This heartwarming coming-of-age tale follows the journey of an eleven-year-old Indian girl as she moves to America with her family. While initially reluctant and sceptical, she soon learns to embrace the new culture around her while still cherishing her traditions and heritage.
We spoke with Sonali about her understanding of cultural heritage, bringing her own childhood experiences into Neerja’s story and what she hopes young readers learn from her tale.
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Working at an international school in Dubai, with children from multi-cultural backgrounds, must have inspired the coming-of-age story of Neerja. Why is it so important that children keep in touch with their cultural heritage?
Working in an international school in Dubai, I have witnessed firsthand the experiences of children growing up in diverse, multicultural settings, often referred to as 'third-culture kids.' My own children have grown up outside their home country, India, and, like Neerja, they have faced the challenge of balancing cultural identity with the desire to fit into a new environment.
For me, it's essential that children stay connected to their cultural heritage, as it provides them with a sense of belonging and grounding, even as they adapt to new cultures. In The Curious Case of Neerja, I wanted to explore this inner conflict—how children, like Neerja, navigate the desire to belong while also holding onto the values, traditions, and identity that are part of their roots. It's a delicate balance, and it's so important because it helps children develop a strong sense of self, no matter where they are in the world. Inclusion, diversity, and representation are key elements in making sure all children feel seen and valued for who they are.
Writers often draw upon their own experiences in their work, with coming-of-age stories like yours bringing back childhood memories. How much of your life, your worries and your passions are in Neerja?
As a writer, it's almost impossible not to draw from your own experiences, and The Curious Case of Neerja is very much a reflection of my life, my worries, and my passions. Like Neerja, I feel deeply connected to my culture and believe it’s essential to stay rooted in one's traditions. However, I also believe it’s equally important to embrace differences and appreciate other cultures and ways of life. This balance is what helps build a more open-minded and peaceful society.
Although I grew up in India, I have spent over 15 years living outside my home country, and in many ways, Neerja’s struggles are also my struggles. The internal conflict between wanting to stay connected to my roots while also adapting to new environments is something I have personally experienced, especially as I see my own children growing up in a multicultural setting. Like Neerja, I’ve had to navigate the complexities of fitting in without losing the essence of who I am. It’s this universal experience that I hope readers—whether children or adults—can connect with in the story.
Some children who read your book will be from families who have not moved from their cultural home, who’s culturally identity is concrete. For these young readers, what can they learn from Neerja’s story?
Children who haven't moved from their cultural home can still learn a lot from Neerja's story. At its heart, The Curious Case of Neerja is about understanding the importance of empathy, open-mindedness, and embracing diversity. Even if their own cultural identity feels concrete, they can see the world from Neerja’s perspective, gaining insight into the challenges others face when trying to balance different cultural identities.
Neerja’s story can help young readers appreciate the richness that comes from learning about and accepting other traditions while staying true to their own. It also teaches them that even though someone might have different experiences, values, or customs, those differences can actually make friendships and communities stronger. In a world that is increasingly interconnected, it’s more important than ever for children to learn how to respect and celebrate diversity—something that applies to everyone, no matter where they come from.
First and foremost, this book is a celebration of India and Neerja’s Indian heritage. As someone born and raised in the country, what are some of your favourite things about the colourful culture?
First and foremost, this book is indeed a celebration of India and Neerja’s Indian heritage. Some of my favorite things about India’s colorful culture are definitely the food—rich in flavor and spices, it’s something that brings people together. I also love the music, whether it’s classical tunes or the upbeat rhythms of Bollywood songs that always have a way of lifting spirits. Speaking of Bollywood, the movies are such a big part of our culture, with their drama, songs, and larger-than-life stories. Cricket, of course, is almost a religion in India, uniting people across regions.
India’s diversity is something that always amazes me—from the languages and food, which change as you go from north to south, east to west, to the vibrant colors you see in everyday life. There’s a sense of energy and vibrancy in everything, from festivals to simple street markets. And let’s not forget yoga and Ayurveda, two gifts from India to the world that focus on well-being and balance. Above all, there’s a deep sense of belonging I feel whenever I visit India, a connection to my roots that always stays with me.
Finally, Neerja’s story is deeply rooted in her Indian heritage, but in moving to America, she can now experience a brand-new culture. Are there more adventures for Neerja to come? Or are you working on something completely different?
In the next installment of The Curious Case of Neerja, Neerja will tackle the complex world of social media and self-image, a topic highly relevant to today’s generation. Now a teenager, Neerja finds herself navigating the pressure to fit in with the carefully curated lives she sees online. As she gets deeper into social media, she faces the challenge of balancing her true self with the version of herself she feels compelled to present to the world.
From the anxiety of keeping up with trends to the pressure of "likes" and virtual validation, Neerja begins to question where she fits in the digital landscape. She wrestles with her self-worth, trying to maintain her authenticity while engaging in a world where everyone seems to be projecting perfection. Along the way, Neerja learns hard truths about the importance of self-acceptance, the impact of online interactions, and how to navigate the blurred lines between real life and social media.
This storyline will resonate with young readers who are similarly trying to figure out who they are in the face of social media expectations, making it a timely and relatable continuation of Neerja’s journey.
The Curious Case of Neerja is available now in paperback.
