A novel of the Silent Valley Movement of 1973–1984
It is 1978 and letters are flying from Jenny in Palakkad to Teesta in Bombay and back. Jenny lives near the Silent Valley forest in Kerala and loves her life in general (except for Pushkin). Teesta wants to be a journalist and lives in a house that smells of biscuits. When they become pen pals, their worlds opens up—Teesta brings the city to Jenny and Jenny nudges Teesta to express herself freely.
When the government gives permission for a dam that will submerge half of Silent Valley, and urban expansion threatens the coastal mangroves of Bombay, Jenny and Teesta must inspire each other as they fight their own battles against those who seek to destroy nature.
Award-winning author Bijal Vachharajani writes of nature and change and celebrates the wild in this delightful novel.
The Chronicles of Courage series looks at moments and movements in India after independence that have shaped the life of the nation.
A novel of the Bombay Mill Strike of 1982
There’s a lot going on at Tenduwadi Chawl. Vinod’s friends are practising for the big cricket match between Building No. 1 and Building No. 2. Radha’s friends are arguing over two Bollywood heroes. Everyone seems to be fighting, falling in love and keeping secrets.
Little wonder, then, that it takes the children of Tenduwadi Chawl some time to realize that their world is changing. The Bombay Mill Strike has begun and the air is thick with suspicion. Old acquaintances are turning into strangers. Then, one evening, Vinod follows the Building No. 2 cricket team to Star Mill Compound and stumbles upon an ugly mystery.
Award-winning author Shabnam Minwalla’s novel is both gripping and layered, and paints a vivid picture of a time of the city’s transformation.
The Chronicles of Courage series looks at moments and movements in India after independence that have shaped the life of the nation.
A novel of the Bangladesh War of 1971
Dhiman is most excited to meet Ruhul, a refugee from East Pakistan. All he and his classmates can talk about is the war that is sure to happen, and Ruhul’s friendship gives him a unique insight (which makes everyone think he is very cool).
But then the war comes too close as his journalist father disappears across the border to cover events happening there. And when the constant battles between his mother, aunt and uncle reach a crisis point, it is only Ruhul who can help Dhiman to go in search of his missing father in a land already torn apart by war . . .
Award-winning author Lesley D. Biswas’s exciting and thought-provoking novel is a vivid depiction of a society in transit and of a boy struggling to find courage.
The Chronicles of Courage series looks at moments and movements in India after independence that have shaped the life of the nation.
Pajapati hates rules.
Her sister and co-queen of Kapilavastu, Maya, tries to gently hold her in check, but Pajapati is irrepressible. When Maya dies, shortly after giving birth to Siddhartha, Pajapati is inconsolable. Yet bring up Siddhartha she must—for the sake of her sister—and with extreme diligence, for it has been prophesied at Siddhartha’s birth that should he see suffering or death, he will leave the kingdom forever.
Despite the protection and restrictions, Siddhartha does live out the prophecy—and goes on to become the Buddha. But this is not his story. This is the story of Pajapati, the woman who raised him, and became a Buddha herself.
Set in the fifth century BCE, Maria Denjongpa’s compelling debut novel explores the nature of love and loss and the challenges of a woman on a spiritual journey.
620 CE. Mamallapuram, India.
Twelve-year-old Pallavi’s father works at the royal court of Mamallapuram. Pallavi spends her days in its magnificent library, studying with her best friend Shobavathi and dreaming of becoming a scholar. But life at court is unpredictable.
When her father loses his job and is banished by the king for misconduct, Pallavi is forced to leave her lessons to help her stepmother run a seaside shop. But she cannot turn her back on her education. She secretly scribbles poems in hidden spots to practice writing Tamil. When a jug with a poem etched on it is discovered, it thrills scholars of the kingdom but also alerts its enemies. Suddenly, Pallavi finds herself thrust into a mysterious Chalukya plot to bring down the Pallava empire. To make matters worse, a strange woman arrives and shatters Pallavi’s world with a dark family secret.
Caught amidst spies, secrets, and betrayal, can Pallavi stop the Chalukyas, figure out whom to trust, and forgive her family’s hidden truths?
When a pair of antique earrings lands in Nooni’s hands, her quiet holiday with Ajja and Ajji turns into the adventure of a lifetime. From the sacred ghats of Ujjain to the buzzing streets of Amritsar, the storied lanes of Delhi and all the way to London, Nooni follows a trail shimmering with mystery and history.
Each step brings her face to face with forgotten tales of love and loss, revealing that true treasures aren’t just beautiful—they hold memories worth keeping alive.
Told in India’s favourite storyteller’s inimitable style, The Magic of the Lost Earrings is a heart-warming tale of togetherness, courage and heritage—one that lingers
long after the last page.
The year is 1185 CE. Devaki tends to her ailing father, Pemma Virappa, lord of Kodagu, who has been tasked with collecting revenue by Hoysala emperor, Veera Ballala II. But the king is unaware of Virappa’s illness.
With the royal thappal post system failing and bandits prowling the forests, Devaki sets out for the capital, Dwarasamudra (modern Halebidu), to deliver the news—despite her parents’ fears.
En route to the capital with pilgrims, at Shravanabelagola, Devaki learns of a deeper crisis: a royal kidnapping and a brewing rebellion. Her journey takes her through ancient Velapuri (Belur) and coastal Barakuru (Barkur).
Will she reach the king in time? Can she help recover his kin and stop the rebels? Join Devaki on her journey through the twelfth century Hoysala kingdom—and step into history as it was.
Discover the incredible journey of Ashoka the Fierce, the emperor who transformed from a ruthless warrior into Ashoka the Great, a legendary ruler of peace and compassion.
As a young prince, Ashoka was overlooked as his father’s successor. Determined to prove himself, he became arrogant, impatient, and consumed by anger. When he finally seized the throne, he sought power through conquest, leading his army into brutal battles. But one devastating war changed everything—haunted by the suffering he caused, Ashoka was heartbroken and longed for a new path.
Encouraged by his wife and guided by a wise Buddhist monk, Ashoka embraced kindness, wisdom, and service. He dedicated his life to helping his people, spreading the teachings of peace, and proving that true strength lies in compassion.
With stunning illustrations and a powerful moral lesson, Ashoka the Fierce is a must-read for children, teaching the importance of empathy, self-reflection, and the power of change. Perfect for young readers interested in history, mindfulness, and stories of transformation!
- Ideal for ages 4+
- A beautifully illustrated historical tale
- Teaches the values of kindness, self-awareness, and leadership
Roop carries her newest toy—a kaleidoscope—everywhere. The world from her kaleidoscope looks split up . . . and so does her world. Around her, unfamiliar words echo: India. Pakistan. Partition. Home.
Words that sound distant from her reality, until one night changes everything. Roop finds herself at a riverbank, one that she must cross to find her home—her new home.
Award-winning author Samina Mishra tells a poignant tale of a dark chapter in history. Through Roop’s journey, she weaves a story of connections, resilience and finding an anchor in turbulent times.
