In a world in which it is believed that men should do the hard labor while women stay in the kitchen, it is difficult for a young girl named Naima to follow the rules. Rickshaw Girl, by Mitali Perkins and Jamie Hogan, is a book about the Indian culture that is fascinating because the young, strong main character has a heart of gold and courage that most anyone doesn’t always have. The beautiful art and the encouraging words of this story are what stick out most to me, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs just a little inspiration.
The Indian culture is one that I have some experience with. Still, I know my awareness of the culture is lacking and could be improved upon. The illustrations in this novel are very meaningful to me because they allow for me to see into this Indian world. Page 28 of the book shows a detailed drawing of Naima sticking out her tongue at her best friend. In the picture, the boy is driving off in a rickshaw. Never before had I even heard of a rickshaw, but seeing the extremely detailed picture combined with an authentic-looking Indian dress made me feel as though I were in the scene with them. I think this is very important for a story of a different culture because only a few people really know the traditions and ways of life. For someone like me really searching to understanding the different traditions of different people, I think the illustrations do a great job of allowing for that. In addition, I had never seen or heard of an alpana painting before. This beautiful outdoor artwork that the women take up is a tradition that keeps the landscape of homes up-to-date and catchy. One example of the work is shown on page 49 of the story. It was helpful for me to understand what sort of characteristics this art entails, and I only wished that I had half as much skill! Beyond the art, however, is the encouraging message this story leaves.
Naima lives in a classically male-dominated society, but when she realizes that she needs to help her family, she needs to move past the male domination. Naima takes her own risks (willing to and understanding that she might fail) in order to save her family. What is most important to her is the comfort of her father and the contentedness of her mother and sister. While Naima stumbles along the way (by nearly ruining her family’s rickshaw), she realizes that she has the strength to make up for her own mistakes and bring honor and peace to her family. I admire Naima because she ventures off into the unknown with an open heart. She knows that she might fail again, but her love for her family is well worth that risk. I hope that many girls can be inspired by her. No one’s life is laid out exactly for them. Anyone gets to choose their own path and decide what makes them most happy in the end. This book is a short story with a happy ending that I would read over and over when I need that inspiration.
The artwork in this story really helped me to become more involved with the words. I think with the two combined, this is a story that will reach out to many children. Some might not understand the message that is to get out of your comfort zone, and some might be too scared to do so, but Naima is living under very harsh circumstances and manages to make things work for herself. I think many of us can do the same with the right amount of smarts and courage. I think this book is important for two reasons: for its seemingly authentic cultural perspective as well as for its message that can reach out to girls all over the world. Not everything, even in America, is perfectly equal. There are improvements to be made, and if a girl feels empowered enough to be part of that change, many things can come of it. Naima is a shining example that change is well worth it. I hope her story reaches out to people just as much as it did for me!
Perkins, Mitali, and Jamie Hogan. Rickshaw Girl. Watertown, MA: Charlesbridge, 2007. Print.
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