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Rosalind of the Raj #2
All My Noble Dreams and Then What Happens
Rosalind is caught between two worlds as Gandhi’s nonviolent revolution takes hold in this standalone companion to Small Acts of Amazing Courage .
Rosalind inhabits two worlds in 1920s India. There is the world of her heritage—English to the core, with a strict father who is a major in the British Indian Army, a muted mother, and a tutor to educate her within the walls of the luxurious estate her family occupies. And then there is the world of her homeland—or the land that feels like home, anyway. The world where followers of Gandhi surround her, and the streets are full of poverty and the whispers of independence.
The two worlds are colliding, and despite what Rosalind has been raised to think, she begins to resent the heavy hand of British rule. When her father’s military position provides Rosalind the opportunity to meet the Prince of Wales, she has the chance to tell him about the injustice she witnesses in the streets of India. Rosalind desperately wants to do what is right, but will she have the courage to—and what will be the consequence?
Rosalind inhabits two worlds in 1920s India. There is the world of her heritage—English to the core, with a strict father who is a major in the British Indian Army, a muted mother, and a tutor to educate her within the walls of the luxurious estate her family occupies. And then there is the world of her homeland—or the land that feels like home, anyway. The world where followers of Gandhi surround her, and the streets are full of poverty and the whispers of independence.
The two worlds are colliding, and despite what Rosalind has been raised to think, she begins to resent the heavy hand of British rule. When her father’s military position provides Rosalind the opportunity to meet the Prince of Wales, she has the chance to tell him about the injustice she witnesses in the streets of India. Rosalind desperately wants to do what is right, but will she have the courage to—and what will be the consequence?
260 pages, Hardcover
First published April 2, 2013
5 people are currently reading
276 people want to read
About the author
Gloria Whelan
76 books343 followersGloria Whelan is the best-selling author of many novels for young readers, including Homeless Bird, winner of the National Book Award; Fruitlands: Louisa May Alcott Made Perfect; Angel on the Square and its companion, The Impossible Journey; Once on This Island, winner of the Great Lakes Book Award; Farewell to the Island; and Return to the Island. She lives with her husband, Joseph, in the woods of northern Michigan.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
May 23, 2013
A superb sequel to that beautifully simple book Small Acts of Amazing Courage. It's 1921, and Rosalind, Max and Raman are still following the progress of Gandhi's peaceful resolution to free India from British rule. Rosalind secretly teaches a group of Indian children in a makeshift school while progressing in her own education, and Max and Raman publish the Gandhian newspaper Young India to keep the nation informed of the progress of its emancipation.
Whelan brings weighty themes into the realm of a young British girl's experience, and some may criticise her simple narrative for romanticising a serious period in history. Yet her story personalises the situation in India, Gandhi's ideals and the attitude of the British leaders in a way which doesn't pretend to solve the problem but helps us to consider all its dimensions.
Elegantly told and containing an enjoyable mix of deep themes, lighter social engagements and genuine friendships, this quick read leaves you hopeful for a better world and dreaming of what you might be able to do to bring it about. Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com
October 1, 2017
This was a great story - I have studied about India's struggle for freedom and although this book is fiction, it accurately shows many facts of that struggle. I really enjoyed it.
April 10, 2013
This sequel to Small Acts of Amazing Courage continues Rosalind’s story. Rosalind lives in British-controlled India. She is the only daughter in a well-off family, though she avoids the Club and all of the other British girls there. Instead she runs a small school for the village boys, one that is not government sanctioned and so can continue to run. She is a follower of Gandhi, something her father certainly does not approve of. He wouldn’t approve of the school either, but he doesn’t know about it. The book also tells of what happened to Hari, the infant that Rosalind rescued in the first book and how her aunts are now doing living in India. As Rosalind gets drawn further into British life, she finds her two worlds colliding and the question is how she will remain true to herself and the cause she believes in so fiercely.
