Divya Far From Home is a charming little story with a lot of heart. In it, Divya and her family are relocating from their home in India to another country, a story that I'm sure many children can relate to. Divya is a sweet and passionate kid, and not exactly thrilled about the move. However, throughout the story she learns how to make the best of any situation and gets closer to her cousins. I really loved this, I think this is perfect for second and third graders who are just starting to get into longer fiction but find longer books to be incredibly daunting. The illustrations are colorful and cute, and the story is relatable and heartwarming. A definite recommend!

Oh, little Divya immediately had my youngest reader’s attention - and her heart. This story about a young girl and her family moving all the way from India was a perfect read for an 8 year old with big feelings with a love for storytelling. Strong and relatable socioemotional content with really lovely writing. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the advance copy. All opinions are entirely my (and my young readers’ own.)

Divya Far From Home is the debut children's book by author Sita Jit, the first in a chapter book series featuring the character Divya Dubey. The story follows 9-year-old Divya as she navigates the challenges of moving from Delhi to a new home in the United States.

Divya has always lived in Delhi surrounded by family, friends, and the comforts of home. But when her father gets a job opportunity in the US, Divya's family decides to move across the world. Divya struggles with leaving behind everything familiar and starting over in an unfamiliar country.

In her new home, Divya faces language barriers, culture shock, and making new friends. However, with the support of her loving family, including her grandparents who move with them, Divya begins to adjust. She starts to feel at home through new experiences like celebrating Diwali and making American friends who appreciate her culture.

The book explores themes of family, friendship, culture, and resilience. It provides a window into the Indian-American experience, highlighting the joys and challenges of living in a multi-generational household and navigating two cultures.

Divya as she tackles obstacles with courage and optimism makes the book inspiring. The book celebrates Divya's heritage while showing the universal experiences of making new friends, trying new foods, and finding one's place in the world.

Divya Far From Home is a delightful debut that will resonate with young readers, especially those navigating changes and new experiences. With its engaging story, diverse representation, and inspiring message, the book is a welcome addition to children's literature. Fans of the series will eagerly await Divya's next adventure.

‘Divya Far from Home’ by Sita Jit is a heartwarming story that explores themes of belonging and identity through the eyes of a young girl. The book captures the emotional journey of Divya, who navigates life away from her familiar surroundings and finds her place in a new environment.

Plot: ★★★★☆
The plot of ‘Divya Far from Home’ is both compelling and relatable. It follows Divya as she adjusts to life far from home, dealing with the challenges of a new environment while trying to stay connected with her roots. The story is well-paced, with a good balance of emotional depth and an engaging narrative that keeps readers invested in Divya’s journey.

Character: ★★★★☆
Divya is portrayed with depth and empathy. Her experiences and emotions are vividly conveyed, making her a relatable and endearing character. The supporting characters also add richness to the story, each contributing to Divya’s growth and understanding of her new world. Their interactions and development are well-crafted and add layers to the narrative.

Illustrations: ★★★★☆
The illustrations in ‘Divya Far from Home’ are vibrant and evocative, beautifully capturing the emotions and settings of the story. The artwork complements the narrative well, bringing Divya’s experiences to life with a visual richness that enhances the reader's connection to the story.

Engagement: ★★★★☆
The book engages readers through its emotional depth and relatable themes. Divya’s journey is portrayed in a way that resonates with both children and adults, making the story engaging and thought-provoking. The blend of narrative and illustrations keeps the reader’s interest throughout.

Readability: ★★★★☆
The readability of ‘Divya Far from Home’ is excellent, with clear and accessible language that is suitable for its target audience. The story is told in a way that is both engaging and easy to follow, making it an enjoyable read for children and an accessible one for adults who may be sharing it with young readers.

Enjoyment: ★★★★☆
Overall, ‘Divya Far from Home’ is an enjoyable and fulfilling read. Its blend of emotional depth, relatable characters, and beautiful illustrations creates a well-rounded and satisfying reading experience. The book’s themes of adaptation and finding one’s place resonate well, making it a memorable and enjoyable story.


‘Divya Far from Home’ by Sita Jit is a beautifully crafted story that offers both emotional depth and visual appeal. With its compelling plot, relatable characters, and vibrant illustrations, the book provides an engaging and enjoyable reading experience. It’s a touching exploration of belonging and identity that will resonate with readers of all ages.

I received an advance reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.

Divya Far From Home is a cute and heartwarming story chapter book for children about Divya - a young girl from Dehli who's moving internationally to a new country with her parents. Her parents are moving to help family with their business but can't afford to get their own place yet, so they will be living with her father's brother and his family. Divya doesn't want to move and leave her home, and she's very nervous about living with family she doesn't know. This was a great book to comfort children in similar situations and to encourage empathy in children who meet children going through this type of event in their lives. I enjoyed the illustrations but wished there had been a few more or that there were small illustrations or even photographs at the back in the glossary section next to descriptions of certain things such as foods. I loved how the family came together in support of one another and reminded children that change can be scary and very different, but it can also be fun and exciting too.

