Author Profile
Mitali Perkins
3 Books
Mitali Perkins is an award-winning author of novels and picture books for young readers, frequently exploring themes of culture, identity, and crossing borders. Her acclaimed works include the novel Bamboo People and the picture book Between Us and Abuela. Born in India and raised in the United States, Perkins has been honored with numerous accolades, including a Newbery Honor.
Books in "The "Between" Books"
Maya is only three days into her summer vacation, and she is already entirely bored. Looking out her window, she watches her bustling neighborhood coming and going. People are earning, spending, fixing, and mending. Everyone around her has busy hands and an important job to do. When Maya opens her own small palms, they look completely empty.
You might wonder exactly what little hands can do in such a big, busy world. As Maya watches her neighbors proclaim truth, stand up for justice, and show deep mercy, she begins to understand the beautiful Indian custom of namaste, which means I bow to you. She soon discovers that even the smallest children hold incredible power. Empty hands can offer the most useful and profound gift of all, which is the gift of love.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
Have you ever felt like your home is more than just one place? Maybe it's a mix of a new neighborhood and a place far away, or a blend of different traditions. In "Home is in Between," you'll meet a character who is learning what it means to belong to two worlds at once.
Join them as they discover the joy and challenges of having a foot in different cultures. It's about finding your own special way to connect everything you love, making a unique space where all your experiences fit. This heartwarming story celebrates how rich and wonderful it can be when your heart finds its home in between two beloved places.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
A Family Story from the Border
It is almost time for Christmas, and Maria is taking a long journey with her mother and little brother, Juan. They are traveling all the way to the border fence between California and Mexico to celebrate Las Posadas with their beloved grandmother. For a few precious minutes, the family shares stories and laughter through the iron slats of the tall fence, enjoying the holiday spirit despite the barrier between them.
When Juan tries to give his grandmother a special Christmas gift, he realizes it is just too big to fit through the heavy fence. Maria refuses to give up and quickly comes up with a brilliant, soaring idea to deliver the present over the wall. You will be deeply moved by this beautiful story about how the miracle of family love can easily overcome any border.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
40 Pages