I simply adored the first book in this series and am so happy to say that the second is just as wonderful. Whelan captures the period of British rule in India very clearly, never flinching from the harsh realities of the period, including the injustices of the British, the selling of child brides for money, and the severe poverty brought on by the caste system. It is a book that is filled with the dust and clamor of the streets, the laughter of close trusted friends, and the grandeur of a prince’s visit.
Rosalind shows a lot of growth from one book to the next. In the first book, she would rush headlong into trouble. Here the trouble she gets into is still there, but much of it she walks into with her eyes open and understanding what she is doing. She is a radiant character, filling the pages with her passion for change and her love of India. It is Rosalind who carries the story, because one never knows quite what will happen to her next.
A worthy sequel to the first gem of a book, fans of the first will welcome this second story of Rosalind and India. Appropriate for ages 12-16.
I simply adored the first book in this series and am so happy to say that the second is just as wonderful. Whelan captures the period of British rule in India very clearly, never flinching from the harsh realities of the period, including the injustices of the British, the selling of child brides for money, and the severe poverty brought on by the caste system. It is a book that is filled with the dust and clamor of the streets, the laughter of close trusted friends, and the grandeur of a prince’s visit.
Rosalind shows a lot of growth from one book to the next. In the first book, she would rush headlong into trouble. Here the trouble she gets into is still there, but much of it she walks into with her eyes open and understanding what she is doing. She is a radiant character, filling the pages with her passion for change and her love of India. It is Rosalind who carries the story, because one never knows quite what will happen to her next.
A worthy sequel to the first gem of a book, fans of the first will welcome this second story of Rosalind and India. Appropriate for ages 12-16.
May 17, 2013
This sequel doesn't quite have the punch of Small Acts of Amazing Courage, but it's still very good. Since it sets up a love triangle (I'm rooting for Ramon. Max was too grumpy in this one) and ends on a mysterious note, it definitely looks like this is going to be a trilogy.
It bothers me that Rosy lies and disobeys so frequently. It's a bit of a murky area, because often what she's doing looks like the right thing. Still, it's not necessarily imperative that she do those things. I just don't agree with how she handles that.
There were several typos and misspellings, a contradicting date (of the Gandhi letter at the end of the book), and some confusing grammar. It was nothing that majorly affected the plot, but I was surprised how obvious some of these mistakes were. I think the manuscript probably just needed another proofread.
Rosy felt a bit more like a political prop in this book than she did in the last one. I still think she's an interesting character, but she spends a lot of time doing what Max tells her and parroting her beliefs to just about everyone. Incidentally, I wish I knew how old she was supposed to be in this book; I don't recall that ever being mentioned.
Some of the adventures in this are perhaps a bit too coincidental and improbable, but they're still great fun. (You'll know exactly what I mean if you read the book.) Also, I must say that Jane was a bit much. She and Joey just seemed silly.
Despite the fact that this review mostly points out criticisms, I did really enjoy the book and I look forward to the next one (hopefully my prediction of a trilogy is correct!).
It bothers me that Rosy lies and disobeys so frequently. It's a bit of a murky area, because often what she's doing looks like the right thing. Still, it's not necessarily imperative that she do those things. I just don't agree with how she handles that.
There were several typos and misspellings, a contradicting date (of the Gandhi letter at the end of the book), and some confusing grammar. It was nothing that majorly affected the plot, but I was surprised how obvious some of these mistakes were. I think the manuscript probably just needed another proofread.
Rosy felt a bit more like a political prop in this book than she did in the last one. I still think she's an interesting character, but she spends a lot of time doing what Max tells her and parroting her beliefs to just about everyone. Incidentally, I wish I knew how old she was supposed to be in this book; I don't recall that ever being mentioned.
Some of the adventures in this are perhaps a bit too coincidental and improbable, but they're still great fun. (You'll know exactly what I mean if you read the book.) Also, I must say that Jane was a bit much. She and Joey just seemed silly.
Despite the fact that this review mostly points out criticisms, I did really enjoy the book and I look forward to the next one (hopefully my prediction of a trilogy is correct!).
September 9, 2024
rating: g no sex, profanity or violence. references to riots and hunger strikes.
recommend: JH and up - historical fiction, 1920s India, when Gandhi was vocal for the separation of Britain and India and Britain was resisting.
