficial babysitter—her journalism teacher has announced that their big assignment will be to film a documentary, which feels more like storytelling than what Maha would call “journalism”.

As Dadi starts to settle into life in Houston and Maha scrambles for a subject for her documentary, the two of them start talking. About Dadi’s childhood in northern India—and about the Partition that forced her to leave her home and relocate to the newly created Pakistan. As details of Dadi’s life are revealed, Dadi’s personal story feels a lot more like the breaking news that Maha loves so much. And before she knows it, she has the subject of her documentary.

PRAISE FOR THE PARTITION PROJECT

“Will keep readers riveted.” The New York Times

“Replete with food-related memories, heart-wrenching stories, and warm tales of friendship, this is a riveting read. Powerful and timely.”  Kirkus Reviews starred review

“A heartwarming exploration of history through personal stories perfect for middle grade readers.” School Library Journal starred review

“In this vivid rendering of how growing cultural awareness and identity exploration can shape one’s adolescence, Faruqi presents an empowering story of family that will bolster tweens negotiating blended identities.” Publishers Weekly

“A fast-paced page-turner of a novel.” Booklist

“Deeply immersive and moving.” Horn Book Magazine

“Don’t miss it.” Teen Librarian Toolbox

Publisher: Quill Tree Books
ISBN: 9780063115811
Publication: 2/27/2024
Cover image: Chaaya Prabhat
Formats: hardcover; audiobook; e-book