Kindle
$9.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Hardcover
$17.99
Buy new:
$17.99
FREE delivery Sunday, May 19 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Ships from: Amazon.com
Sold by: Amazon.com
$17.99
Get Fast, Free Shipping with Amazon Prime FREE Returns
FREE delivery Sunday, May 19 on orders shipped by Amazon over $35
Or fastest delivery Wednesday, May 15. Order within 18 hrs 38 mins
In Stock
$$17.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$17.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Ships from
Amazon.com
Ships from
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Sold by
Amazon.com
Returns
30-day easy returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Returns
30-day easy returns
This item can be returned in its original condition for a full refund or replacement within 30 days of receipt.
Read full return policy
Payment
Secure transaction
Your transaction is secure
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
Payment
Secure transaction
We work hard to protect your security and privacy. Our payment security system encrypts your information during transmission. We don’t share your credit card details with third-party sellers, and we don’t sell your information to others. Learn more
$15.00
Unread copy in mint condition Unread copy in mint condition See less
$3.99 delivery May 22 - 30. Details
In stock
$$17.99 () Includes selected options. Includes initial monthly payment and selected options. Details
Price
Subtotal
$$17.99
Subtotal
Initial payment breakdown
Shipping cost, delivery date, and order total (including tax) shown at checkout.
Access codes and supplements are not guaranteed with used items.
Ships from and sold by indoobestsellers.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Hena Khan
+ Follow
More books from this author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices Hardcover – April 23, 2024

by Veera Hiranandani (Author), Supriya Kelkar (Author), Maulik Pancholy (Author),
4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 7 ratings
See all formats and editions
{"desktop_buybox_group_1":[{"displayPrice":"$17.99","priceAmount":17.99,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"17","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"99","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"W0%2BU2pmOm9JIdl7neVpRO4XK8W6BDqpp4tf%2BqrzZTeaNyRaCxvmzN5OzEGJg%2FwAF00uMpipCHelohr9DkdudTZ3XMq0KoRuAcF6tV5yVfhPUQQCV6jsRMcivGUycI3P5cEAEp34TTJzikuMb8P2Cmg%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"NEW","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":0}, {"displayPrice":"$15.00","priceAmount":15.00,"currencySymbol":"$","integerValue":"15","decimalSeparator":".","fractionalValue":"00","symbolPosition":"left","hasSpace":false,"showFractionalPartIfEmpty":true,"offerListingId":"W0%2BU2pmOm9JIdl7neVpRO4XK8W6BDqppfmYOiF5PtSXlxYIafKCJiw7wQFZAI2rCntDVdsyIeEbZBdOY9K%2B7If9tb%2F2aSvx154CfYjD6TjxVW%2BhMoyPGbjG073lj0uTi23s0s1X8e9z9g8Df%2Bs3RMYmNG1KY6%2Fa%2FdgYN9IQlAsvmD20yx2jRGQ%3D%3D","locale":"en-US","buyingOptionType":"USED","aapiBuyingOptionIndex":1}]}

Purchase options and add-ons

Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in this warm-hearted novel of interconnected stories that celebrates the diversity of South Asian American experiences in a local community center.

Discover stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration in the fictional town of Maple Grove, New Jersey, where the local kids gather at the community center to discover new crushes, fight against ignorance, and even save a life. Cheer for Chaya as she wins chess tournaments (unlike Andrew, she knows stupid sugary soda won't make you better at chess), and follow as Jeevan learns how to cook traditional food (it turns out he can cook sabji-- he just can't eat it).

These stories, edited by bestselling and award-winning Pakistani-American author Hena Khan, are filled with humor, warmth, and possibility. They showcase a diverse array of talented authors with heritage from the Indian subcontinent, including beloved favorites and rising stars, who each highlight the beauty and necessity of a community center that everyone calls home.

Read more Read less
Previous page
  1. Reading age
    8 - 12 years
  2. Print length
    336 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    3 - 7
  5. Dimensions
    5.65 x 1.13 x 7.95 inches
  6. Publisher
    Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
  7. Publication date
    April 23, 2024
  8. ISBN-10
    0316450634
  9. ISBN-13
    978-0316450638
  10. See all details
Next page
The Amazon Book Review
The Amazon Book Review
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.

Frequently bought together

The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices
$17.99
Get it as soon as Sunday, May 19
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
+
The Best at It
$9.01
Get it as soon as Sunday, May 19
In Stock
Ships from and sold by Amazon.com.
Total price:
To see our price, add these items to your cart.
Details
Added to Cart
Choose items to buy together.