Good history, good historical perspective.
Characters were a little stereotyped and flat, but the history kept me reading.
I was confused by Max and Rosy's relationship... and Rahan. Was that a romance? or just hints at one? or... confused. But that's ok, it wasn't the purpose of the story.
I would have liked some kind of closure with Hari / Pati, but that wasn't the purpose, either.
Interested in book one, I stumbled across this one without realizing it was a 2nd.
recommend: JH and up - historical fiction, 1920s India, when Gandhi was vocal for the separation of Britain and India and Britain was resisting.
Good history, good historical perspective.
Characters were a little stereotyped and flat, but the history kept me reading.
I was confused by Max and Rosy's relationship... and Rahan. Was that a romance? or just hints at one? or... confused. But that's ok, it wasn't the purpose of the story.
I would have liked some kind of closure with Hari / Pati, but that wasn't the purpose, either.
Interested in book one, I stumbled across this one without realizing it was a 2nd.
August 4, 2018
I must confess that I am always enamoured with stories of British colonial times, and I enjoyed the writing in this book tremendously. It was a fun story and the appearance of the royal family added to the adventure.
However, I found the ending disappointing. It seemed to trail off into nothingness, which doesn't fit well with Rosalind's character.
However, I found the ending disappointing. It seemed to trail off into nothingness, which doesn't fit well with Rosalind's character.
June 11, 2022
Great book for historical fiction fans!
Time travel to India before Independence through the eyes of Rosy, a young British girl, who is more at home in India than England. The characters are especially well drawn and the author weaves actual historical events throughout the story. This book is the sequel to "Small Acts of Amazing Courage.
Time travel to India before Independence through the eyes of Rosy, a young British girl, who is more at home in India than England. The characters are especially well drawn and the author weaves actual historical events throughout the story. This book is the sequel to "Small Acts of Amazing Courage.
September 1, 2024
Same complaints as the first book—everything happened so fast, jumping from one event to the next. It didn’t feel like any real change happened in this book, a lot of lucky breaks and unrealistic happenings.
All the mini cliffhangers from the end of the first book seem to have resolved before this book even started. Lame.
It was fine. Nothing great. Terrible title.
All the mini cliffhangers from the end of the first book seem to have resolved before this book even started. Lame.
It was fine. Nothing great. Terrible title.
June 23, 2019
Not quite as good as volume one, but still a great read and an interesting look into India’s quest for independence. I did feel it ended a bit abruptly and prematurely, though. I wanted more ... or a volume three following Rosy further into adulthood.
August 10, 2017
Cute sequel - not as well written, but covers a large scope. Appreciate that Gandhi's letter is included in full at the end, with appropriate info in authors note. Definitely recommend these books.
August 14, 2017
Interesting historical book from the perspective of an English girl living in India during the British occupation. Took awhile to get into, but offered strong values and insight into human rights.
August 26, 2017
Nicely done. Gave another insight to Gandhi.
October 2, 2019
My daughters and I give it 3.5 stars. The story went on forever with no plot. We really enjoyed the first book, though.
February 27, 2022
This book was decent but very slow. They did not need to make a sequel as the first book ending was good. The book was also really predictable and did not keep you guessing.
August 19, 2025
Better than the first one and I did enjoy it but wasn’t my favorite.
August 24, 2021
Accidentally discovered this wonderful "kids" book at the library. Probably not perfect for my 6 year old, but I'll re-read it to him when he's 8. So much of the lessons are shown, not explained -- about class, racism, poverty, and the savior complex.
I find it to be the perfect book as an author who aspires to seamlessly weave a young person's arc in with politics but without ever telling the reader what they are seeing. The world is rich and full of lessons for anyone who wants to follow the character's journey of self-discovery.
I find it to be the perfect book as an author who aspires to seamlessly weave a young person's arc in with politics but without ever telling the reader what they are seeing. The world is rich and full of lessons for anyone who wants to follow the character's journey of self-discovery.
