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Mallika Thoppay
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Unfair & Lovely Paperback – April 6, 2022

by Mallika Thoppay (Author), Kavitha Amarnath (Illustrator)
4.7 out of 5 stars 51 ratings
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What books teach children empathy? What books teach them to stand up for themselves? What books tackle issues that are not always easy to discuss?

From the author-illustrator duo of Mallika Thoppay and Kavitha Amarnath, comes a poignant and thought provoking picture book about resilience.

Sahana and her sister, Surabhi, move to a new city and start at a new school. They both have simple common dreams - they want to learn, make friends, and have fun. It happens easily for Surabhi. But not so for Sahana. She has to face many obstacles and is treated unfairly through no fault of her own.
Should it be like this? How will she rise above this unfairness ... ?

Recommended for anyone who wants to make a change..8 years and up.

Mallika Thoppay is an educator, writer and social advocate. She is a volunteer English teacher to children in rural India. She believes in women empowerment and standing up against social injustices. Kavitha Amarnath, digital artist and illustrator, is also the creator of Why can't I see God?.

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  1. Print length
    90 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publication date
    April 6, 2022
  4. Dimensions
    5.5 x 0.22 x 8.5 inches
  5. ISBN-13
    979-8437102756
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Teachers%27%20picks%20%7C%20Explore%20children%27s%20books%20by%20grade

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A book that crushes the stereotypes that have been plaguing our society!"
- Toolo library, India

"An eye-opening story about implicit bias - this book challenges, empowers and entertains - a must read for children and adults."
- Kavita Tankha, Mayor, Los Altos Hills, California

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B09X211KZW
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Independently published
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 6, 2022
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 90 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8437102756
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 5.9 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.5 x 0.22 x 8.5 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 out of 5 stars 51 ratings

About the author

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Mallika Thoppay

Mallika Thoppay

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Mallika Thoppay is an educator, writer and social advocate. She is a volunteer English teacher to school-aged children residing in rural areas of Karnataka, India. She believes in women empowerment and standing up against social injustices. To that effect, she spends her time volunteering with organizations that work towards bringing about social change and writing books that convey purposeful messages.You can visit her online at www.mallikathoppay.com and on Instagram/Twitter (@mallikamt).

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
51 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book to be a must-read for young children, with colorful illustrations that effectively address skin tone biases in a loving way. The story is relatable, and one customer notes how it serves as a learning tool for both children and adults.

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ReadabilityColor illustrationsEmpathyStory quality
9 customers mention "Readability"9 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable, with several noting it's a must-read for young children, and one mentioning it serves as a learning tool for both children and adults.

"...It gently helps kids understand that skin complexion does not define their worth or confidence...." Read more

"...It's an engaging read from page one and the story is both touching and informative...." Read more

""Sahana and Surabhi's New Beginnings" is an essential read for children aged 7 and above...." Read more

"This book is a must-read for every young child. The story is relatable yet not predictable...." Read more

5 customers mention "Color illustrations"5 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the colorful illustrations in the book and find it to be an incredible exploration of colorism.

"...I also enjoyed the illustrations that accompany the story and really relays the problems the main character encounters in her life...." Read more

"An illustrated chapter book that delivers an important message for tweens and teens. You cannot judge a book by its cover...." Read more

"...The illustrations are so colorful and pretty. I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to everyone with children." Read more

"...Beautiful illustrations perfectly complement the story and bring the characters to life...." Read more

4 customers mention "Empathy"4 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's empathetic approach, particularly how it lovingly addresses complex topics like skin tone biases, with one customer noting how it promotes equality and acceptance.

"...This book is not only valuable for those who face prejudice but also for those who may unknowingly perpetuate it, encouraging empathy and..." Read more

"...The readers will not only feel deep empathy for the main protagonist but will also, hopefully find the courage to speak out against prejudices based..." Read more

"This is an important book that opens eyes and hearts to the issue of bias based on skin tone...." Read more

"The author has found a fun, loving way to address a complex topic- skin tone biases...." Read more

3 customers mention "Story quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the story quality positive, with one mentioning it is relatable.

"...It's an engaging read from page one and the story is both touching and informative...." Read more

"This book is a must-read for every young child. The story is relatable yet not predictable...." Read more

"...The author weaves a compelling story that takes the reader on a journey with Sahana, a school-age girl, who navigates colorism at home and at school...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • vinoth
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must read Book
    Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    “Unfair and Lovely” is a beautiful and empowering book that every young child should read. It gently helps kids understand that skin complexion does not define their worth or confidence. A must-read to nurture self-love and acceptance from an early age.
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  • Joel-David Casaje
    5.0 out of 5 stars An incredible book on colorism.
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    This is a fantastic book on the topic of colorism that doesn't seemed to be touched on very much. It's an engaging read from page one and the story is both touching and informative. I also enjoyed the illustrations that accompany the story and really relays the problems the main character encounters in her life. I recommend this book to any person who wants to educate their children on the potential harm colorism can do to them.
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  • Samantha
    4.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book
    Reviewed in the United States on January 6, 2025
    Format: Kindle
    The book was very nice and I enjoyed reading it. I will be recommending it to my friends you have children.
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  • Barbara Mojica
    5.0 out of 5 stars A STORY THAT NEEDS TO BE TOLD
    Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    An illustrated chapter book that delivers an important message for tweens and teens. You cannot judge a book by its cover.

