Co-authored with Laurie Wallmark

A powerful story of hope about a woman who fought against all odds to become the first Indian American female astronaut.

Kalpana Chawla set her sights on flight from an early age. She was told “no” many times in life: No, girls don’t study aerospace. No, women don’t become astronauts. No, you won’t succeed in the United States. But Kalpana didn’t listen–she was too busy forging her own path to the stars. And after a long journey of dedication, perseverance, and patience, she finally made it to space. Her inspiring story is a powerful reminder for girls all over the world to never, ever give up on their dreams.

Based on the true story of the first female Indian American astronaut, Journey to the Stars details the challenges and triumphs of Kalpana Chawla’s life up through her first journey into space. Her story is sure to inspire educators and parents interested in encouraging curiosity and a passion for STEM in girls and boys. Backmatter includes an author’s note and a timeline of Kalpana’s life and awards.

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Beaming Books, February 2024

• Publishers Weekly’s Women’s History Month list
• Reading Eagle’s Great Books to Help Develop Sensitivity
• CBC Hot Off the Press Spotlight

“An important STEM biography that promotes tenacity.”
―Booklist

“Share this with girls, especially, but with any child who has big dreams.”
―Unpacking the Power of Picture Books

“This spirited STEM story about Kalapana Chawla, the first Indian American woman astronaut will launch young readers on their own path to follow their dreams.”
―Pragmatic Mom

Inspired by the #1 New York Times bestseller She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton and Alexandra Boiger, a chapter book series about women who spoke up and rose up against the odds–including Kalpana Chawla!

Born and raised in India, Kalpana Chawla was told that she shouldn’t try to become an aeronautical engineer because it was hard for women everywhereto succeed in that field. But she persisted, getting her university degree and then immigrating to the US to keep studying. She then joined NASA and became the first Indian-born American woman to go to space. Though she was tragically killed in the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, she continues to inspire people in India, the United States, and around the world to pursue their dreams of reaching for the stars.

In this chapter book biography by acclaimed author Raakhee Mirchandani, readers learn about the amazing life of Kalpana Chawla–and how she persisted.

Complete with an introduction from Chelsea Clinton, black-and-white illustrations throughout, and a list of ways that readers can follow in Kalpana Chawla’s footsteps and make a difference!

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Philomel Books, May 2023

A charming holiday story following one girl’s family as they celebrate their Diwali traditions with the ones they love.

Devi loves the Diwali season. It’s a time to wear her favorite red bindi and eat samosas until she bursts! Makemithai and design rangoli with her Papa. And paint diyas with her nani—a reminder to shine her light brightly all year long.

This joyful story, with vibrant collage illustrations, follows one girl’s Diwali traditions as her family celebrates their favorite holiday with the ones they love.

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, September 2022

• Junior Library Guild Gold Standard
• Amazon #1 New Release in Children’s Religious Holiday Books

“[A] vibrant account of a close-knit family and community. MY DIWALI LIGHT should be part of all sets of books about traditions and cultures.”
―Booklist

“Mirchandani equates Diwali with collectivity, showing that the joy of the holiday can be shared with family and friends inside and outside of the culture.”
―School Library Journal

“Mirchandani’s simple, elegant text explains the holiday, vividly bringing to life a family that loves coming together to share traditions, while Kelkar’s bold use of color (particularly shades of purple, blue, and green) makes the illustrations pop….A warm, heartfelt ode to Diwali and the joys of family.”
―Kirkus

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A Sikh father and daughter with a special hair bond proudly celebrate and share a family tradition in this charming story perfect for fans of Hair Love and I Love My Hair!

Every morning Papa combs through his daughter’s waves like he does his own—parting it down the middle, using coconut oil to get all the tangles out.

Some days he braids her hair in two twists down the side of her face. Other days he weaves it into one long braid hanging down her back, just like a unicorn tail.  But her favorite style is when he combs her hair in a tight bun on the top of her head, just like the joora he wears every day under his turban. They call this their hair twin look!

