Date of Award

Spring 2025

Degree Type

Thesis

Department

Biological Sciences

Director of Thesis

Dianne Johnson-Feelings

Second Reader

Sarah Waheed

Abstract

One potential cause of racism against South Asian Americans in school could be the lack of authentic representation of South Asians in the media. A method to properly depict them is via children’s picture books, which can be used to explore different cultures within the classroom. I examined the current landscape of American children’s picture books that depict South Asians and found that the most authentic portrayals included characters embracing certain holidays or traditions. Additionally, I researched issues that affect the South Asian community, one of which includes the stigmatization of mental health. Drawing on my own experiences, I wrote a manuscript for a children’s picture book that featured a character experiencing anxiety while celebrating a holiday often celebrated by South Asian Muslims: Eid al-Fitr. This manuscript is meant to portray South Asians in a nuanced manner while also normalizing issues some of them may face.

First Page

1

Last Page

21

Rights

© 2025, Eman A. Chaudhry

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