HarperCollins Children’s Books is set to bring readers My Joy, a picture book by journalist, trainee lawyer and writer Shreeja Rao, celebrating the everyday joys, aspirations and identity of a young Dalit girl.
Written by Rao and illustrated by Shrujana N Shridhar, the book explores childhood through the eyes of a Dalit child whose world is filled with family, friendship, cultural celebrations and dreams of a future shaped by her own ambitions.
From wearing blue clothes chosen by her mother and sharing traditional food with her family to dancing to Bhim Geet and reading the Preamble at home, the young protagonist finds joy in the everyday moments of life. She also dreams of becoming the first lawyer in her family.
However, her confidence and aspirations are sometimes met with prejudice. Despite being criticised for her laughter, outspoken nature and background, the young girl refuses to let discrimination define her identity.
Set across classrooms, family homes, community celebrations and a Buddha Vihara, My Joy presents a story of self-expression, dignity and the courage to embrace one’s identity.
Talking about the book, Rao said children deserve to experience both laughter and quiet moments of happiness, adding that Dalit children remain underrepresented in literature. She described the book as a journey of reclaiming her full humanity, drawing on moments from her own childhood.
Illustrator Shrujana N Shridhar said working on the book gave her an opportunity to revisit powerful yet tender moments from her childhood. She said the narrative is an important contribution to understanding children’s observations, aspirations, joy and grief.
Tina Narang, Executive Publisher – HarperCollins Children’s Books, said the book introduces young readers to the diversity of the world through the story of a Dalit child and her celebration of identity. She highlighted the combination of Rao’s simple yet powerful text and Shridhar’s illustrations.
The book has also received praise from human rights activist, scholar and writer Anand Teltumbde, who described it as a small book with a large message, celebrating a humanity that cannot be reduced to suffering.
Anti-caste writer and award-winning author Yashica Dutt praised its tender narration and delicate illustrations, highlighting the beauty of the joy experienced by young Dalit girls.
Rao is based in Pune and has written for publications including The Guardian, CNN, The Times of India, The Wire and Economic & Political Weekly. She is also the author of Little Tara’s Big Fire and founded Claw, an organisation that works to create career pathways for marginalised youth.
Shridhar, an artist based in Mumbai, has illustrated and written children’s books including Aamu’s Kawandi and Chiu’s Power. She also runs the Dalit Panther Archive and is a co-founder of the anti-caste publication Mavelinadu Collective.
Through the young protagonist’s laughter, ambitions and everyday experiences, My Joy invites readers to see Dalit childhood beyond narratives of discrimination and suffering, celebrating the possibilities of identity, belonging and self-expression.
