• Book cover of 'The First Girl on Stage' with a performer in traditional yakshagana attire against a dark green background.
  • Title page of 'The First Girl on Stage' with a stylized illustration of a girl with multiple arms holding various objects against a yellow and blue background.
  • Nighttime scene of a village in the hills with mountains in the background.
  • Nighttime village scene with palm trees and mountains, text overlay.
  • Illustration of a woman with her children at an outdoor event with colorful flags and a dark sky.
  • Illustration of yakshagana performers in colorful costumes with text on a decorative background
  • Illustration of two traditional yakshagana dancers with text on a dark background
  • Illustration of a group of people sitting together with text overlay.
  • Illustration of a child in traditional attire in a forest with accompanying text.
  • Illustration of a child in traditional attire with a cat, text overlay
  • Illustration of a family scene with text indicating a change in behavior.
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Sambasivan & Parikh | Yali Books

(PRE-ORDER) The First Girl on Stage

(PRE-ORDER) The First Girl on Stage

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The First Girl on Stage

Tunga Dances the Yakshagana

Words By: Shruthi Rao | Art By: Devika Joglekar


One girl stepped into the spotlight . . . and started a movement

Tunga wants to learn yakshagana like her brother Ramesha. She dreams of painting her face, wearing glittering costumes, and performing ancient stories of kings and warriors. Alone in the woods, Tunga makes crowns from leaves and tree bark. She stomps and she jumps, and finally captures the attention of a teacher to guide her. As Tunga swirls and whirls onto the stage, she brings other girls into the spotlight as well, ushering in a new era for yakshagana.

In a gorgeous showcase of a traditional dance and storytelling art form popular in South India, this picture book is a tribute to the pioneering women who have carved out a space for themselves on the stage and beyond.

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Themes: Performing Arts; Conflict with Society; Courage; Determination; Perseverance; South Asia; Around the World; Cultural Studies; Personal Growth; Social Issues; Strong Female Protagonist; Include Teaching Resources; Include Backmatter; Include Primary Sources

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Book Details

Reading Level Recommendations

Grades: 3-5

Ages: 7-9

Lexile®️:

Subject Categories

JUV031020 Juvenile Fiction / Performing Arts / Dance
JUV014000 Juvenile Fiction / Girls & Women
JUV031060 Juvenile Fiction / Performing Arts / Theater & Musicals

Formats

Hardcover: 9781949528169

Paperback: 9781949528176

eBook: 9781949528183

PDF: 9781949528190

Publication Date:

    Meet the Author

    Shruthi Rao writes books for children. She loves books, trees, hikes, benches, eating kadooboos, and hanging out with her daughter. 15 of her books for children have been published in India. She lives in California with her family.

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    Devika Joglekar Headshot

    Meet the Illustrator

    Devika Joglekar is an animator and illustrator. She has always aspired to author children’s books, which are not only fun to read but also inspire young readers to learn and discover interesting things. Originally from India, she now lives with her husband in San Francisco Bay Area.

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