Jamila Gavin: Interview by pupils from Butterwick Primary

Jamila Gavin: Bibliography

The Wheel of Surya, 1994
The Eye of the Horse, 1995
The Track of the Wind, 1997

This trilogy explores the cultural history of India over a period of 25 years and follows events leading up to the Civil War, World War Two and the Partition. It centres on the efforts of two young Sikhs, Marvinder and Jaspal, to work out their own identity and allegiances in a complex setting. Scenes shift from their traditional village to a poor area of London, finally returning to newly independent India. A challenging read but well-worth the effort.

Grandpa Chatterji, illus. Mei-Yim Low, 1994

Neeta and her little brother Sanjay have two grandpas, Dad's dad Grandpa Leicester and Mum's dad Grandpa Chatterji, who live in India. One day Grandpa Chatterji comes all the way to visit them, and the two children discover what a wonderful, surprising and magical Grandpa he is.

Grandpa's Indian Summer, illus. Mei-Yim Low, June 1996

Grandpa Chatterji has invited his British grandchildren to visit Calcutta. From the moment their plane lands, and Grandpa greets them with garlands of marigolds and jasmine, Neeta and Sanjay know this will be a very special holiday.

Deadly Friend, illus. Patricia Ludlow, 1994

From the moment Mohun met the new boy he had an uneasy feeling about him. Adam wanted to be his friend, but he didn't want Mohun to have other friends. One day when Mohun is playing a computer game, the picture on the screen changes. He is being asked to exterminate an enemy - here on Earth!

Fine Feathered Friend, illus. Carole Walter, 1996

Forbidden Memories, illus. Mark Robertson, 1998

Telepathic twins Devi and Sasha are born into The Dome, a place of engineered perfection, intended to preserve the human species from extinction. But telepathy is forbidden in this world, and soon Sasha is taken away for decommissioning.

 

The Hideaway, illus. Jane Bottomley, 1997

The secret cave in the woods is the most important thing in Peter's life, the one place where he can escape from troubles at home and at school. When he reaches crisis point, it is the obvious place to run to. He is not alone for long, as he makes unexpected new friends.

I Want to Be an Angel (4 stories), 1991

A collection of stories set in a multi-racial community, the book features four children, each with a dream.

Kamla and Kate, illlus. Rachel Pank, 1997

Kate is delighted when Kamla moves into her street. They learn about each other's way of life and get up to all sorts of mischief. This storybook is aimed at children just beginning to read alone.

Mango Tree, 1998

Monkey in the Stars, 1998

One starry night, Hanuman the monkey god appears in Amrita's bedroom. He takes her on a magical journey into the story of Diwali, the Festival of Light and the New Year. She witnesses the most terrifying battle on earth, when Good fights Evil to bring light back into the world.

Out of India, 1997

Someone's Watching, Someone's Waiting, illus. Anthony Lewis, 1998

When Emma goes to stay with her aunt and uncle in old Cote's Hall, she anticipates a holiday of boredom. But things begin to change when she discovers a beautiful doll that is uncannily real.

Star Child on Clark Street, 1998

The Wormholers, 1996

Chad lets his step-sister Natalie fall into a crack in his bedroom floor. Desperate to get her back, he seeks the help of Sophie, super-intelligent but confined to a wheelchair with cerebral palsy. They all end up in the wormhole - a mysterious world where time is inside out and back to front.


Children Just Like Me: Our Favourite Stories, 1997

 

Kamla and Kate Again, illus. Rhian Nest James, 1992

 

Singing Bowls, 1998

 

Three Indian Princesses, illus. Govinder Ram, 1997

 




Start reading Daisy and the Intergalactic Travelling Salesmen


Web design and co-ordination by Helen Whitehead © 1999

for the Cheltenham Festival of Literature

last amended 6th October 1999