After the Fire by Will Hill is a gripping psychological thriller inspired by the real-life events of the Waco siege. The story centers on Moonbeam, a teenage girl who grew up in a religious cult called The Lord’s Legion. After a devastating fire and a government raid, Moonbeam finds herself in a rehabilitation facility, confronting the truth about her past, her leader, and herself.
The narrative is split between “Before” and “After” the fire, offering a slow-burn unraveling of secrets and trauma. Will Hill does a masterful job portraying the emotional and psychological impact of indoctrination, as well as the courage it takes to start questioning everything you’ve ever known. The story is raw, intense, and deeply human.
All Four Quarters of the Moon is a heartfelt middle-grade novel that beautifully explores themes of family, culture, and belonging. Written by Shirley Marr, the story follows Peijing and her little sister Biju as they move from Singapore to Australia. The transition is not just geographical but emotional, as they navigate a new language, unfamiliar customs, and the challenge of making friends while holding on to their identity and traditions.
Told through Peijing’s thoughtful and observant voice, the story blends reality with elements of Chinese mythology and imagination, capturing the struggles and resilience of immigrant families. It’s gentle yet deeply emotional, often highlighting the quiet strength found in sibling bonds and the importance of staying true to one’s roots.
Shirley Marr’s writing is tender and lyrical, making it accessible for young readers but also deeply resonant for older audiences. The book is a celebration of multiculturalism and a gentle invitation to walk in someone else’s shoes.
A Chai Jinxed by Emi Pinto is a vibrant and magical middle-grade fantasy novel that blends Indian culture, magic, and sisterhood into a delightful adventure. The story follows Bee Bakshi, a spirited and curious young girl, who stumbles into a world of witchcraft, tea potions, and mischief alongside a quirky group known as the Gingerbread Sisters.
With richly illustrated cover art and a whimsical atmosphere, the book immediately captures a sense of fun and wonder. Bee’s journey through magical mishaps and enchanting brews offers themes of friendship, identity, courage, and accepting one’s uniqueness. The diverse characters and cultural elements (like chai!) add a unique flavour that sets it apart from other fantasy books for young readers.
Etta Invincible is a magical, heartfelt, and empowering story that blends fantasy with real-life challenges. The book follows Etta, a determined young girl with hearing loss who believes in the magic of comic books and her own inner strength. Her journey begins when a mysterious, colorful train appears, leading her and her friend Eleazar (along with his dog, Louisa May Alcott) on an extraordinary quest through a world of magic and imagination.
Etta’s hearing loss is portrayed with empathy and depth, and her character showcases resilience, bravery, and curiosity. The story beautifully incorporates themes of friendship, disability, creativity, and believing in oneself. The adventure is whimsical yet emotional, and the colorful world built by Eschmann is both enchanting and reflective of real-life emotions.
Kiki’s Delivery Service is a charming, magical tale originally written in Japanese by Eiko Kadono. This enchanting novel inspired the beloved Studio Ghibli animated film directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story follows Kiki, a 13-year-old witch-in-training, who sets off with her cat Jiji to find a new town where she can live independently and use her magical abilities to help others.
Armed with her broomstick and a strong will, Kiki opens a flying delivery service in a seaside town, navigating both humorous and heart-warming challenges along the way. This edition is beautifully illustrated by Joe Todd-Stanton, bringing new life to a classic with vibrant artwork and whimsical scenes.
Strange Stories from History is a delightful dive into the lesser-known, bizarre, and often humorous events from history. Geared towards young readers, the book takes a storytelling approach that makes learning about historical figures and incidents incredibly fun and accessible. Each story is short, quirky, and easy to read, making it perfect for casual reading or sparking curiosity about the past.
The editing by Mini Menon keeps the tone lively and age-appropriate, while Tanvi Bhat’s whimsical illustrations complement the text brilliantly, adding a layer of visual charm and humor. Whether it’s about strange royal habits, unusual inventions, or forgotten oddities, the stories are engaging and educational without ever becoming dull.
