Indian American author Sita Singh has received the prestigious Gold Medal in the Young Children’s Literature category at the 2024 Florida Book Awards for her picture book, Mango Memories. This accolade underscores Singh’s dedication to storytelling that honors cultural heritage and familial connections. Mango Memories narrates the journey of a young girl from an Indian family who eagerly anticipates her inaugural experience of mango picking. Drawing from her upbringing in Ahmedabad and her current residence in South Florida, Singh channels the essence of her childhood into her writing. She has expressed that her literary works are deeply influenced by the oral storytelling traditions imparted by her grandmother.
The narrative delves into themes of resilience and family, while also introducing young readers to the richness of South Asian culture, despite the protagonist facing challenges such as climbing the tree and missing her target with a stone. Singh’s debut book, Birds of a Feather, was selected for inclusion in Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. The Florida Book Awards, hosted by Florida State University Libraries, celebrate outstanding literary contributions published in the preceding year. This year, over 190 entries were assessed across 11 categories, and Singh, along with her fellow award recipients, will be honored at a ceremony scheduled for April 3.
