July 30th is International Day of Friendship: New Kids Book Celebrates Diversity and Tolerance

With conversations about immigration bans and border walls dominating our daily news cycles, questions about what it means to be "American" are at the forefront for many of us. This may be the most true for kids, who are figuring out social politics on a day-to-day basis in schools and on playgrounds. Whether it's racial and religious differences, or varying clothes or leisure activities, all kids feel different at some point or another, and have to figure out where they fit in. In the engaging new children's book, Sonya Sahni and the First Grade: It's International Day!

Author Dr. Soma Mandal has created a world where kids feel different - and that's OK! First grader Sonya feels torn between two cultures. She was born in the United States but her parents are Indian, and she desperately wants to fit in and be American. Her parents want her to embrace her Indian culture, but Sonya feels like a misfit amongst her non-Indian peers. Eventually, Sonya realizes that even though her family might eat different food and wear different kinds of clothes from her friends' families, those differences are valuable and interesting, and she learns to appreciate who she is. Featuring beautiful illustrations by Tim Williams, this is a must-read for any child or adult who feels different from the rest of the world, and will serve as an invaluable resource for parents and teachers alike. "In this unique story, a little girl is the main protagonist who struggles with issues to grasp both sides of her cultures," Dr. Mandal begins. "I hope to inspire children to accept their backgrounds and embrace their cultures. I want to live in a society where all children can live and welcome differences instead of tearing them down." With engaging and realistic storytelling, Dr. Mandal provides children with a new resource: • To be more open minded and develop friendships without preconceived notions • To encourage our children to foster relationships with others based on acceptance • To realize that everyone has their own unique set of struggles • To provide support to those who feel left out or discouraged • To offer guidance to children embracing their backgrounds who feel bullied • And much more! Aimed at giving children a recognizable and relatable story that's fun to read, Sonya Sahni and the First Grade helps children understand acceptance and the importance of learning about other cultures.

SOMA MANDAL, MD is an internist in New Jersey specializing in women's health. A native New Yorker, she attended NYU for both undergraduate and graduate medical school. However, writing has always been a lifelong endeavor for Mandal. She immersed herself in books and wrote several short stories throughout her life. Her life goal is to combine what she loves to do most: be a mother, physician and writer all in one. Mandal appeared in Inside Jersey Magazine as one of the Top Docs 2016 and will be appearing in the 2017 edition as well. For more information visit www.sonyasahniandthefirstgrade.org and connect with Dr. Mandal on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Sonya Sahni and the First Grade is available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and wherever fine books are sold.