A heartwarming fantasy steeped in Hindu mythology.
Recommended grade level: 4 and up
Pages: 355 (for ISBN 9781368012355)
Genre(s) and keywords: fantasy, diverse, own voices, Indian-American
Tone/Style: epic, humorous, sincere
Pace: moderate
Topics: Hindu gods, quests, religion, mythology
Themes: responsiblity, destiny, heroism, friendship
Summary: Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she’ll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur? Continue reading
This creepy, atmospheric fairy tale with an intriguing heroine is an original story that draws on the dark roots of fairy tales. 