Every girl born in the village will be welcomed with the planting of 111 trees.

As a boy, Sundar Paliwal witnesses the struggle of those around him: How irresponsible mining ravages the countryside. How ancient customs and beliefs cause gender inequality and discrimination. How the birth of a boy is celebrate with music and food ... while the birth of a girl is met with silence.

He dreams of a better life for all — both boys and girls.

Years pass. Sundar grows up, marries and becomes a father. When he is elected sarpanch, the village head, he proposes a plan that will both heal the land and honor girls. But the villagers reject his ideas. They argue. They are afraid. They don't understand.

Still, Sundar is determined. He knows what he has to do.

Based on a true story and written in collaboration with Sundar Paliwal, 111 Trees is the heartwarming account of a boy who grew up to bring extraordinary change to his village.

From the dust jacket