"There are more than one billion Hindus in the world, but for those who don't practice the faith, very little seems to be understood about it. Followers have not only built and sustained the world's largest democracy but have also sustained one of the greatest philosophical streams in the world for more than three thousand years. So, what makes a Hindu? Why is so little heard from the real practitioners of the everyday faith? Why does information...

"What are the core teachings and beliefs of Hinduism? Readers will learn about one of the world's most widely practiced religions through the lens of two different perspectives and dive deep into important figures, sacred texts, holidays, and commandments. This narrative nonfiction book uses considerate text that is written at a higher maturity level with a lower reading level to engage and accommodate struggling readers. Includes sidebars that are...

"Understanding Hinduism covers the history of Hinduism and explores how the religion has evolved and expanded. Readers learn about spiritual leaders, how Hindus perceive the world, and how Hindus live in the modern world. This title also discusses the complex interactions between Hinduism and Indian politics. Features include a glossary, references, websites, source notes, and an index. Aligned to Common Core Standards and correlated to state standards"--Amazon.com....

Pattan has an amazing pumpkin. It grows bigger than the goats, bigger than the elephants... so BIG that it is as TALL as the mountains. Then one day, the storm clouds burst and the waters rise. Pattan, his family, and all the animals are in danger from the momentous flood. Can Pattan and his giant pumpkin save the day? Based on a traditional tale told by the Irula people of southern India -- From dust jacket.

A family celebrates the Hindu festival of Diwali, a festival of light, by making rangoli patterns, lighting diyas, wearing new clothes, exchanging sweets with friends, and watching a fireworks display.

"In Tamil Nadu, India, a boy is born with blue skin. His father sets up an ashram, and the family makes a living off of the pilgrims who seek the child's blessings and miracles, believing young Kalki to be tenth human incarnation of the Hindu god Vishnu. Kalki is confronted with three trials in his tenth year-tests of his power that will prove his divine status and, his father tells him, spread his fame worldwide. Over the next decade, as the story...

Sona Sharma's house is full of people who joke often and argue sometimes. Relatives come unannounced, the phone rings frequently and friends drop in all the time. Then one day Amma tells Sona she is going to have a baby. Is that good? Sona isn't sure -- she has always enjoyed being an only child -- and straight away she has a word with her best friend, Elephant. When Sona learns that there will be a baby naming ceremony, she is determined to find...

Describes how the Hindu holiday of Diwali is celebrated.