From the Publisher

Stories of fear, triumph, and spectacular celebration by 11 desi voices.

Come in, The Door Is Open

Discover new crushes, fight against ignorance, and even save a life!

Editorial Reviews

Review

* "A monumental achievement and exquisite testament to the power of collaboration and community, this novel moves beyond the reality of diversity into the necessity of it."―SLJ

“These middle schoolers with varied interests create a wonderful mosaic representing a diverse community. Though the stories only feature characters of Indian or Pakistani heritage, there’s a richness of regional representation (e.g., Gujarati, Maharashtrian, South Indian, and Bengali), as well as religious diversity (such as Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and Sikh). A multifaceted celebration of a vibrant American community.”
 ―Kirkus

“This powerful collection of short stories celebrates the broad diversity of middle schoolers from the South Asian community.” 
 
“Together at the Center” by Khan, “Out in the Open” by Rajani LaRocca, and “The Map of Home” by Sayantani DasGupta showcase the importance of open dialogue, community, and speaking out against anti-Asian/South Asian and Islamophobic incidents. Mitali Perkins’s “Smile Number Seven” and “Answered Prayers” by N. H. Senzai address in-group judgment, both real and perceived, ethnic and religious; resulting self-defense mechanisms are handled with nuance and care in relation to single-parent households, disability, and domestic violence."
 ―Horn Book

"A delight for cultural insiders that will charm and educate outsiders, this middle-grade anthology has something for everyone."
 ―Booklist

"The Door Is Open is a sharp, insightful celebration of how heritage can both make us distinct and bridge us together."―Shelf Awareness

About the Author

Hena Khan is a Pakistani-American who was born and raised in Maryland, where she still lives. She enjoys writing about her culture as well as all sorts of other subjects, from spies to space travel. You can learn more about Hena by visiting her website: www.henakhan.com.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (April 23, 2024)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 336 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316450634
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316450638
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 8 - 12 years
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 - 7
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13.8 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.65 x 1.13 x 7.95 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars 7 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Hena Khan

Hena Khan

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Hena Khan is a Pakistani-American who was born and raised in Maryland, where she still lives. She enjoys writing about her culture as well as all sorts of other subjects, from spies to space travel. You can learn more about Hena by visiting her website: www.henakhan.com.

Customer reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars
4.7 out of 5
7 global ratings
Collection of short stories
4 Stars
Collection of short stories
This was a wonderful collection of short stories by South Asian American riders. Each story displays life and family through community, and what a huge part the community center plays in their lives.I really enjoyed seeing the neighborhood. Kids take a stand. They rallied and came together to try and save the community center. This book was full of heart, triumphs, friendship, humor, and hope. Seeing the Desi culture from this perspective was beautiful. Awesome middle grade chapter book.One of my favorite quotes was, “ so I keep my eyes down and think of grandpa‘s words: Don’t try to beat the person. Just focus on the board.” There’s something so special about a close relationship with your grandparents. It reminded me of all the times I spent with my grandparents growing up.
Hide
Thank you for your feedback
Sorry, there was an error
Sorry we couldn't load the review

Top reviews from the United States

Karen Siddall
5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting short stories by and about South Asian Americans.
Reviewed in the United States on April 23, 2024
"The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices" was conceived and edited by Hena Khan and is a wonderfully uplifting collection of short stories by and about South Asian Americans. The stories capture vibrant slices of community life and precious family moments, all connected through the social hub of the local community center.

While each story comes from a different author, common threads run throughout and tie the parts into a wonderful whole. Each story is a gem in its own right and self-contained, and there is a much-appreciated section about the contributors at the end of the book that includes each one’s previous works for readers to seek out and binge. The main characters are middle-grade students, for the most part, with younger and older siblings, parents, uncles, and aunties in supporting roles, and the diversity of the cultures and religions of South Asia are represented. There are stories of joy and sadness, coming-of-age moments, personal triumphs, and many emotional moments to absorb. Readers not part of the represented groups can also enjoy all the stories, relate to many of the depicted situations, or learn something new and interesting. There are several very teachable moments to share.

I recommend THE DOOR IS OPEN to middle-grade and chapter book readers, especially those interested in South Asian American culture, community, and experiences.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy through "TBR and Beyond Book Tours."
Helpful
 Report
Dana Mckenzie
4.0 out of 5 stars Collection of short stories
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
This was a wonderful collection of short stories by South Asian American riders. Each story displays life and family through community, and what a huge part the community center plays in their lives.

