"Delicate colored-pencil sketches...bringing vibrancy to an otherwise earth-toned color scheme that makes Mala's bright red dress an energetic, buoyant focal point."  

– The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books

K-Gr 3–An often-forgotten corner of the Indian diaspora is honored in this story of migration and finding home in a new land. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of Indians left their homeland on boats headed to the Caribbean. Promised food, lodging, and care, these families entered indentured servitude in sugarcane plantations where they performed brutal work left behind by newly freed slaves. Here, a child, Mala, and her family undertake this journey in 1916 via creaky, crowded boat. Mala approaches this change with youthful excitement that rings true even alongside the depiction of the difficult, dangerous, and exploitative conditions. A mango seed, which Mala and Mama call a journey seed, serves as a hopeful metaphor for their transplanted life: Mala treasures the seed until finally Mama announces it is time to plant. Beautifully rendered art captures this tumultuous journey with depth and sensitivity; when the journey seed finally takes root, Chatterjee presents a double spread showing Mala in time lapse, watering, reading, and relaxing under its branches as she grows older. Nestled in the grown tree’s branches are framed portraits of notable Indian people with connections to the Caribbean. Back matter includes plenty of information and photographs that help connect history to Mala’s story. VERDICT This loving depiction of a difficult, unsung corner of Indian and American history through the eyes of a child is a recommended purchase. 

– School Library Journal