Best books for 9 to 12 year olds

Aai and I

by Mamta Nainy

Ages 5–9Indian author

A child explores her identity against the backdrop of her mother's illness with cancer. Honest, warm, and reassuring.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹155 ↗

Moin and the Monster

by Anushka Ravishankar

Ages 6–9Indian author

Moin and his friends navigate school and life with the help of an unlikely monster companion. Funny, warm, and very Indian.

Talking of Muskaan

by Himanjali Sankar

Ages 12–15Indian author

When Muskaan disappears from school, four friends piece together why — and confront difficult truths about belonging and acceptance. A groundbreaking Indian YA novel on LGBTQ+ identity, widely praised and taught in progressive schools.

Heads-up: Suicide & self-harm, Homophobic bullying

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹151 ↗

Birds on the Brain

by Uma Krishnaswami

Ages 8–11Indian author

Eleven-year-old Veeran is obsessed with birds — which makes everything else in his life, including school, rather complicated. A funny, warm chapter book about a child with a passionate, unusual love. Duckbill's beloved hOle Book series.

Buy on Flipkart ↗

Amra and the Witch

by Arefa Tehsin

Ages 6–9Indian author

Amra is transported to the lush villages of Northern India in this thrilling adventure featuring witches, magic, and forests. hOle Book series.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹179 ↗

Wild Child

by Paro Anand

Ages 10–14Indian author

A city child is sent to spend summer in the forest — and discovers that wild things, including himself, need space to be free. A gripping adventure novel about children, nature, and growing up. Widely stocked by indie bookstores.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹624 ↗

Aru Shah and the End of Time

by Roshani Chokshi

Ages 10–13Indian author

Aru Shah accidentally releases a demon and discovers she is a Pandava hero. A wildly fun, Rick Riordan Presents novel steeped in Hindu mythology — like Percy Jackson set in India.

The Serpent's Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond)

by Sayantani DasGupta

Ages 10–12Indian author

On her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala learns she is an Indian princess from another dimension and must battle demons and rakkhosh. Rooted in Bengali folk tales and Hindu mythology.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹808 ↗

The Night Diary

by Veera Hiranandani

Ages 10–13Indian author

Twelve-year-old Nisha — half-Hindu, half-Muslim — writes secret diary letters to her mother during the 1947 Partition of India. A devastating, tender Newbery Honor novel.

Heads-up: Violence, Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹349 ↗

The Grand Plan to Fix Everything

by Uma Krishnaswami

Ages 10–12Indian author

Dini's family moves from Maryland to India for a year. She's devastated — until she discovers her Bollywood idol lives nearby. A warm, funny story about belonging and unexpected happiness.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹301 ↗

Grandma's Bag of Stories

by Sudha Murty

Ages 8–12Indian author

A grandmother enchants her grandchildren with ten irresistible tales of kings, wisemen, princesses, and rogues drawn from India's folk tradition. Sudha Murty at her most delightful.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹186 ↗

Tales of Birbal (Amar Chitra Katha)

by Amar Chitra Katha

Ages 5–9Indian author

Birbal's legendary wit against all challengers — in Amar Chitra Katha's iconic comic format, one of India's most beloved children's comics for over 60 years.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹351 ↗

Krishna (Amar Chitra Katha)

by Amar Chitra Katha

Ages 6–9Indian author

The iconic retelling of Lord Krishna's life — from his miraculous birth to his role in the Mahabharata — in vivid, memorable Amar Chitra Katha comic panels.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹99 ↗

Wings of Fire: An Autobiography (Young Readers Edition)

by A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Ages 12–15Indian author

India's 'Missile Man' and beloved President tells his own story — from a Tamil Nadu fishing village to leading India's space programme. Abridged for young readers.

Kalpana Chawla: A Life

by Anil Padmanabhan

Ages 10–13Indian author

The story of the first woman of Indian origin in space — from a small-town Haryana childhood to the space shuttle Columbia. Told with warmth and detail.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹150 ↗

Sivagamiyin Sabatham: Young Readers Edition

by Kalki Krishnamurthy (adapted)

Ages 10–13Indian author

Kalki's Pallava kingdom epic — war, Bharatanatyam, sculpture, and romance — adapted for young readers. One of Tamil literature's most beloved historical novels.