Starring a 9 year old main character who loves basketball and tasty treats like ladies, Divya Far From Home begins on an airplane. The main character is headed to a new country, and starting a new school and beginning to live with extended family - another new thing. We see Divya learn to adapt to all this big change at once.

This is a chapter book with a nine-year-old main character. I have found in recent years, that a lot of the early chapter books feature animal characters, so I was excited to read this one with a main character who is a young immigrant. Divya is working through lots of changes that come all at once when you move to a new country. She isn’t always happy about it, but she makes a new friend and realizes how much support she has.

Author Sita Jit is an educator, friend and former colleague. This book is inspired by her own experiences. I’ve enjoyed learning about her writing and publishing journey and I’m so excited and happy for her - Divya is almost out in the world - and that there will be a book 2 next year! @sitajit also has a pre-order giveaway on right now - check her page for details.

Abhilasha Khatri is an illustrator who used to be an architect. She captures emotions and energy so well in this chapter book - which has 1/2 page and full page illustrations, about 4-5 per chapter. I love the details like the range of skin tones in Divya’s Indian family. @abhilashakhatri0603

Thank you to @netgalley and @capstonepub for the ARC.

In DIVYA FAR FROM HOME, 4th grader Divya’s family moves from India to a new city a world away. When they arrive, they move into an apartment with extended family members and Divya starts a new school. At first Divya struggles to adjust to her new surroundings, but a new friend at school helps her to feel better. When her teacher assigns a project that challenges her, Divya finds that she can rely on her supportive family to help her out when needed. Divya’s experiences will be relatable to many readers. Her use of journaling adds interest to the narrative and provides a great model for readers for how it can help with processing complex feelings. A positive, reassuring book that will remind readers that while change can be scary, it also holds a lot of promise.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an eARC to read.

This hit the right boxes in many ways or in other words it hit many of the right boxes or in other words it rightly hit the boxes?
Divya's age being 9 is a great choice.
The themes are 5/5
Characterisation 5/5
Plot/story 4/5
Prose 3.5/5
Pacing 4/5

It's hard enough to relocate to another town or state, but a whole new COUNTRY!? And it's half the world away! Especially when you're not part of the decision and REALLY don't want to go! And then there's this whole thing about having to live with another whole family that you've only known on video, jet lag, a new school with no one you know in your room.
But all this comes together as family working together makes everything easier by helping each other out when things get overwhelming.
The text has a natural inclusion of many normal Hindi words and descriptions plus a glossary at the end.
The illustrations by Abhilasha Khatri are fun, simple, brilliantly diverse, and delightful.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone aged 8-111, but especially to a school, church library, or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary uncorrected proof e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Quarto Capstone | Stone Arch Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
Expected publication Aug 01, 2024. #CanadianAuthor #Multicultural

Divya's world is rocked when her dad informs her they are moving from their home in India halfway across the world to help take care of her grandmother, Dadi and help her uncle run his restaurant. Once Divya arrives, she discovers that they will be living with her extended family in the apartment above the restaurant and she will have to share a room with her cousin. This book follows Divya as she struggles to adjust to her new life full of family, new friends, new food, and new experiences. A great middle grades read especially for those who are having to adjust to change.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

A sweet story about a girl going through a big change that covers a wide range of important struggles that many kids will relate to. The main character likes to make lists and I enjoyed how these are shown as animated illustrations that really engage the reader. The themes are really great and I liked how both individuality and family/community are both shown to be important. While this story can stand on its own I think it will make readers excited for to continue on Divyas journey

This was such a fun children’s book about Divya, a nine-year-old who moves from India to the US. She is moving to a new country and along with it comes struggles. She soon befriends a student at school, and it makes it easier to adjust to a new environment.

I loved how the illustrations brought this story to live and I loved the representation in this. There’s also a few meaningful moments and I enjoyed how well portrayed they were. Moving to a new place can be very nerve wracking, but I’m sure many younger children struggling with that can relate to this story.

✈️🏠✈️🏠✈️🏠✈️🏠✈️🏠✈️🏠✈️

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!