October 9, 2014
This book impressed me. I don't remember ever reading an anti-racist children's book like this before. Sure, there are plenty of children's books about slavery, the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement, but this book dealt pretty ably with the question of what it means to wrestle with being a white ally in a racist colonial society--and it did it outside of those aforementioned eras, which are important, but they are written about so frequently that kids can get the impression those were the only eras where racism was an issue.
This book takes place in 1920s colonial Gandhi-hunger-strike India with a young British protagonist who dreams of a free India alongside British and Indian friends, to the frustrations of her father, who works for the British government. And this book brilliantly addresses the white savior complex--Rosalind, our heroine, has big dreams which are sometimes noble but sometimes incredibly misguided and offensive. And she gets checked on it a lot. She tries to be the hero, and she has great intentions, but that doesn't mean she doesn't screw up a lot of the time. And screwing up doesn't mean she is bad or has no place in the movement. Actually, I haven't seen a lot of adult novels deal with this question with this level of sophistication. For example: Rosalind has a 14-year-old Indian friend whose parents have betrothed her to an older hairy man, and the friend is terrified and totally uninterested. Rosalind's solution: go to her one Indian guy friend and try to persuade him to marry her friend. Because that's a totally small ask and all Indian men are equally interested in marrying this girl. But her friend points out that this is ridiculous, perhaps more lovingly than Rosalind deserves, and Rosalind's aunt comes up with a different solution that is pleasing to all parties. And these kinds of questions come up over and over again throughout the book in a way that gently encourages the reader to wrestle with them too. Absolutely brilliant.
I picked this book up, wrapped in decorated brown paper, as a "Blind Date with a Book" initiative at Hosmer Library (I see you, Christina!) advertising a feisty heroine and a revolution, and I'm really glad I did. If I had chosen it myself, I probably would have picked up this book's precursor, because although this book is advertised as a "stand-alone sequel" it makes a lot of references to the previous book that I felt I was missing, although I didn't need them to understand this book. I never understood, for instance, how old the protagonist is, and what her relationship to some of the other characters is (romantic? teacher-student? I felt like I was missing some context and not knowing her age didn't help). I also found the pacing uneven at times--sometimes we get a moment-by-moment replay of exciting scenes, and sometimes they're skimmed over with a monologue summary, which felt unfair.
Generally though I was quite glad to read this book. I'll be interested to read more books like these. Every classroom should have this book or others like it on its shelves.
This book takes place in 1920s colonial Gandhi-hunger-strike India with a young British protagonist who dreams of a free India alongside British and Indian friends, to the frustrations of her father, who works for the British government. And this book brilliantly addresses the white savior complex--Rosalind, our heroine, has big dreams which are sometimes noble but sometimes incredibly misguided and offensive. And she gets checked on it a lot. She tries to be the hero, and she has great intentions, but that doesn't mean she doesn't screw up a lot of the time. And screwing up doesn't mean she is bad or has no place in the movement. Actually, I haven't seen a lot of adult novels deal with this question with this level of sophistication. For example: Rosalind has a 14-year-old Indian friend whose parents have betrothed her to an older hairy man, and the friend is terrified and totally uninterested. Rosalind's solution: go to her one Indian guy friend and try to persuade him to marry her friend. Because that's a totally small ask and all Indian men are equally interested in marrying this girl. But her friend points out that this is ridiculous, perhaps more lovingly than Rosalind deserves, and Rosalind's aunt comes up with a different solution that is pleasing to all parties. And these kinds of questions come up over and over again throughout the book in a way that gently encourages the reader to wrestle with them too. Absolutely brilliant.
I picked this book up, wrapped in decorated brown paper, as a "Blind Date with a Book" initiative at Hosmer Library (I see you, Christina!) advertising a feisty heroine and a revolution, and I'm really glad I did. If I had chosen it myself, I probably would have picked up this book's precursor, because although this book is advertised as a "stand-alone sequel" it makes a lot of references to the previous book that I felt I was missing, although I didn't need them to understand this book. I never understood, for instance, how old the protagonist is, and what her relationship to some of the other characters is (romantic? teacher-student? I felt like I was missing some context and not knowing her age didn't help). I also found the pacing uneven at times--sometimes we get a moment-by-moment replay of exciting scenes, and sometimes they're skimmed over with a monologue summary, which felt unfair.
