Sita's Ramayana

Sita's Ramayana

Written by: Arni, Samhita
Illustrated by: Chitrakar, Moyna
ages 10 and up / grades 5 and up

An American Library Association 2012 Notable Children's Book and a USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor Book

The Ramayana -- one of the great legends of ancient India -- is presented here in the form of a visually stunning and gripping graphic novel. Told from the perspective of the queen, Sita, it explores ideas of right vs. wrong, compassion, loyalty, trust, honor and the terrible price that war exacts from women, children, animals and the natural world.

After Sita, Rama and his brother are banished from their kingdom, Sita is captured by the arrogant King Ravana and imprisoned in a garden across the ocean. Ravana tries to convince Sita to be his wife, but she steadfastly refuses his advances. Eventually, Rama comes to her rescue with the help of the monkey Hanuman and his army, magic animals and gods. But Rama is unable to trust Sita and forces her to undergo an ordeal by fire to prove herself to be true and pure…

The Ramayana was first written in Sanskrit by the poet Valmiki around 300 B.C. It contains important Hindu teachings and has had great influence on Indian life and culture over the centuries.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.6
Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.

An American Library Association 2012 Notable Children's Book and a USBBY Outstanding International Books Honor Book

The Ramayana -- one of the great legends of ancient India -- is presented here in the form of a visually stunning and gripping graphic novel. Told from the perspective of the queen, Sita, it explores ideas of right vs. wrong, compassion, loyalty, trust, honor and the terrible price that war exacts from women, children, animals and the natural world.

After Sita, Rama and his brother are banished from their kingdom, Sita is captured by the arrogant King Ravana and imprisoned in a garden across the ocean. Ravana tries to convince Sita to be his wife, but she steadfastly refuses his advances. Eventually, Rama comes to her rescue with the help of the monkey Hanuman and his army, magic animals and gods. But Rama is unable to trust Sita and forces her to undergo an ordeal by fire to prove herself to be true and pure…

The Ramayana was first written in Sanskrit by the poet Valmiki around 300 B.C. It contains important Hindu teachings and has had great influence on Indian life and culture over the centuries.

Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.6
Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.

Published By Groundwood Books Ltd — Oct 8, 2011
Specifications 152 pages | 6.5 in x 9.25 in
Written By Samhita Arni is an author who lives in Bangalore, India. Visit Samhita Arni's website: http://www.samarni.com/
Illustrated by Moyna Chitrakar is an artist, performer and illustrator. She lives in West Bengal, India.
Written By
Samhita Arni is an author who lives in Bangalore, India. Visit Samhita Arni's website: http://www.samarni.com/
Illustrated by
Moyna Chitrakar is an artist, performer and illustrator. She lives in West Bengal, India.
Audience ages 10 and up / grades 5 and up
Reading Levels Lexile GN750L
Key Text Features family tree
Common Core CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.6.6

Commended, Texas Library Association 2012 Maverick Graphic Novel List Grades 9-12, 2011

Commended, ALA Notable Children's Books List, 2012

Commended, 2012 USBBY Outstanding International Book, 2012

New York Times Best Seller

Commended, South Asia Book Award Honor Book, 2012

“Recommended” —CM Magazine

“...gorgeous, vibrant illustrations...It is an accomplishment...” —Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“a must-purchase based on the strength of its dramatic story and arresting art, enhanced by superior design and high-quality production. Brilliant and fresh.” —School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“A vibrantly illustrated graphic-novel retelling of an ancient Indian legend...A valuable piece of historical literature brought to the forefront for thoughtful new readers” —Kirkus Reviews

“dynamic...moving and important...” —Publishers Weekly

“...stunning...” —The Children's Book Compass

“...instantly engaging, even mesmerizing.” —The Globe and Mail

“...stunning...” —Sequential Tart