Heads-up: War & battle violence, Teen crushes & romance

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹388 ↗

En Iniya Iyanthira (My Dear Robot)

by Sujatha (R. Rangarajan)

Ages 10–14Indian author

Tamil Nadu's most beloved science fiction writer imagines a future where humans and robots must find a way to coexist. A landmark of Tamil sci-fi — accessible, witty, and thought-provoking.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹240 ↗

Women in Sports (Learning TO BE)

Ages 5–9Indian author

Five extraordinary Indian sportswomen — PT Usha, Arunima Sinha, Bhakti Sharma, Chandro and Prakashi Tomar — their stories of grit and resilience told in simple verse with stunning illustrations. Award-winning.

Women in Science (Learning TO BE)

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹899 ↗

Ages 6–10Indian author

Celebrating pioneering Indian women scientists including botanist Janaki Ammal and physicist Bibha Chowdhuri — told in accessible, inspiring language for young readers.

Chakmak: Science Readers (Selection)

by Various / Eklavya

Ages 11–14Indian author

Eklavya's flagship children's science magazine — published since 1985 from Bhopal — now sold as yearly bound volumes. Playful experiments, nature observations, and curiosity-first science in Hindi and other Indian languages.

Ruk Jaana Nahin (Don't Stop)

by Various / Eklavya

Ages 5–9Indian author

Stories from Eklavya's progressive children's literature programme — featuring children from rural India who overcome obstacles, challenge norms, and discover their own voices.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹2,400 ↗

Faster Fene (Series)

by B.R. Bhagwat

Ages 9–14Indian author

The iconic Marathi detective-adventure series starring Banesh 'Faster' Fene — a streetwise, quick-witted boy who solves mysteries across Maharashtra. An enduring classic that has captivated Marathi children for over 70 years.

Shyamchi Aai

by Sane Guruji

Ages 12–15Indian author

Sane Guruji's timeless masterpiece in which Shyam recalls his gentle, self-sacrificing mother and her quiet life lessons. One of the most beloved books in Marathi literature — a moving portrait of mother-child love.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹150 ↗

Courage with Anandibai Joshee (Learning TO BE)

by Pervin Saket (illus. Sriya Singh)

Ages 5–9Indian author

The story of Anandibai Joshee, one of the first Indian women to earn a medical degree, told to model courage for young readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹420 ↗

Passion with Aditi Pant (Learning TO BE)

by Pervin Saket (illus. Boski Jain)

Ages 5–9Indian author

The story of Aditi Pant, India's first oceanographer and one of the first women to travel to Antarctica.

Adaptability with Arunima Sinha (Learning TO BE)

Ages 5–9Indian author

The story of Arunima Sinha, the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest, told to model adaptability.

Trust with PT Usha (Learning TO BE)

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹360 ↗

Ages 5–9Indian author

The story of PT Usha, one of India's greatest track athletes, told to model trust and self-belief.

Leopard in Mumbai

by Lubaina Bandukwala

Ages 6–9Indian author

A story about the leopards that live alongside people at the edge of Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹195 ↗

Letters to Krisha

by Parinita Shetty

Ages 7–10Indian author

A gentle story told through letters, about friendship and staying connected across distance.

Waiting for Turtles

by Pankaj Sekhsaria

Ages 6–9Indian author

A story of Olive Ridley turtles and the people who watch over their nesting beaches, inspired by real conservation work.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹190 ↗

The Blue Umbrella

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹152 ↗

Ages 9–12Indian author

A little girl in a Himalayan village trades a leopard's-claw pendant for a beautiful blue umbrella, and the envy it stirs in her village.

The Room on the Roof

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹155 ↗

Ages 11–15Indian author

Ruskin Bond's coming-of-age classic about a teenage orphan finding freedom and friendship in Dehradun — written when the author was seventeen.

Heads-up: Teen crushes & romance, Death & grief

Tiger Boy

by Mitali Perkins

Ages 8–12Indian author

On an island in the Sunderbans, a boy searches for an escaped baby tiger cub before poachers find it first.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹208 ↗

Jwala Kumar and the Gift of Fire: Adventures in Champakbagh

by Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar

Ages 9–12Indian author

A boy named Jwala Kumar sets off on adventures around Champakbagh, encountering different childhoods and ways of life across India.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹224 ↗

The Incredible Life of Mary Kom: The Queen of Boxing

by Swayam Ganguly

Ages 9–12Indian author

The true story of Mary Kom's journey from a village in Manipur to becoming an Olympic-medal-winning boxer.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹186 ↗

Tiger! Tiger! Stories of the Big Cat

by Various, intro by Zai Whitaker

Ages 10–14Indian author

An anthology of classic and contemporary stories and poems about tigers, from foolish to fierce to supernatural.

