Purchase to Support Our Program

“This beautifully crafted, ­culturally rich story celebrates ­diversity and will resonate with middle grade readers. Pavi’s journey encourages empathy and curiosity, making this an excellent addition to classroom and library collections.”

– School Library Journal, Starred Review

“From cousin squabbles to school drama to living with grief, Pavi’s journey will still be relatable to many readers today. . . . Reddeppa seamlessly incorporates Tamil language and the ripple effects of colonialism into her debut.”

– Booklist

“The historical setting skillfully illustrates the tension between British and Indian cultures as well as colorism and the caste system, and how these variables impact Pavi’s understanding of her family and herself. . . . A sizable, fully drawn cast includes empathetic renderings of mental health challenges and grief.”

– Publishers Weekly

Flying in Colors

Written by Padma Prasad Reddeppa
Published by Tu Books

Aunties tell nine-year-old Pavi that she’s asking too many “big women” questions, but she’s tired of grown-up secrets. How are babies born? And why do people die?

It’s 1975, Tamil Nadu, South India, and nine-year-old Pavi is living a carefree life with her large intergenerational family. Every day is an adventure. Why not steal 233 mangoes from the neighbor’s tree? Or make up grand stories that take her to Jupiter? If only there wasn’t a sadness lingering over the family. You see, her uncle Selva died just five months after she was born.

Pavi may have been just a baby when Selva died, but she feels close to him, as if he’s watching over her, helping her when she needs it. But she has so many questions about Selva’s death. And why does anyone die when they do?

The grown-ups in Pavi’s life are hiding something. They dismiss her questions. For instance, when Pavi and her cousins ask about babies, all anyone says is “Little women are asking big women questions.” And when she asks about Selva, there are no answers either. Why is talking about life and death so hard? Pavi is tired of grown-up secrets!

But what if those answers can hurt, or bad things happen? Can prayers and traditions really protect those we love? Pavi is determined to find out.

Primary ISBN: 9781643796758
Publication Date: May 2025
Available As: Hardcover, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 09 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: India (Tamil Nadu)

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: Home Country

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

Click here for details about how we define our titles.

Engagement Projects & Resources:

Share your favorite resources for this book with info@imyourneighborbooks.org.