Over in the Mangroves

"Over in the Mangroves" is a vibrant tribute to the unique biodiversity of the Sundarbans National Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage site situated along the border of India and Bangladesh. The lush mangrove ecosystem is at the confluence of the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers. Teeming with life, it is home to a variety of mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, and insects. The Sundarbans’ intertidal forests are ecologically vital and serve as a critical buffer against climate threats in the region, which is home to 5 million people.

Author Jyoti Rajan Gopal reimagines the classic nursery rhyme “Over in the Meadow” to introduce young readers to the interconnected lives of the forest’s inhabitants. With rhythmic, lyrical verses, the book underscores the essential role that forests play in nurturing and sustaining life. Each stanza invites children to count along as they meet new animal families, emphasizing themes of cooperation, interdependence, and environmental stewardship.

Complete with a glossary and fun facts, "Over in the Mangroves" is both an educational tool and a celebration of nature. Illustrator Dikshaa Pwaskar’s vibrant, expressive artwork brings the forest to life with bold colors and engaging details. Her illustrations capture the warmth and vitality of the mangrove’s diverse creatures, creating a visual feast that complements the lyrical text.

Editor's Note: This review was originally published on Manhattan Book Review.

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Minding the Wealth Gap

As a Black investor and startup founder, Cliff Goins IV brings firsthand experience and sharp insight to one of America’s most urgent issues: the racial wealth gap. Having navigated the worlds of finance and entrepreneurship, Goins has seen up close the systemic disparities in wealth creation, access to capital, and asset management. From unequal opportunities in homeownership and education to persistent challenges in business funding and employment, the historical gaps are perpetuated in present-day practices. In "Minding the Wealth Gap," Goins skillfully blends data, lived experience, and the insights of experts to illuminate the deep-rooted economic disparities facing Black Americans. More importantly, he highlights the power of collective uplift. Through the voices of nine dynamic “gap closers,” Goins shows how real change happens when Black investors and leaders open doors for others. Each success “play” or strategy underscores the ripple effect of support. Selena Cu...

A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga

The modern practice of yoga in Western culture is often criticized for disconnecting from its cultural, historical, and spiritual roots. In many studios and gyms, yoga is reduced to a fitness routine—focused on stretching rather than its original purpose of enlightening the mind. In "A Beginner’s Guide to the Roots of Yoga," celebrated practitioner Nikita Desai reconnects readers with yoga’s ancient Indian origins. Drawing on her Indian heritage, Desai explores the deeper meanings behind yoga’s forms, postures, and intentions, offering a rich historical and philosophical context for those seeking a more authentic practice. Desai shares her personal journey of reclaiming yoga’s essence, inviting readers to do the same by integrating cultural awareness into their practice. Her tone is welcoming and nonjudgmental, making the book accessible to readers of all backgrounds. Although I do not practice yoga, my meditation roots lie in Zen Buddhism. Through conversations with prac...

Wash

Ebony Stewart’s "Wash" is a powerful, unflinching poetry collection that draws the reader into a world of raw emotion, deep introspection, and lyrical brilliance. As I read through the poems, I found myself captivated by Stewart’s honest reflections on identity, love, loss, and healing. Her voice is unapologetically bold, revealing the complexities of being a Black womxn navigating relationships, societal expectations, and hard-fought victories toward self-worth. Yet, her themes are universal, resonating with anyone who has grappled with their own identity and relationships. What struck me most was Stewart’s emotional transparency: each poem feels like a cleansing, a shedding of shame, doubt, and grief, revealing the triumph of knowing one’s value in a world that often seeks to diminish it. Stewart doesn’t shy away from exploring the pain of extractive love or the vulnerability of desire, but she also leaves room for empowerment and resilience. As a celebrated spoken word ...

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