Heads-up: Violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹273 ↗

How Did the Harappans Say Hello? And 16 Other Mysteries of History

by Anu Kumar

Ages 9–13Indian author

Sixteen playful mysteries from Indian history, answered in short, curious chapters.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹145 ↗

What if the Earth Stopped Spinning? And 24 Other Mysteries of Science

by Roopa Pai

Ages 9–13Indian author

Twenty-five curious science questions answered in short, accessible chapters for young readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹228 ↗

Tigers for Dinner: Tall Tales by Jim Corbett's Khansama

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹232 ↗

Ages 8–12Indian author

Tall tales told by the cook who worked for legendary hunter-conservationist Jim Corbett.

Our Nana Was a Nutcase

by Ranjit Lal

Ages 9–13Indian author

A funny, affectionate story about a wonderfully eccentric grandfather seen through his grandchildren's eyes.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹232 ↗

Devi: Mythology Made Simple For Kids

by Subhadra Sen Gupta, Tapas Guha

Ages 7–11Indian author

An accessible introduction to Hindu goddesses and their stories, told simply for young readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹240 ↗

Tuntuni's Tales

by Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury

Ages 5–9Indian author

Classic Bengali fables starring the clever tailorbird Tuntuni, first published in 1911 and beloved across generations.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹120 ↗

Wordygurdyboom! The Nonsense World of Sukumar Ray

by Sukumar Ray (trans. Sampurna Chattarji)

Ages 7–11Indian author

A playful English translation of Sukumar Ray's beloved Bengali nonsense verse and stories, capturing the wordplay of the original Abol Tabol.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹275 ↗

The Puffin Feluda Omnibus: Volume One

by Satyajit Ray

Ages 10–14Indian author

The first cases of Feluda, Bengal's most beloved detective, created by legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray.

Heads-up: Crime & murder

Abol Tabol

by Sukumar Ray

Ages 6–11Indian author

The original Bengali edition of Sukumar Ray's beloved nonsense verse collection, first published in 1923 — playful rhymes and absurd creatures that have delighted generations of Bengali readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹100 ↗

Chander Pahar

by Bibhutibhushan Bandyopadhyay

Ages 11–16Indian author

A classic Bengali adventure novel following young Shankar's journey through the African wilderness in search of a fabled diamond mine — one of Bengali literature's best-loved adventure stories.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹125 ↗

Miya Fuski

by Jivram Joshi

Ages 7–12Indian author

The classic Gujarati children's series starring the endearing trickster Miya Fuski, created by Jivram Joshi in 1945 and beloved across generations of Gujarati readers for its wit and warmth.

Dragon's Ire: An Adventure in Courage and Kindness

by Pooja Nanda

Ages 7–10Indian author

A spirited adventure about facing down a fearsome dragon — and discovering that courage and kindness matter more than brute strength.

Feet On The Ground Head In The Air

by Aditi Sowmyanarayan

Ages 9–13Indian author

A heartwarming middle-grade novel balancing everyday realism with a child's flights of imagination.

Alphabet Soup For The Young Environmentalist

by Meena Raghunathan

Ages 5–9Indian author

An A-to-Z of environmental ideas and eco-habits, introduced playfully for young readers just starting to think green.

Ila, My Wild Mongoose Friend

by Abhisheka Krishnagopal

Ages 8–10Indian author

A college volunteer at a wildlife rehabilitation centre near Bengaluru bonds with an orphaned Indian grey mongoose — and learns the bittersweet lesson of letting her go wild again.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹200 ↗

Why Are You So Colourful?

by Shruti Hemani

Ages 8–10Indian author

Why is a red munia red? How does a painted stork get its pink colour? A lively illustrated look at coloration across birds, mammals, and mushrooms.

The Miracle on Kachhua Beach

by Nandita da Cunha

Ages 6–10Indian author

Bullied and nicknamed 'Oddball Ori,' a boy finds an abandoned, garbage-strewn beach and an unconventional idea that transforms his community — a Neev Award-winning story.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹167 ↗

How Hanu Became Hanuman

by K. G. Subramanyan

Ages 6–10Indian author

A witty, subversive retelling of how the monkey Hanu became the mighty Hanuman, written and illustrated by one of India's foremost modern artists.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹99 ↗

Kalo and the Koel

by Meera Mukherjee

Ages 6–10Indian author

Whimsical, spiritually tinged short stories from a celebrated Bengali sculptor-storyteller, blending the everyday with the symbolic.

