I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Flying in Colors by Padma Prasad Reddeppa
Published by Lee & Low Books on May 6, 2025
Genres: Children's Multigenerational Family Life, Children's Literature
Pages: 320
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Aunties tell nine-year-old Pavi that she's asking too many "big women" questions, but she's tired of grown-up secrets. How are babies born? And why do people die? A beautiful debut about family, tradition, and the healing that comes from finding the answers.
It's 1975, Tamil Nadu, South India, and nine-year-old Pavi is living a carefree life with her large intergenerational family. Everyday is an adventure. Why not steal 233 mangoes from the neighbor's tree? Or make up grand stories that take her to Jupiter? If only there wasn't a sadness lingering over the family. You see, her uncle Selva died just five months after she was born.
Pavi may have been just a baby when Selva died, but she feels close to him, as if he's watching over her, helping her when she needs it. But she has so many questions about Selva's death. And why does anyone die when they do?
The grown-ups in Pavi's life are hiding something. They dismiss her questions. For instance, when Pavi and her cousins ask about babies, all anyone says is "Little women are asking big women questions." And when she asks about Selva, there are no answers either. Why is talking about life and death so hard? Pavi is tired of grown-up secrets!
But what if those answers can hurt, or bad things happen? Can prayers and traditions really protect those we love? Pavi is determined to find out.
📚✨ Book Referees is honored to be part of the Hear Our Voices blog tour for Flying in Color by Padma Prasad Reddeppa!
For today’s blog tour stop, I’m sharing 15 thoughts I had while reading and a book review of this tender, nostalgic, and quietly powerful debut.
Set in 1975 Tamil Nadu, Flying in Color is a moving coming-of-age story about nine-year-old Pavi—an endlessly curious girl who’s not afraid to ask the questions adults would rather avoid. It’s a heartfelt exploration of family, grief, and the truths tucked between tradition and silence.
Pavi’s story is bold, vibrant, and full of mangoes (yes, really).
✨ Flying in Color by Padma Prasad Reddeppa is worth checking out!
Flying in Color is a tender, emotionally resonant debut that captures the voice of a child who sees far more than adults give her credit for. Set in 1970s Tamil Nadu, this story explores grief, family secrets, and a young girl’s courageous pursuit of answers. Padma Prasad Reddeppa writes with quiet power, blending humor and heartbreak with an ease that mirrors childhood itself. A poignant coming-of-age tale that reminds us that curiosity isn’t just a phase—it’s a form of survival.
Reviewed by: Orsayor
