The Forbidden Temple
Meant for children aged 10 and over, this book has also been read and enjoyed by adults, especially those who enjoy short stories or are interested in India's past. The author's first work of historical fiction, this is a collection of short stories set in the past, beginning with India's Stone Age and ending with the nation's struggle for freedom. Each story explores an exciting period in Indian history through the eyes of a young protagonist. Choice facts are presented alongside the stories, in unobtrusive sidebars. An activity section at the end of the book contains thought-provoking questions and fun-to-do activities. Published by Tulika.
The author has written a teacher's guide to this book to assist those who plan to use the book in a classroom setting. This guide is copyrighted, but teachers are permitted to download an adobe acrobat (pdf) copy for their personal use, at no cost.
To download this free, 36-page guide, click here: Teacher's Guide to The Forbidden Temple.(pdf 143 KB).
Translation rights for The Forbidden Temple have recently been sold. If you are interested in purchasing the translation of this book in Hindi (or another regional Indian language), or inviting the author to speak about non-Western contributions to science and mathematics, bring Indian history and culture alive to children using a combination of activities and a reading from the book, please schedule an author visit using the contact form.
Climbing the Stairs
When T.V. Padma's collection of short stories, The Forbidden Temple, went into second edition, she did not feel the work was complete. There was one story that she just could not forget - the final story in the collection that was set in the India of the 1940's. There was so much more to be written about this tumultuous era.
Padma Venkatraman continued her research, and found herself writing her first full-length novel, Climbing the stairs. Climbing the stairs is aimed at young adults and older audiences. Set in India the India of the 1940's, Climbing the stairs juxtaposes a teenager's struggle for personal freedom with her country's independence struggle. Vidya, a feisty fourteen year old, is cloistered in the oppressive atmosphere of her extended family home. When her life is shattered by a shocking tragedy, will she be able to find the strength she needs to battle for freedom on her own?
- Animal stories
- Historical fiction
- Science