Endorsed by Ruskin Bond, the book lives up to its promise of amusing and surprising readers. It’s ideal for middle-grade readers, educators looking to make history fun, or anyone interested in the odd side of history.
Ross Welford’s The Dog Who Saved the World is a heart-warming and adventurous middle-grade novel that blends science fiction with real emotional depth. True to its title, the story revolves around a lovable dog who ends up playing a key role in a high-stakes quest to save humanity.
Welford, known for his imaginative storytelling (Time Travelling with a Hamster), delivers a fast-paced plot filled with time travel, virtual reality, and ethical questions — all while maintaining a humorous and touching tone. The protagonist, alongside her dog and a quirky scientist, must navigate a futuristic crisis with bravery and cleverness.
The Many Meanings of Meilan is a touching and powerful story about finding your identity, voice, and strength in the face of change and misunderstanding. Meilan Hua is a Chinese American girl whose life turns upside down when her family moves from Boston to a small town in Ohio. At her new school, a teacher anglicizes her name to “Melanie,” stripping away an important part of who she is.
Meilan responds to her new challenges by exploring the many meanings of her name, each one reflecting a different part of her personality—mist, basket, blue, and more. These meanings become metaphors for her emotional journey as she struggles to belong, confront racism, and embrace her cultural heritage.
Andrea Wang skillfully blends realism with lyrical prose to explore identity, family, and resilience. This story will resonate deeply with readers navigating cultural or personal transitions.
The Mystery of the Disappearing Drone by Vidya V. is another thrilling instalment from the AKA Detective Club series. This book blends modern tech intrigue with classic sleuthing as the young detectives find themselves unravelling the puzzle behind a mysteriously vanishing drone.
The story is packed with humour, action, and teamwork, and offers a tech-savvy twist that resonates with today’s readers. Through clever investigation and unexpected clues, the young sleuths show how curiosity and courage lead to big discoveries.
Highlights: Tech-based plot perfect for today’s young readers. Promotes critical thinking, observation, and teamwork. Diverse cast with lively dialogue and interactions.
The Mystery of the Graveyard Gold by Vidya V. is a fast-paced, thrilling children’s mystery that follows a group of young adventurers who stumble upon a strange legend involving hidden gold in a graveyard. The story combines classic mystery tropes—hidden treasure, spooky settings, and clever kids—with humour and friendship, making it a compelling read for young readers.
The illustrations and expressive cover art instantly draw the eye, hinting at both suspense and fun. Vidya V. delivers a plot full of twists, teamwork, and just the right amount of spookiness for kids. Engaging storyline with a mix of suspense and humour. Promotes problem-solving, bravery, and teamwork.
Hannah Gold, known for her emotionally rich and nature-themed storytelling brings readers another heartfelt adventure in Turtle Moon. In this beautifully illustrated book, we follow a story centered around the bond between a young protagonist and a sea turtle, weaving themes of environmental conservation, friendship, and healing.
Set on a tropical island, the story follows the journey of a child who forms a special connection with an injured sea turtle. As the moon guides the turtles to the ocean, the child learns about the delicate balance of nature and the power of empathy. It’s a tale of courage, growth, and the wonder of wildlife, infused with Gold’s signature compassion.
Encourages readers to care for nature and understand their role in protecting endangered species
Udaan: Your Flight To Happiness” invites the youth to chart their own course – fuelled by time-tested ethics, wellness practices, and nourishing wisdom. This isn’t just a book, it’s a revolution. The roadmap to your destiny is in your hands during these formative years. Ameet Satam provides the tools and inspiration needed to navigate life’s challenges, instilling the confidence to pursue your dreams and create your own path to happiness and success.
- Inspirational guide for youth
- Emphasizes ethics, wellness, and wisdom
- Provides tools for personal and professional success
- Authored by a renowned political and community leader
- Focuses on creating a positive impact in one’s life
The book is a motivational and career-oriented theme, encouraging individuals to pursue their passions.
( Suggested Age Group : Grade 7- A Level)
