The Partition Project

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with family transitions, specifically the arrival of an aging relative or the loss of their personal space. It is perfect for middle schoolers who feel resentful about new responsibilities or who seem disconnected from their family history. The story follows Mahnoor, a budding journalist who initially resents her grandmother moving into her room but eventually discovers a bridge to her past through a school documentary project. This novel beautifully balances contemporary American middle school life with the heavy, significant history of the 1947 Partition of India and Pakistan. It explores themes of empathy, the importance of oral storytelling, and how understanding where we come from can change how we see our present. It is a heartfelt choice for parents wanting to encourage cultural pride and intergenerational patience.