Generally though I was quite glad to read this book. I'll be interested to read more books like these. Every classroom should have this book or others like it on its shelves.
August 2, 2013
This is another beautiful historical novel by one of the best middle grade historical fiction writers of today. Gloria Whelan paints such a descriptive, incredibly rich and detailed picture of India that I couldn't help fall in love with it myself. She presents a lot of weighty issues in a way kids can easily understand. The characters all have different viewpoints on what should be done and how which helps the reader form their own opinion. Readers can also draw parallels to the American Revolution and Declaration of Independence. The story is interesting and Rosy continues to be a likeable but realistic character. She's unsure of herself and her place in the larger world but she's passionate and cares deeply for social justice. None of the characters are purely bad and offer up a variety of different personalities based on prejudices of their culture and time period. The plot veers into fantasy territory at times putting Rosy in real life situations with real people, something I don't really care for, but younger readers will probably enjoy it. The ending is left open for another sequel though I know India wasn't granted independence until 25 years after this story takes place. It's been a pleasure watching Rosy grow up and I hope there's at least one more book about her. This novel is a great history lesson that's fascinating and entertaining. I learned much more from this novel that I did from scholarly works about India's history! I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages 9+.
June 13, 2013
After first meeting Rosalind James in Small Acts of Amazing Courage, I was eager to read the second installment of her story. The first book ended with Rosalind returning to India after a brief visit to England and a strengthening of her love for India and a resolve in her beliefs of an independent country.
This novel picks up about a year later. Rosalind is not only studying with an English tutor, but she is also teaching a small group of Indian boys. Schools for the native Indians have been closed due to the general strike called by Ghandi, but Rosalind feels it is important for the Indian people to be well educated to achieve an independent country. Rosalind is also still trying to find a balance between her loyalty to her family and the British empire with her own growing political beliefs.
When a visit to India by the Prince of Wales offers an opportunity to present the Prince with a letter from Ghandi, Rosalind must find a way to show the Prince the true India. This section of the novel, as with many others, balances the English traditions with the more stark realities of India. The author does an excellent job in presenting history in a manner that will engage middle grade readers - glittering balls, dashing young men, royalty - while bringing to light the serious issues faced during the time.
This novel picks up about a year later. Rosalind is not only studying with an English tutor, but she is also teaching a small group of Indian boys. Schools for the native Indians have been closed due to the general strike called by Ghandi, but Rosalind feels it is important for the Indian people to be well educated to achieve an independent country. Rosalind is also still trying to find a balance between her loyalty to her family and the British empire with her own growing political beliefs.
When a visit to India by the Prince of Wales offers an opportunity to present the Prince with a letter from Ghandi, Rosalind must find a way to show the Prince the true India. This section of the novel, as with many others, balances the English traditions with the more stark realities of India. The author does an excellent job in presenting history in a manner that will engage middle grade readers - glittering balls, dashing young men, royalty - while bringing to light the serious issues faced during the time.
November 20, 2015
I wish there was an option to give a book a hundred stars. I would click that one for this little book.
I checked out this book in June and subsequently renewed it four times, knowing that it was a book that I should read because it was about an important and serious topic, and therefore making it a book that I never felt like actually reading because it seemed like too much work. But yesterday I had a minute and finally picked it up (my daughter had read it and loved it)... and found to my surprise that it didn't feel like work at all to read it - rather, it was funny, colorful, lovely, and inspiring. The heroine of this book is a british girl living in India with her family in 1921, and in spite her somewhat stodgy civil servant father, she has developed a passion for the cause of India's freedom from England and furthering the cause of Gandhi. This book describes her brave and sometimes clumsy attempts to effect changes where she can amidst the charming chatter and characters of her everyday life. For me this book succeeded so much because it's not at all preachy. The author is so deft! The message it has for each of us to do our best to try and address the many injustices of the world seems a bit more do-able when we have Rosalind's example in front of us. I loved it!
