Local Author Signing!
Padma Venkatraman
" Island's End"
From the acclaimed author of Climbing the Stairs comes a fascinating story set on a remote island untouched by time. Uido is ecstatic about becoming her tribe's spiritual leader, but her new position brings her older brother's jealousy and her best friend's mistrust. And looming above these troubles are the recent visits of strangers from the mainland who have little regard for nature or the spirits, and tempt the tribe members with gifts, making them curious about modern life. When Uido's little brother falls deathly ill, she must cross the ocean and seek their help. Having now seen so many new things, will Uido have the strength to believe in herself and the old ways? And will her people trust her to lead them to safety when a catastrophic tsunami threatens? Uido must overcome everyone's doubts, including her own, if she is to keep her people safe and preserve the spirituality that has defined them.
Drawing on firsthand experience from her travels to the Andaman Islands, Padma Venkatraman was inspired to write this story after meeting natives who survived the 2004 tsunami and have been able to preserve their unique way of life. Uido's transformation from a young girl to tribal leader will touch both your heart and mind.
www.padmasbooks.com
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About the Author:
Padma Venkatraman has a doctorate in oceanography and was a researcher for many years before she wrote her two novels, CLIMBING THE STAIRS and ISLAND'S END. CLIMBING THE STAIRS was released to starred reviews in Booklist, PW and VOYA, and ISLAND'S END was also released to starred reviews in KIRKUS, Booklist, PW, and SLJ. CLIMBING THE STAIRS won the 2009 Julia Ward Howe Boston Authors Club Medal (YA) and the ASTAL RI Book of the Year award, as well as several other honors, including: Bank Street College of Education Best Book, ALA/YALSA Best Book for Young Adults, Booklist Editor's Choice Best Book of the Year, NYPL Best Book for the Teen Age, 2009 CCBC choice, NCSS/CBC Notable SS Trade Book, Capitol Choices Award, PA School ibrary Association Top 40, CLN Top 25 07-08, ALA/Amelia Bloomer 2009 Book, PW Flying Start, and Booksense Notable. ISLAND'S END won the South Asia Book Award as well as the Paterson Prize and was honored as a YALSA ALA/BBYA, ALA/Amelia Bloomer selection, CCBC choice, Kirkus Best Book, Booklist Best Book, and a finalist for the Crystal Kite and Julia Ward Howe awards.
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Padma Venkatraman is an American citizen and lives in Rhode Island.