Delhi Thaatha: A Great Grand Story

by Chitra Viraraghavan

Ages 7–11Indian author

Narrated by a seven-year-old great-granddaughter, this is the true story of Dr Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan's journey from a poor small-town boyhood to the presidency of India.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹420 ↗

The Bridge Home

by Padma Venkatraman

Ages 10–13Indian author

Two runaway sisters make a home with two homeless boys on an abandoned bridge in Chennai, India, in this moving story about family, disability, and resilience.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Abuse

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹398 ↗

Rickshaw Girl

by Mitali Perkins

Ages 7–10Indian author

A talented young artist in rural Bangladesh disguises herself as a boy to help support her family, discovering new possibilities along the way.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹620 ↗

The Talking Handkerchief

by Anjana Vaswani

Ages 6–10Indian author

A collection of lively folktales retold for young readers. Winner of the Sharjah International Children's Book Award (2016).

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹95 ↗

Mahi: The Elephant Who Flew Over the Blue Mountains

by Anand Neelakantan

Ages 5–10Indian author

Young elephant Mahi is desperate to fly like the birds — and his hard-of-hearing grandfather insists elephants can. A whimsical, gently satirical fable about dreams and curiosity. Illustrated by Doodlenerve.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹272 ↗

Bhalu Ka Nakhoon (भालू का नाखून)

by Rishi Sahany

Ages 9–12Indian author

Stories drawn from the author-illustrator's travels through the mountains — a small Buddhist monk, a hill shepherd, a mountain guide — with luminous, season-shifting paintings. Parag Honour List 2024.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹130 ↗

Aao Bhai Khillu (आओ भाई खिल्लू)

by Prabhat

Ages 5–10Indian author

A collection of 47 playful Hindi poems for children by Prabhat, one of the best-loved contemporary Hindi children's poets.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,241 ↗

Master of the 7 Swars

by Pratyush Gupta

Ages 5–10Indian author

A crow named Kaga dreams of singing like the legendary Tansen, and flies off on an adventure through the seven swaras of Hindustani music. A striking pop-up book (from the Swarpeti project) with shadow-play pages and a companion music app. Publishing Next Children's Book of the Year.

Ta Ka Dhi Mi 2358

by Shyama Panikkar & Radhika Tipnis

Ages 6–10Indian author

Rhythm meets maths: a playful picture book that connects the rhythmic syllables of Indian music (ta-ka-dhi-mi) with the Fibonacci sequence, by music educator Shyama Panikkar.

Malhar in the Middle

by Shruthi Rao

Ages 7–9Indian author

Malhar wants to be a famous tabla player — but why do tabla players always sit at the side of the stage? A funny early chapter book about ambition, music and wanting to be centre stage.

Stories I Like to Tell

by Jeeva Raghunath

Ages 6–10Indian author

Well-known storyteller Jeeva Raghunath shares the stories she grew up with and loves to tell, peppered with the storyteller's tongue-in-cheek asides. A lovely read-aloud and storytelling resource for families and teachers. Illustrated by Niveditha Subramaniam.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹250 ↗

Zakir and His Tabla: Dha Dhin Na

by Sandhya Rao

Ages 5–10Indian author

From the rhythms his father Ustad Alla Rakha played to him as a newborn to taking the tabla to the world, this joyful picture-book biography follows Zakir Hussain's life in beats and vignettes. Illustrated by Priya Kuriyan.

Menstrupedia Comic: The Friendly Guide to Periods for Girls

by Aditi Gupta, Tuhin Paul & Rajat Mittal

Ages 9–14Indian author

A friendly Indian comic in which a doctor 'didi' explains periods, puberty and hygiene to three girls — clear, unembarrassed and myth-busting. Used in thousands of schools.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Gulu: The Essential Guide to Puberty for Boys

by Aditi Gupta & Tuhin Paul

Ages 9–14Indian author

The Menstrupedia team's comic guide for boys: body changes, feelings, hygiene — and understanding periods so boys grow up respectful and informed.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹233 ↗

What's Up with Me? Puberty, Periods, Pimples, People, Problems and More

by Tisca Chopra

Ages 10–14Indian author

Actor Tisca Chopra answers the questions Indian tweens are too shy to ask — bodies, periods, skin, crushes, friendships and feelings — in a warm, funny voice.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Born to Bat: Mithali Raj (Little Leaders)

by Arthy Muthanna Singh & Mamta Nainy

Ages 5–9Indian author

A picture book inspired by the life of Mithali Raj, former captain of India's women's cricket team — how a little girl who loved to sleep and dream found the grit to become a champion.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹188 ↗

We Are the Champions: 40 Iconic Moments in Indian Sports

by Akshay Lokapally & Vijay Lokapally

Ages 9–14Indian author

Forty great moments from Indian sport — cricket, hockey, athletics, badminton, wrestling and more — and the players and teams behind them.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹173 ↗

Trouble in the Tea Gardens

by Mitali Perkins

Ages 9–12Indian author

A middle-grade mystery set on a Darjeeling tea estate, where a young visitor uncovers secrets and danger among the gardens.

