• Based on a true story from Phangane village in India’s Maharashtra state, where grandmothers attend the Aajibaichi Shala (school for grandmothers). For many of them, this has been their first time in a classroom.
• Explores how important education is, especially for girls and women who have historically been left behind.
• Ellen Rooney’s bright and vivid illustrations shine as this book moves through the effects that the opportunity for education has had on one grandmother.
• The author dedicated this book to her own grandmother, who never had the chance to go to school.
• This book encourages readers to think critically about why education has historically been withheld from women and about gender inequality overall, as well as to consider what basic human rights and needs are.

Rina Singh has published several critically acclaimed books for children inspired by her Indian Canadian heritage, including Diwali Lights, Holi Colors and Diwali: A Festival of Lights, which was nominated for the Red Cedar Award. Rina’s own grandmother never got the chance to go to school. Grandmother School is dedicated to her memory. Rina lives in Toronto with her family.

Ellen Rooney is a designer, artist and children’s book illustrator. Her textural mixed media artwork combines many traditional art techniques, like pencil drawing, painting, printmaking and collage, often combined with digital techniques. Originally from Massachusetts, she now lives in the southern Okanagan Valley in British Columbia.

• Print and online advertising campaigns
• Promotion at national and regional school, library and trade conferences
• Extensive ARC distribution, including NetGalley
• Blog and social media promotion
• Outreach in Orca newsletters

“Offers its readers a poignantly lively picture book that expressly reveals the power and freedom found in words for women across the world. How great a treat it will be to read this book in a grandmother’s lap. Highly Recommended.” - CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“A moving story about family, women and the power of education?when Aaji learns to spell her name you’ll want to dance along with her.” - Here Wee Read blog

“Joy is evident on the page—and infectious...A spirited book about gender, age, rights, and the importance of education.” - Kirkus Reviews

“Gorgeous…Colors are crisp and contemporary…Provides a surprising angle to the growing body of children’s books about gender inequality and the continued work of pioneers like Aaji.” - Booklist

"The connection between the little girl and the grandmother is the touching heart of this story." - Canadian Children's Book News

“A wonderful and poignant story about the need for literacy and how vital learning to read is.” - The Globe and Mail