I think this book is actually a sequel to one called Small Acts of Amazing Courage, which I haven't yet read but look forward to. (But, I wasn't at all lost not having read it).
I checked out this book in June and subsequently renewed it four times, knowing that it was a book that I should read because it was about an important and serious topic, and therefore making it a book that I never felt like actually reading because it seemed like too much work. But yesterday I had a minute and finally picked it up (my daughter had read it and loved it)... and found to my surprise that it didn't feel like work at all to read it - rather, it was funny, colorful, lovely, and inspiring. The heroine of this book is a british girl living in India with her family in 1921, and in spite her somewhat stodgy civil servant father, she has developed a passion for the cause of India's freedom from England and furthering the cause of Gandhi. This book describes her brave and sometimes clumsy attempts to effect changes where she can amidst the charming chatter and characters of her everyday life. For me this book succeeded so much because it's not at all preachy. The author is so deft! The message it has for each of us to do our best to try and address the many injustices of the world seems a bit more do-able when we have Rosalind's example in front of us. I loved it!
I think this book is actually a sequel to one called Small Acts of Amazing Courage, which I haven't yet read but look forward to. (But, I wasn't at all lost not having read it).
September 12, 2013
Readers who missed Rosalind's adventures in Small Acts of Amazing Courage, as I did, will still get plenty of enjoyment from the second installment. Rosalind's family lives in India, where her father is an administrator and quite high up in the British government. Rosalind herself loves India, and feels that British occupation is slowly killing the place she calls home; her eyes are open to the poverty and growing unrest and she unabashedly supports Gandhi and his call for the hartal, or peaceful strike, upon notice of the Prince of Wales' upcoming visit to Calcutta. Her friend Max is an activist, and he asks Rosy to get close to the Prince and deliver a letter written by Gandhi, that he feels sure will help to change the Prince's attitude in an influential way. Rosy isn't so sure, but chance works in her favor and she makes friends with Lord Mountbatten and through him, the Prince. Written in a wry manner that will remind readers of Dodie Smith just a bit, this book offers a unique perspective on a volatile time in history. Sugared as it is with humor and a hint of romance and Rosy's own appealing voice, the time period and background go down easily for those who may not be very familiar with India and its relatively recent battles for freedom. (And the cover, with its old-fashioned ostrich feather design, is lovely.) Junior high, older.
December 30, 2013
I thoroughly enjoyed Small Acts of Amazing Courage, this book's predecessor, and was delighted to realize that there was a sequel. Not only does the author capture the sights, sounds, flavors, and complicated politics of India during the 1920s, but she has created a likeable character in her protagonist Rosalind James. Despite her father's position as a major in the British army and the family's privileged status, Rosalind sympathizes with the desire many Indians have for independence and freedom from British rule. When the Prince of Wales visits Calcutta, she has the chance to make sure that he sees the real India with its beauty and its poverty and not just the staged scenes arranged to impress him. It's hard not to get caught up in Rosalind's adventures and dilemmas and some of her mistaken assumptions about what is best for those around her. Sometimes her solutions are rather naïve but quite appropriate for a girl her age. But what makes this title particularly appealing is how the author provides many perspectives to the political landscape without demonizing one group or making another completely heroic. Her deft handling of the experience of those who leave one country for another and then find it hard to go home again is particularly impressive. I am keeping my fingers crossed for another installment featuring these delightful characters.
February 10, 2014
This is a wonderful book -- all the more so, since it is in fact a book for (older) children. At the outset, one would really wonder if the subtleties and complexities of the last couple of decades of the British Raj in London could be expressed adequately in such a format. But, indeed, the National Book Award winning author handles them with a deft touch that never feels preachy yet conveys quite adequately the desperation of the inhabitants of India to win their freedom from domination by the British, most of whom feel that they are truly doing the Indian people a favor by bringing "civilization" to them. It does not gloss over the inconsistencies and inequalities within Indian society itself with regard to the caste system or the treatment of women, nor the harm that the sincerely well-meaning heroine can sometimes cause by some of her actions. Yet, with it all, there is plenty of plot and a plausibility of events that are clearly fictional within the historical events described.