History Mystery: Tughlaq and the Stolen Sweets

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹138 ↗

Ages 7–10Indian author

Sultan Muhammad bin Tughlaq's favourite sweets have vanished and a young sleuth must find the thief — a funny, illustrated history mystery.

Seeker of Truth: Kailash Satyarthi's Fight to End Child Labour

by Srividhya Venkat

Ages 6–10Indian author

The Nobel Peace Prize winner's life story: raising money for poor children's schooling as a boy, sharing a meal across caste lines as a teen, and freeing children from labour as an adult.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹206 ↗

Strong As Fire, Fierce As Flame

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹229 ↗

Ages 10–13Indian author

1857: thirteen-year-old Meera flees a fate she didn't choose as Indian soldiers rise against the British, and finds her own strength and voice.

Heads-up: War & battle violence

And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹420 ↗

Ages 6–12Indian author

The story of the Kohinoor, one of the world's most famous diamonds — its journey from South Asia to the British crown jewels, told as a story of history and resilience.

American as Paneer Pie

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹659 ↗

Ages 8–12Indian author

Lekha, the only Indian American kid in her small town, hides who she is — until a new girl arrives who's proud of her roots, and Lekha finds her own voice.

That Thing about Bollywood

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹791 ↗

Ages 8–12Indian author

Sonali hides her feelings — until she starts bursting into Bollywood song-and-dance numbers whenever emotions bubble up.

The Cobra's Song

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹796 ↗

Ages 8–12Indian author

Ten-year-old Gauri, afraid of almost everything, must face her fears and find her voice in an adventure steeped in Indian folklore.

The Door Is Open: Stories of Celebration and Community by 11 Desi Voices

by Hena Khan, Veera Hiranandani, Supriya Kelkar & others

Ages 8–12Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)

Interconnected stories set around a community centre, celebrating the variety of South Asian American childhoods.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹2,019 ↗

Roohi and Nate Are Not on the Same Page

by Supriya Kelkar & Jarrett Lerner

Ages 8–12Indian author✈️ Import only (pricey)

Two unlikely friends team up to save the library that brought them together.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,689 ↗

Shah Jahan and the Ruby Robber

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹163 ↗

Ages 7–10Indian author

Someone has replaced the Timur ruby on Shah Jahan's throne with a plum! A History Mystery full of jokes and real history.

Ashoka and the Muddled Messages

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹139 ↗

Ages 7–10Indian author

Someone is messing with the messages Emperor Ashoka wants carved on his rocks and pillars. Who can solve this History Mystery?

Raja Raja and the Swapped Sacks

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹139 ↗

Ages 7–10Indian author

Someone is swapping Raja Raja Chola's precious pepper for goat droppings — and trade with China is at risk! A History Mystery.

Razia and the Pesky Presents

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹137 ↗

Ages 7–10Indian author

Sultan Razia of Delhi is receiving pesky presents that challenge her right to rule as a woman. A History Mystery about India's first woman sultan.

Akbar and the Tricky Traitor

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹139 ↗

Ages 7–10Indian author

Someone is leaking Emperor Akbar's court secrets to his enemies. A funny History Mystery.

Squiggle Takes a Walk: All about Punctuation

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹138 ↗

Ages 7–11Indian author

Squiggle doesn't know what she is — a comma? a colon? — so she sets off through a notebook to find out, learning punctuation along the way.

The Good Indian Child's Guide to Playing Cricket

Ages 5–9Indian author

A tongue-in-cheek guide to India's favourite game and what it takes to be a 'good' Indian child on the gully cricket pitch.

The Good Indian Child's Guide to Eating Mangoes

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹235 ↗

Ages 5–9Indian author

Does eating mangoes need a guide book? A funny, juicy look at India's favourite fruit, with a personality quiz and mango trivia.

