Neela: Victory Song

I give it high marks for introducing high marks for introducing American young readers to the history of a country that is usually ignored in schools. Neela's father goes to join a peaceful protest for independence from British rule.
I'm less satisfied with the role of the main character, a young girl, as most American Girl series present such a character in a more active style. The first part of the story shows the ways that women in that cultural time really had little independence. Their schooling was limited and marriages were arranged at a young age. While much is made of Neela's worries, once she arrives in Calcutta she spends most of her time visiting and waiting. So passive!
The book has a 6-page appendix giving an overview of show more that time period in history, how it changed after Gandhi gained independence for his country, his influence around the world, and expectations for women then vs now. It also has a glossary for the Bengali words used. show less

This story, and this series in particular, is a great way to expose children to other cultures. With the adventure and the introduction of new customs exhibited in this book, it really grabs one's attention. It also offers history in the story, which allows children to get a glimpse into the history of other countries, especially Asian countries.

This book was exciting and interesting. Neela is a girl in India who finds herself in a struggle with duties, customs, and new thoughts and ideas. She and her father both become excited about India's independence, but her father is captured in the struggle. She travels to Calcutta to get help freeing him, and has to use her cleverness to finally get him home.

Neela is from India. Here sister is married of and her father went to fight for India’s, independence telling Neela not to tell her mother. When she hears that hundreds were imprisoned or killed she sets of with her friend Samar to find her father if he is still alive.