The only slightly jarring note was that there were references to actions that had taken place before this book which seemed less than clearly explained. However, when I read the author's note at the end, this too made sense. This book is in fact, a sequel to a book called "Small Acts of Amazing Courage", which I am going to takes steps immediately to get my hands on.
The only slightly jarring note was that there were references to actions that had taken place before this book which seemed less than clearly explained. However, when I read the author's note at the end, this too made sense. This book is in fact, a sequel to a book called "Small Acts of Amazing Courage", which I am going to takes steps immediately to get my hands on.
May 7, 2015
Rosalind has a foot in several different worlds. It is the 1920's and as the daughter of British official she has a place in the comfortable and exotic society of the English who rule India. She also creates a world for herself among the idealistic youth, both Indian and English, who support Gandhi and believe India should rule itself. During the Crown Prince's official visit Rosalind manages to meet the Prince of Wales, and in an effort to open his eyes to the real India sets in motion events that transport her and her family to London.
Whelan covers a fascinating period of history and Whelan cannily manages to have her cake and eat it too: Rosalind experiences the glamour of brushes with royalty, fancy clothes and fun filled interludes with attractive young men while also doing important good works with and for the oppressed Indian majority. This is a worthwhile series that introduces 5-7th graders to an important period of time in the company of an engaging young girl determined to enjoy herself AND be a change maker.
The writing ranges from accomplished to adequate. Whelan tends to tell rather than show and particularly towards the end of the book the writing feels rushed, breathless and baldly explicit.
Whelan covers a fascinating period of history and Whelan cannily manages to have her cake and eat it too: Rosalind experiences the glamour of brushes with royalty, fancy clothes and fun filled interludes with attractive young men while also doing important good works with and for the oppressed Indian majority. This is a worthwhile series that introduces 5-7th graders to an important period of time in the company of an engaging young girl determined to enjoy herself AND be a change maker.
The writing ranges from accomplished to adequate. Whelan tends to tell rather than show and particularly towards the end of the book the writing feels rushed, breathless and baldly explicit.
April 19, 2014
This is an incredibly fast read (except for the moment when I figured out that 4 of my pages were bound out of order in the ARC--very surreal). It's also an excellent primer on British/Indian relations for young readers, and a good coming-of-age/privilege-confrontation lesson. Rosalind (Rosy) is not only growing up and trying to balance her desires to spend time with friends vs. her familial obligations, but is also figuring out how to be a responsible ally without being an unconscious suppressor.
I hope there's a third book because this could be a very powerful tool to put in the hands of kids who are trying to navigate similar coming-to-consciousness moments.This is a young protagonist who really shines light on how hard it is to be a good ally, especially when the privileges you have are ingrained and support your very way of life. They can see when Rosy falls down on her good intentions and talk about how she has to actively work to change her own internal monologue because it works against her ideals.
I hope that the next book also confronts the men in Rosy's life. Max and Joey are not doing India nearly as many favors as they think they are, and aren't grappling with their privilege in the same conscious way that Rosy is.
I hope there's a third book because this could be a very powerful tool to put in the hands of kids who are trying to navigate similar coming-to-consciousness moments.This is a young protagonist who really shines light on how hard it is to be a good ally, especially when the privileges you have are ingrained and support your very way of life. They can see when Rosy falls down on her good intentions and talk about how she has to actively work to change her own internal monologue because it works against her ideals.
I hope that the next book also confronts the men in Rosy's life. Max and Joey are not doing India nearly as many favors as they think they are, and aren't grappling with their privilege in the same conscious way that Rosy is.
September 13, 2013
The author’s theme of All My Nobel Dreams and then What Happened was to further educate people on India’s struggle against Britain for their freedom. This is shown from both perspectives. For example, while in India, the main character, a British native named Rosalind is on India’s side. Rosalind meets and becomes good friends with a European royalty who believes that Britain is doing India a favor by supplying them with government. The author is showing everyone deserves to be free despite their skin color or where they are from. During this book the reader is shown the life and thoughts of both countries.
