Under The Neem Tree

This story written originally in Telugu by a Dalit writer and teacher, is part of a collection of stories of the Dalit experience called 'Different Tales' collated by Anveshi Women's Research Centre, Hyderabad. Worked around a well-known folktale about a couple who quarrel about who shall eat more rottis, the story is seamlessly woven into another story about the real lives of children in a small Andhra village, growing up playing, going to a typical government school, watching adults squabble, feeling hunger and understanding friendship and, most importantly, sitting under a neem tree and listening to stories from an old grandmother. The coming together of the two stories, one real and one folk gives the telling a tender yet amusing twist. A Children’s Bookshelf Selection: Each month our editor’s pick the best books for children and young adults by age to be a part of the children’s bookshelf. These are editorial recommendations made by our team of experts. Our monthly reading list includes a mix of bestsellers and top new releases and evergreen books that will help enhance a child’s reading life.