Rasha: Little Girl, Big Heart

Rasha is uprooted from her school and friends in cosmopolitan Dhaka and sent to a remote village where there is no electricity, heavy rain, a primitive school and unfamiliar neighbours. Initially unhappy with her new surroundings, she gradually discovers her own strength.

She challenges a bullying teacher, helps prevent a child marriage, learns to travel to school by boat and introduces her classmates to computers. Her determination makes her a powerful force for positive change. But just when she begins to settle into her new life, a troubling secret from her family's past resurfaces.

Muhammed Zafar Iqbal was a celebrated Bangladeshi writer best known for his science-fiction and children's literature. His books earned numerous honours, including the prestigious Bangla Academy Award.

Arunava Sinha, the translator, is an acclaimed translator of Bengali literature into English. He has translated classic, modern and contemporary Bengali fiction, non-fiction, poetry and children's literature.

Fifteen-year-old Rasha's life changes when her mother leaves her in a distant village with her elderly grandmother. Away from her friends and familiar surroundings in Dhaka, she initially struggles with the lack of electricity, difficult weather, an old-fashioned school and an unfamiliar way of life.

Rather than surrendering to her circumstances, Rasha gradually becomes an independent and determined young woman. She stands up to a bullying teacher, helps stop a child marriage, learns to navigate the waterways to reach school and teaches her classmates how to use computers.

As Rasha builds friendships and becomes part of village life, she is confronted by a painful and frightening secret connected to her family's past. Her courage and intelligence are tested as she faces this new challenge, turning her journey into an inspiring story of resilience, empowerment and growing up.