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Little, Brown Books for Young Readers, May 2021

• Publishers Weekly Starred Review
• Kirkus Reviews Starred Review
• Goodreads 10 Best Children’s Books by AAPI Authors
• Featured in Stacey Abrams’s picture book STACEY’S REMARKABLE BOOKS 2022
• Bank Street College of Education The Best Children’s Books of the Year 2022
• Romper’s list of 32 Children’s Books With Asian Characters That Celebrate Heritage, Joy, and Childhood
• Motherly’s list of 11 picture books that celebrate Asian & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
• Publishers Weekly Beyond Stereotypes: 2021 AAPI Books for Young Readers

*“A feel-good picture book about diversity, family relationships, and self-love.”
―Kirkus Reviews (Starred)

“A sweet read that epitomizes a compassionate bond between parent and child.”
―Publishers Weekly (Starred)

“A loving portrayal of a father-daughter bond that is strengthened over daily hair care, something that honors the characters’ religion while nurturing their relationship.”
―Horn Book

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Super Satya is ready to have a super day, including finally conquering the tallest slide in Hoboken. But things take a not-so-super turn when she realizes her superhero cape is stuck at the dry cleaner. Will she be able to face her fears, help her friends, and be the true hero everyone knows she is? Super Satya Saves the Day, introduces Satya, a precocious Indian-American superhero, who is ready to save the day, even if she doesn’t always know it right away!

PUBLISHER AND ACCOLADES

Mango and Marigold Press, October 2018

• Greater Good Magazine: Eight of Our Favorite Asian American Picture Books
• Publishers Weekly Booksellers’ Favorite Titles of 2018
• 2019 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Contest Winner
• Amazon: #1 New Release 

“This book is full of a mother’s love for a little girl’s determination. Whether you’re a parent or a child, you will feel inspired after reading this book.”
-Hoda Kotb, “Today” show host and author of I’ve Loved You Since Forever

“Raakhee’s book is just like Raakhee: super fun, super special and super smart. She’s a natural storyteller who also happens to be a real life super Mama.”
-Kathie Lee Gifford, “Today” show host and NYT best-selling author

“Super Satya is a moving, beautiful testament to the power every child has inside them, if they’re just given the freedom to let it out.”
-Soman Chainani , NYT Bestselling author of The School for Good and Evil series

“A joyful book about superheroes, capes, conquering fears and choosing kindness – and how there is always true power to be found in helping others. A really important lesson for kids (and adults!)”
-Mackenzie Dawson, Books Editor, New York Post

“Super Satya is a big hearted, entertaining, warm love letter to all of us scared parents (and kids) trying our best to conquer our fears and be the heroes of our own lives.”
-Wajahat Ali, author of The Domestic Crusaders and NYT contributing op-ed writer.

“All kids deserve to see themselves represented in children’s literature – you can’t be what you can’t see! Super Satya is a story for any kid – or adult – who needs a little reminder that we can all be heroes for ourselves and others.”
-Reshma Saujani, Founder and CEO of Girls Who Code

“A beautiful reminder that there is no such thing as too small to be a superhero. May we all find a little bit of Satya in ourselves!”
-Congressman Joe Kennedy III

“Children will delight in reading about Super Satya and her adventures. No super cape? No problem for Super Satya. She and her super powers still manage to save the day.”
-Laurie Wallmark, author of Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code

“Super Satya: A super fun book with a super positive message that children will enjoy!”
-Chitra Divakaruni, author of Grandma and the Great Gourd

“Super Satya is exactly the type of superhero our world needs today. Satya’s character reflects her Sikh ideals, and this offers a powerful subtext to a simple story: any kid can develop strength from living their values and doing the right thing.”
-Simran Jeet Singh, Educator, writer, and Sikh activist

“We need books like this, we need authors like Raakhee, we need alternative stories to be told and we need voices that can inspire and lift us… here you have all of that!”
-Anjula Acharia, Priyanka Chopra’s manager.

“Super Satya Saves the Day is a beautifully written story of a little girl learning about the super powers within herself to help others and overcome her fears. It speaks in entertaining yet simple terms about the power of believing in yourself and transcending the challenges of perception. A powerful message in a super, super children’s book!”
-Ravi Bhalla, Mayor of Hoboken

“‘A gem! Satya teaches us that we don’t need super smarts or super strength to be a superhero. We have all the magic we need inside us. Love makes us brave.”
-Valarie Kaur, Founder of the Revolutionary Love Project

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