Academic Books (especially for RE specialists)

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Further Reading (word document version)

Academic Books (especially for RE specialists)

  • A Very Short Introduction to Hinduism by Kim Knott (Oxford University Press) ISBN: 0-19-285387-2
    A succinct and accessible introduction to the tradition
  • Hinduism – A Short Introduction by Klaus. K. Klostermaier (Oneworld, Oxford) ISBN: 1-85168-220-1
  • A Concise Encyclopedia of Hinduism by K. K. Klostermaier (Oneworld, Oxford) ISBN: 1-85168-175-2
  • The Wisdom of Hinduism by Klaus. K. Klostermaier (Oneworld, Oxford) ISBN: 1-85168-227-9
    These books are academically sound and very readable. Klostermaier writes with an unusual combination of sympathetic insight and intellectual rigour.

Other Teacher Books

  • The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Hinduism by Linda Johnsen  (Alpha, Indianapolis, 2002) ISBN: 0-7195-7520-6.
    Not specifically for teachers, but has loads of information, presented in a mood and manner accessible to most Westerners.     
  • Meeting Hindus edited by Gwyneth Little (Christians Aware, Leicester, 2001) ISBN: 1-8773372-14-0
    Includes much ethnographical-type material from Hindus themselves. Particularly useful as research material. 

 Faith Books (for Teachers and Libraries)

  • Bhagavad Gita As It Is by A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada  (Bhaktivedanta Book Trust, Los Angeles USA) ISBN: 0-89213-268-X
    An easy to understand version from one of the leading bhakti traditions. The pictures are useful to primary students.
  • Magical Fables from the Eastretold by Krishna Dharma  (Torchlight, Badger CA, USA) ISBN: 1-887089-45-4
    A very accessible rendering of these famous stories from the Panchatantra

Student Books

  • Hindu Festivals Through the Year by Anita Ganeri (Franklin Watts, London, 2003) ISBN 0 7496 4446 X
    Useful for Year 6 pupils and also as a teachers’ reference book, covering all the main festivals primary teachers are likely to cover. One of the “A Year of Festivals” series.
  • Storyteller – Hindu Stories by Anita Ganeri (Evans Brothers, London 2001) ISBN 0 237 52032 X
    A well-chosen selection of stories by an experienced children’s writer form a Hindu background.
  • My Life, My Religion – Hindu Priest by Rasamandala Das and Chris Fairclough (Franklin Watts, London, 2001) ISBN 0 7496 4064 2
    An excellent and attractive book for Key Stage 1, covering most topics children need to encounter at this level.
  • Places of Worship – Hindu Temples by Rasamandala Das (Heinemann Library, Oxford, 1998) ISBN 0 431 05177 1
    A useful book for Years 2-3.
  • Religions in Focus – Hinduism by Geoff Teece (Franklin Watts, London, 2003) ISBN 0 7496 4797 3
    Intended to span Key Stages 2 and 3, an attractive and accessible book by a leading figure from within the RE world.
  • Everyday Religion – My Hindu Life by Dilip Kadodwala and Sharon Chhapi (Wayland, 1996) ISBN 0 7502 1301 9
  • Geeta’s Day by Prodeepta Das (Frances Lincoln, London, 1999) ISBN 0 7112 1234 1
    This book sees the tradition through the eyes of a Hindu child. Gives a great feel for what India is like.

 Auxiliary Books (to supplement the Heart of Hinduism Teachers’ Pack)

There are two books that we highly recommend (and supply) to complement your Teachers’ Pack. The first includes many recommended stories, and the second covers the topic of creation, but includes a concise overview of the main Hindu concepts and the main deities.

  • Vedic Stories from Ancient India by Ananta Shakti (Ahimsa books, Borehamwood, UK) ISBN: 09527492-1-1
    A very popular anthology of stories, many with moral themes. Especially suitable for Key Stages 2 and 3. 
  • Creation from the Bhagavat Purana by Ananta Shakti (publication, Autumn 2003)
    Promises to be the best book around on Hindu creation. Over 24 full colour illustrations. Written for 8-12 year olds, and highly suitable for to Key Stages 2 & 3.

 Other Publications

  • Religions in the UK – a Multi-Faith Directory (University of Derby, in association with the Inter Faith Network, 2001)    ISBN: 0-901437-68-9
    Extremely useful for contacting faith community members and arranging temple visits