Giggles (14) has a bucketload of classes and summer programmes to deal with this year and has very little time to actually lounge around and do nothing. But summer reading is special, and cannot be compromised! So, the books will have to be that much more interesting to ensure they keep him hooked. Here is a curated, handy list of books he will be reading all through the summer.
These books are
1. Interesting, page turners
2. All written by Indian authors and illustrators
3. Mix of fiction and gripping non-fiction
4. Perfect for tween/teen readers
BONUS: CLICK TO SHOP BOOKS!
The Secret of the Star Sapphire
The Secret of the Star Sapphire by Monika Bhatkhande, published by Speaking Tiger Books, combines action, adventure, drama, and mystery. Join Neel, Nahid, and Anosh as they unravel clues and uncover family secrets as they hunt for the Star Sapphire. This is as much a thrilling lesson in history as it is an homage to the city of Bombay. Buy here
If you love fantastical creatures and thrillers, then this is the perfect read for you! Think Twilight meets Hunger Games, all set in Mumbai! Written by 19-year-old Shannaaya Chopra and published by HarperCollins India, this is a page-turner that will keep you hooked by combining drama, action, romance, and plot twists! Buy here
Rain Holiday, written by Shreya Ramachandran and published by Speaking Tiger Books, is one that every child and parent must read. This is a book that focuses on the fragility of our children’s mental health and how those around them can deal with it. Eleven-year-old Rekha is upset that her BFF, Latisha chose to stay locked up at home on a rainy day, instead of spending time with her. The book takes a nuanced look at depression and anxiety among children and shows us how best to deal with them. It talks beautifully about offering support while not overwhelming those dealing with depression. Buy here
Maithili and the Minotaur Series
Book 1: Web of Woe
Book 2: Forest of Forgotten Fears
Book 3: Dolls of Despair
Book 4: Isle of Insanity
This zany, outlandish graphic novel series is India’s answer to classic graphic novel series that we have grown up reading! Join Maithili and Minotaur as they go on crazy adventures with a motley crew of friends. In lands where monsters and dark creatures thrive, and nightmares and visions lead the way. Brilliant storytelling by CG Salamander and exceptional artwork by Rajiv Eipe come together to create this smash hit series!
Food Mystery: Peace Pulao
Food Adventure: Forbidden Snacks Society
The first books in the Doubles Series by HarperCollins India focusses on two aspects of food. Vibha Batra’s Peace Pulao is a hilarious mystery that brings the Gen Next of two popular restaurants together to find out who is sabotaging their respective restaurant’s revamp efforts. Menaka Raman’s Forbidden Snacks Society is about a group of children forced into a camp called the Temple of Mind and Body Excellence. Both authors write stories that are relevant and rooted in everything Gen Zers will love! Buy here
Into dystopian fiction? Then Aparna Kapur’s An Absence of Squirrels is a book you will enjoy! Set in the tooth-shaped island of Thutta, the book features thirteen-year-old Katli, who stumbles upon strange happenings on the island, including finding a loose paper mentioning an animal called a squirrel. What follows is a wild adventure involving lost animals, a whiff of revolution, a megalomaniac, and the power of unity. Superb book, this one. Buy here
A Children’s History of India in 100 Objects
Devika Cariapa writes a non-fiction book that is so gripping, you won’t want to put it down anytime soon! Travel through India, one object at a time, and chance upon stories and sagas that you never dreamed of! From the real story of the Kohinoor Diamond to a sculpted Yakshi. From the ubiquitous HMT watch to a centuries-old axe, learn all about how India developed around these objects. This is a brilliant book, and a must-read for the summer! Buy here
History Unpacked: The Why, When, and What of Medieval India
From the Chalukyas to the Mughals, if your child has spent a year at school learning (and whining!) about history, this is the perfect antidote to all that pain. History comes alive and becomes cool and casual with Saisudha Acharya. Her words and Rohit Bhasi’s illustrations create an uber-cool version of historical events that will not just drive home the lesson but make it so entertaining, you will remember it years later! Grab this book and the earlier one, History Unpacked: The Why, When, and What of Ancient India too!
What is the role of stories in your life, and does it matter how you say it? All Kato wants is his own voice. He is surrounded by loving family and friends, but feels the lack of a voice terribly. So when an Old Giant, Kene, chooses Kato to become a storyteller, he knows there has been a mistake. Follow along with Kato and Kene as they learn the true meaning of stories and realise sometimes stories can be told silently, and these stories may be the most powerful. A beautiful debut book by Huthuka Sumi. Buy here.
A thrilling, intelligent murder mystery that teenager Tara is determined to solve to find out how her father died. Unfortunately, her mother remembers little from that night, and her suspect list includes everyone she has grown up with. Will she and her brother, Sameer, be able to unravel clues, and what secrets will old, forgotten memories uncover? Buy here