Moving to a new country? 🌍 Sharing a room with your cousin? 🛏️ Being the new kid in class? 🎒 That's what Divya faces! From Delhi 🇮🇳 to a new city, she navigates new friends, hoops in unfamiliar courts, and the art of losing things. 🏀 Join her as she braves weather shifts, new foods, and homesickness. 🍲🏡 Change can be daunting, but it's also an adventure! 🌟

"Divya Dubey" is a touching and relatable story about a nine-year-old girl adjusting to life in a new city after moving from Delhi, India. Divya's challenges with sharing a room, fitting into a new school, and feeling like an outsider are portrayed with authenticity and empathy. The series, written by debut author Sita Jit, offers a blend of cultural exploration and personal growth, making it an engaging read for children aged 8-11. Divya's journey is both heartwarming and humorous, promising to resonate with young readers as they join her in navigating new friendships, family dynamics, and adventures in her new home. #DivyaFarFromHome #NetGalley

What a lovely story! Thanks to @netgalley for an EArc.
Divya, a 9 year old girl, who has spent her life so far living in Delhi, India. She loves living there and that is where her life is. One day her parents tell her they will all be moving to the US to help out her father’s family in their restaurant.

As expected Divya is not pleased at all and we, as the reader, go on a rollercoaster of emotions with her.

She has to make new friends, become closer to family she has never met before and get used to living in a new

We don’t actually find out where in the US Divya moves to which works really well so that is not the reader is focussed on. We rather get to focus on the more important information about how Divya misses the family and things she left behind.

At the end of the story there are some lovely questions to get you thinking about the story, a “how to” guide to making your own all about me box and a glossary page.

Divya will be very relatable as the author makes her voice just like a 4th grader. I related to her with her love of notebooks and good Indian food/ snacks!

Looking forward to the next book in the series!

This was such a sweet book and I think most elementary school aged kids will be able to relate to Divya, even if their experience isn't exactly the same. I think the author did a good job making Divya's voice sound like an actual fourth grader. Though it is explained that Divya moves halfway across the world from India to a new country, the new country is never actually named. I think this was a nice choice by the author, because the story was more focused on the country her family left behind and the things she would miss rather than particulars of the new country. I think anyone that has ever moved will be able to relate to how Divya feels. I'm unsure, but it seems like this could be the start of a new series. If so, I'm looking forward to more of Divya's adventures!

Review to come closer to the release day on my blog/goodreads/other places.

I received this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange of an honest review.

When I saw the cover up on Netgalley I was sold, such a cute illustration style! And then I read the blurb and I was sold even further. I do love a good story about someone moving to another country and see how they adjust. 

In this one we meet Divya. A 9-year old girl who has always lived in Delhi. She has friends, family, yummy food, and more there, but then one day her parents announce that they are moving to the US. Their family there needs them and it is time to pack up and help out. While I have never been in this situation I could definitely understand that Divya was NOT happy. Would you be if your parents told you to pack up some of your favourite things and you have to leave not just your home but your country? I was definitely agreeing with Divya and so I could also forgive her attitude in the beginning of the book. Again a whole new country and instead of having one room for herself she has to share. And the house is also full with people. I love that, as the story continued and the days went by, she started to get more happy where she was now. She saw fun things being near her that weren't so near to her when in Delhi. I loved that she made friends, that she got closer to her family (which includes her older cousin who really became more of a sister), and I loved how she just kept trying. Yes, you can see that it wasn't always easy, especially when that project came along, but she had so much love and support around her. Divya was such a fun character. I love her love for food. I love seeing her make lists of everything and write down her ideas in a notebook she always had with her. 

The family and the food? I just loved those. Seeing how everyone in the family tried to be there for Divya. Try to make her feel more at home. Help her out when she needed it the most. I just love the bond, and boy, I wish I had a family like this! 

The illustrations were just so cute and fun, and I love their style. They were so colourful. 

All in all, I would recommend this delightful book to everyone! Family, food, lists, friendship, getting used to a new place, cute illustrations, and more. This book has it all. Read it!

Divya is a 9 yr. old girl that moves from New Delhi, India to the US. Her parents want to help with her uncle’s restaurant. She is moving to a new country, sharing a room with her cousin and leaving most of the things she loves behind. Right away she looses her hat and her cousin goes into her things and eats her favorite potato chips. Then she has to start school and school is very different in America. Luckily, she makes a friend at school and things start to look up. Her family is supportive and help her start to feel at home.

A very sweet book about moving to a new place, starting at a new school and worried about fitting in. Luckily, Divya has a great family. I love the color illustrations. It even has a glossary, thinking about the story & directions to make an all about me box. A very sweet chapter book.

Moving to a different place can be unnerving. Moving to a different country, sharing a room with your cousin, and being the only new student in class-- now that's a whole new ballgame! Divya, a nine-year-old girl who moved from New Delhi, India to a new city in a different country. She will meet new friends, play basketball on a different court, and loose some things in the process. Join Divya on her journey as she experiences changes in weather, food, and living far from new old home. This is a reminder that changes may be scary but it's also fun trying new things and starting a new home with a new family.

A great middle grade book about becoming a part of the diaspora, leaving behind everything you know and learning to find your own place in a new world that's foreign to you. Loved the descriptions as well as the few illustrations in between the text.