Generally, I enjoyed this book. I thought it had a good theme and a good message. I enjoyed this theme because of the real world connection it had. The only thing I did not like about it was it did not have enough excitement for me personally. At sometimes there was adventure but most of the time they were just talking. I would definitely recommend this book to a classmate that enjoys historical fiction.
Generally, I enjoyed this book. I thought it had a good theme and a good message. I enjoyed this theme because of the real world connection it had. The only thing I did not like about it was it did not have enough excitement for me personally. At sometimes there was adventure but most of the time they were just talking. I would definitely recommend this book to a classmate that enjoys historical fiction.
October 3, 2013
I like to read as many of the hopefuls for the Newbery award and the title of this one really attracted me. I love historical fiction and India in 1921 is a great time and place to drop in. There are also some great descriptions of India. My problem is with the narrator -- because of the title I expected more of her -- her passion seems inauthentic and her voice is somewhat distant. Her age is also problematic for me -- given the book's audience age, and the age of the narrator's voice, I was thinking Rosalind was 13 -- until information in the text suggests she's in her upper teens. Rosalind's friendships are mature, but her thinking is clearly not -- she runs to Raman and asks him to solve Sajala's problems by marrying her? It also seems unfair to Gandhi's work to suggest that his cause was forwarded by a British Cinderella who in a strange twist finds the King's shoe.
March 11, 2015
gr 6-10 243pgs
1921 India / London, England. 17 year old Rosalind finds herself caught between two worlds. Unlike her British parents, Rosalind is in favor of India's independence and is very vocal in her support. But when the Prince of Wales visits India, she can't help wanting to meet him. When her friends ask her to give the Prince of Wales a letter supporting Indian independence, Rosy must decide if she is willing to risk getting in trouble to get it to him.
Readers do not need to have read the previous book in order to appreciate this book. I liked the variety of opinions that characters expressed in the book. I also liked how Rosalind grew as a character over the course of the book. Readers who have seen Downton Abby will enjoy reading about Rosalind's experience being presented at court.
sequel to "Small Acts of Amazing Courage"
1921 India / London, England. 17 year old Rosalind finds herself caught between two worlds. Unlike her British parents, Rosalind is in favor of India's independence and is very vocal in her support. But when the Prince of Wales visits India, she can't help wanting to meet him. When her friends ask her to give the Prince of Wales a letter supporting Indian independence, Rosy must decide if she is willing to risk getting in trouble to get it to him.
Readers do not need to have read the previous book in order to appreciate this book. I liked the variety of opinions that characters expressed in the book. I also liked how Rosalind grew as a character over the course of the book. Readers who have seen Downton Abby will enjoy reading about Rosalind's experience being presented at court.
sequel to "Small Acts of Amazing Courage"
January 19, 2013
I have dim but fond memories of "Homeless Bird" and haven't read "Small Acts..." I'm afraid this one didn't really wow me. I enjoyed the history and there are some excellent descriptions of India. There's a pretty big gap between the age of Rosalind (upper teens) and the apparent age of this book's audience, which seems to be middle grades. But while Rosalind's friendships and activities are mature, there's nothing to make it inappropriate for younger readers. For me, the book's weaknesses were that Rosalind was a distant and formal narrator, and that her opinions about the need for India's independence were repeated too often.
I received this ARC through Edelweiss and Simon and Schuster.
I received this ARC through Edelweiss and Simon and Schuster.
April 22, 2013
Coming of age in India in 1921, feisty British-born Rosalind finds herself at odds with her father, a British officer preparing for a visit from the Prince of Wales, as she sympathizes with the native Indians and their struggle for independence under the influence of Mahatma Gandhi. Whelan artfully captures the sights, sounds and smells of the era and the cultural clash between the ruling British and the poverty-stricken Indians. A perfect pick for historical fiction fans who are drawn to tales from exotic lands. Reviewer #8
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