The line.
Written by Swapna Haddow. Illustrated by Farah Shah.
Scholastic, 2026. Picture book.
A powerful story about Partition, with a hopeful message
at its heart. "I would draw lines that would lasso us to our neighbours
and keep us close for all time. I would draw lines that made us feel safe
together." When a line divides the country of India, a little girl and her
family are forced to leave their home. On her journey, the girl thinks about
what she would do differently if she was in charge of a line with so much
power. She would draw lines that brought people together, despite their
differences. Her lines would make people friends. Her lines would make the
world a better place. Bringing together award-winning Indian author, Swapna
Haddow, with British-Pakistani illustrator, Farah Shah, representing both sides
of Partition The hopeful message of the story and warmth of the illustrations
handle the subject matter with care, suitable for a young audience. Based
around a historic event, but with important themes that are still very relevant
today Includes a spread at the back of the book with facts about the Partition
of India.
How we see lines – are they separators, or connectors. There
are a number of recent books about The Partition – perhaps because it is coming
up to the 80th anniversary.
Written while Swapna was the University of Otago College of
Education/Creative New Zealand Children’s Writer in Residence.
#WorldKidLitMonth
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