    Sahana and her sister, Surabhi, have just moved to a new town in India. They eagerly anticipate the first day in a new school. Sahana will enter seventh grade and Surabhi, the third grade.

    The sisters share much in common, but there is one significant difference. Sahana has a dark complexion. When the sisters learn about an interclass dance competition, both want to participate. Despite the fact the sisters both excel in dancing, Sahana is denied a spot in the competition; she hears the snickering and understands why she has been excluded.

    Sahana's mother explains that much in life is unfair, and sometimes one needs to find a different path to success. It turns out Surabhi gives Sahana an opportunity to prove herself and to teach her classmates an important lesson.

    Highly recommended for preteens and teens who face similar issues and difficulties in social situations.
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  • Karan
    5.0 out of 5 stars Painful reality of prejudice and the emotional toll it takes on young minds
    Reviewed in the United States on January 24, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    "Sahana and Surabhi's New Beginnings" is an essential read for children aged 7 and above. It addresses the subtle discrimination present in our society and promotes a message of equality and acceptance. This book is not only valuable for those who face prejudice but also for those who may unknowingly perpetuate it, encouraging empathy and understanding among young readers.
    Helpful
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  • Subani
    5.0 out of 5 stars Gives the courage to speak up against color based prejudices
    Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This book is a must-read for every young child. The  story is relatable yet not predictable. The readers will not only feel deep empathy for the main protagonist but will also, hopefully find the courage to speak out against prejudices based on our appearance.
    Helpful
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  • Mrs.Bear
    5.0 out of 5 stars Outstanding
    Reviewed in the United States on June 2, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I had no idea about the discrimination regarding the lightness of one's skin for people from India. I have always found them all beautiful. This wonderful little book opened my eyes and touched my heart. I especially liked when Sahana got a chance to speak to an audience of people and gave voice to her emotions. Unfair & Lovely is well written, easy to understand and contains such an important message. The illustrations are so colorful and pretty. I enjoyed this book and will recommend it to everyone with children.
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  • Sheri R Nakamitsu
    5.0 out of 5 stars A “lovely” story that builds understanding and empathy for the issue of colorism
    Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This is an important book that opens eyes and hearts to the issue of bias based on skin tone. The author weaves a compelling story that takes the reader on a journey with Sahana, a school-age girl, who navigates colorism at home and at school. While Sahana’s experiences with discrimination are heart-wrenching, the story is uplifting and hopeful as Sahana ultimately finds her voice. Beautiful illustrations perfectly complement the story and bring the characters to life. This book is a wonderful discussion piece and learning tool for both children and adults.
    Helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • RS
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love the title of the book!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 30, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Great story and the topic is so apt. Every child should read this book.
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  • ⋆.˚✮ Rosh ✮˚.⋆
    4.0 out of 5 stars A sweet little story about a little girl’s journey towards self-acceptance.
    Reviewed in India on June 29, 2022
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Sahana and Surabhi are sisters. They’ve recently moved to a new city and are starting at a new school. However, their first days couldn’t have been more different. While third grader Surabhi makes friends and impresses her teachers easily, seventh grader Sahana is struggling against prejudice. All because of her dark skin. When things get too much to handle, she approaches her mom for advice. What guidance her mom gives her and how Sahana handles the discriminatory attitude against her forms the rest of the story.
    This is a chapter book and would work well for children aged 7 and above. I liked the broad presentation of the story. While the situations are a little exaggerated (so many people judging someone on skin colour on a single day is too farfetched to believe), they are written in a way that children will understand Sahana’s pain. The ending was a bit too OTT for me – it felt straight out of a Bollywood flick. I wish there were a strong male presence also in the story. All the key people are women – Sahana, her sister, her mom, her mom’s best friend, their grandma, the classmates, the teachers. Having men too would have created a better balance.
    The illustrations work well for the story but they could have been better. In many places, it felt like the same stock poses were recycled and used across multiple pages.
    Overall, definitely a great topic and an interesting read for children to understand the subtle discrimination present in our society. This would be a nice book not just for those who are darker-skinned but also to those who consider their fairer skin colour as a mark of superiority. The intent is great, the content is good.
    3.75 stars.
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