I really enjoyed seeing the neighborhood. Kids take a stand. They rallied and came together to try and save the community center. This book was full of heart, triumphs, friendship, humor, and hope. Seeing the Desi culture from this perspective was beautiful. Awesome middle grade chapter book.

One of my favorite quotes was, “ so I keep my eyes down and think of grandpa‘s words: Don’t try to beat the person. Just focus on the board.” There’s something so special about a close relationship with your grandparents. It reminded me of all the times I spent with my grandparents growing up.
Customer image
Dana Mckenzie
4.0 out of 5 stars Collection of short stories
Reviewed in the United States on May 5, 2024
This was a wonderful collection of short stories by South Asian American riders. Each story displays life and family through community, and what a huge part the community center plays in their lives.

I really enjoyed seeing the neighborhood. Kids take a stand. They rallied and came together to try and save the community center. This book was full of heart, triumphs, friendship, humor, and hope. Seeing the Desi culture from this perspective was beautiful. Awesome middle grade chapter book.

One of my favorite quotes was, “ so I keep my eyes down and think of grandpa‘s words: Don’t try to beat the person. Just focus on the board.” There’s something so special about a close relationship with your grandparents. It reminded me of all the times I spent with my grandparents growing up.
Images in this review
Customer image
Customer image
Helpful
 Report
Paige
5.0 out of 5 stars A collection of short stories about young Desi teenagers
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
Explore the tales of young Desi teenagers through this novel.

Welcome to the fictional town of Maple Grove, New Jersey, where the locals of all cultures, most notably the South Asian cultures, gather at the Community Center to celebrate, live, laugh, and love. Read this brilliant array of talented desi authors' beautifully crafted stories that tackle the themes of triumph and fighting for what's right.

This book was truly an enjoyable and heartwarming experience. As I read the pages, I immersed myself in the fascinating stories of the desi authors I knew. Their writing reminded me of the fantastic stories I had read before, and it was an absolute pleasure to relive them again.

Each of the book's characters has unique personalities and goals, making them relatable and interesting. I rooted for them throughout the book, and their stories left a lasting impression on me.

If you're looking for a book that will inspire you and celebrate our uniqueness, I highly recommend this one. It can touch the hearts of anyone who loves a good story filled with hope and inspiration.

Happy Reading, Paige ❤️ 📚

Thank you to the publisher for sending me a copy of your book. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Helpful
 Report
@callistoscalling
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful!!!
Reviewed in the United States on April 24, 2024
Hena Khan is a profound author who possesses a real talent to speak to her readers, across generations and cultures, and create a connection. She once again harnesses this power for the greater good of literature to edit eleven short stories from the Desi community to share with the world. The Door is Open is an exquisite collection of short stories that are at once simple and relatable to middle grade readers, yet profound and moving. Readers of all ages will delight in the beautiful stories, relating to so many aspects while also accumulating a wealth of new knowledge of cultures and unique experiences.
Helpful
 Report
Bookmarked.by.Becky
4.0 out of 5 stars Heartwarming short stories
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2024
The Door is Open is a collection of interconnected short stories that celebrate the diversity among South Asian Americans. The book features eleven different Desi voices, each sharing a standalone tale from the perspective of middle school characters. However, the stories are tied together by a common thread in the community center setting. The stories cover many topics, such as life lessons, coming of age, and middle school struggles, while showcasing how kids can come together for a common goal. Some of the stories are downright hilarious, such as the story of Jeevan, an Indian middle schooler who despises Indian food but is forced to take an Indian cooking class. Overall, the book offers a sense of celebration and triumph - a genuine, heartwarming story.

The physical book includes charming illustrations at the start of each chapter and some mixed media with the short stories. I combined it with the audiobook, wonderfully narrated by Anjali Kunapaneni and Vikas Adam. Like other books showcasing diverse voices, languages, and cultures, I appreciated hearing the proper pronunciation of names, dishes, and expressions.
Helpful
 Report
Shannan Harper
5.0 out of 5 stars Must read for children and adults
Reviewed in the United States on April 29, 2024
This book was simply amazing, and right on time with AANHPI month starting next week. It is a great read and resource for children and everyone with many lessons in each story. I enjoyed all of the stories, and some of my favorites include Check yourself, Alok at the Dance, The Map of Home, Answered Prayers, and Out In The Open. It has South Asian American representation and was written so beautifully, I could imagine each and every story. It is a must read.

I received a copy of the book via hear Our Voices Tours and Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving an honest review of my own thoughts and opnions
Helpful
 Report