I was born and raised in India and came to the United States to attend college.  After receiving my BS from the Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa and MS in bacteriology from the University of Wisconsin--Madison, I worked for the Wisconsin Agriculture Department for 15 years.

About ten years ago I started writing children's books.  I have published four novels (Hyperion, HarperCollins) and two picture books (Peachtree).  My first novel, Blue Jasmine, won the Paul Zindel First Novel Award.  My latest novel, Keeping Corner, is listed as a Best Book for the Young Adult (BBYA, 2009) and was also named as one of the top ten historical fictions of 2008 by Booklist.  My latest novel, Boys Without Names, was published (HarperCollins) in January 2010.  It is a story about a boy in contemporary India who is kidnapped and forced to work in a sweatshop.

My picture books, My Dadima Wears a Sari and Monsoon Afternoon have been selected as Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.  I currently have two more picture books under contract.

I have done several school visits in Wisconsin and in other states for preschool,
K-12, and university students.  I enjoy working with teachers and other organizers and make my presentation fit their needs.

My Books:

• Boys Without Names (MG, 2010)
• Monsooon Afternoon (PB, 2008)
• Keeping Corner (YA, 2007)
• My Dadima Wears a Sari (PB, 2007)
• Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet (YA, 2006)
• Blue Jasmine (MG, 2004)

Here are some topics that I have covered:

• The immigrant's journey
• Family and the continuity of traditions
• The culture of India
• Women's rights and roles in a changing society
• India's struggle for freedom
• Where do story ideas come from?
• The writing and revising process

Contact Information:
Website: www.kashmirasheth.typepad.com
Email: ksheth@tds.net

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