Savitribai and Jyotirao Phule (Amar Chitra Katha)

by Sanjana Kapur

Ages 8–14Indian author

The Amar Chitra Katha comic on the couple who opened India's first schools for girls and fought for the education of all.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹195 ↗

The Incredible Life of Savitribai Phule: The Fearless Reformer

by Swati Sengupta

Ages 8–12Indian author

Married at nine, Savitri learned to read from her husband and went on to become India's first woman teacher, opening schools for girls against fierce opposition.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹225 ↗

Sarojini Naidu: The Nightingale and the Freedom Fighter

by Anuradha Kumar

Ages 9–13Indian author

The child prodigy who became the 'Nightingale of India' — poet, fearless freedom fighter and the first woman to preside over the Indian National Congress.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹212 ↗

If Elephants Could Talk

by Ranjeeta Raam

Ages 10–14Indian author

Twelve-year-old Meenakshi has not spoken since her mother died, until dance and a temple elephant named Ganeshan help her find her voice to protect the animals she loves.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Animal cruelty

Rain Holiday

by Shreya Ramachandran

Ages 10–13Indian author

During a Mumbai monsoon break, eleven-year-old Rekha tries to find out why her best friend Latisha has stopped seeing anyone. A tender story about friendship, mental health and caring for the people we love.

Heads-up: Mental illness

Rani's Moustache

by Vardhini N.C. (illus. Rishi Sahany)

Ages 6–9Indian author

In the palace of Keshpuram, Rani wakes up with a thick, hairy moustache, and the whole palace is thrown into chaos as remedy after remedy fails. A funny story with lively pictures.

Sneaker Paati

by Anita Nair

Ages 8–11Indian author

Kittu's Dasara holiday turns upside down when his dad's headstand-doing, Japanese-speaking aunt arrives, and helps him and his friend Bunty stand up to a neighbourhood bully.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹460 ↗

Is It the Same for You?

by Neha Singh (illus. Priya Sebastian)

Ages 12–16Indian author

As violence and death fill the adult world around her in Kashmir, a young girl quietly faces her first period and a changing body, and wonders whether girls elsewhere feel the same. A tender, illustrated portrait of growing up amid conflict.

Heads-up: Terrorism & militancy, Death & grief

Jamini Roy's Unbroken Lines

by Vinitha (illus. Tanvi Bhat)

Ages 7–12Indian author

Seven-year-old Jamini Roy follows his love of drawing in his Bengal village despite his family's objections. Lift-the-flap pages tell his story, followed by a look at his famous paintings and hands-on activities such as making colours from flowers and leaves. Part of the Art Exploration series.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹550 ↗

What Happened to Grandpa

by Nandini Nayar (illus. Aditi Anand)

Ages 6–9Indian author🔍 Hard to find in India

Grandpa is forgetting words, names and faces, and his family feels they are losing him. Neha keeps his memory alive by sharing his adventures and retelling his stories. A warm picture book about love, memory and dementia.

Heads-up: Serious illness

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹294 ↗

Somnath Hore: Wounds

by Likla (illus. Kripa Bhatia)

Ages 8–12Indian author

A picture-book biography of the sculptor and printmaker Somnath Hore, whose art grew out of the pain of famine and war. It gently helps children talk about difficult feelings such as pain, anger, fear and uncertainty. Part of the Art Exploration series.

Jamlo Walks

by Samina Mishra (illus. Tarique Aziz)

Ages 7–10Indian author

Inspired by the real Jamlo, a twelve-year-old girl who died walking home during India's 2020 lockdown, this book asks how the lockdown affected migrant workers and their children, and invites young readers to notice injustice and inequality around them.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹172 ↗

That Night

by Bijal Vachharajani (illus. Shrujana Niranjani Shridhar)

Ages 7–12Indian author🔍 Hard to find in India

Chaitu wakes up to loud, angry voices and a fire raging in the distance, and fears for her family, friends and home. A short, powerful story about fear, intolerance and how it feels to be targeted.

Heads-up: Violence

A Suitcase for Surta

by Riddhi Shah (illus. Shruti Hemani)

Ages 6–9Indian author

Life during the pandemic is hard for young Surta, and her hopes seem to be fading, until her father's suitcase arrives with the chance of change. A story about empathy, growing up and the strength of family.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹215 ↗

Kitabon Wala Ghar

by Jasbir Bhullar (illus. Chandramohan Kulkarni; trans. Rakesh Pankaj)

Ages 9–13Indian author

Childhood stories from rural Punjab in 1946–49, told through young Veer: a dying plant brought home, a stray dog, a dozing teacher, an open-air film, and the fear that spreads through the village during Partition. Translated from Punjabi into Hindi.

Naturalist Ruddy

by Rohan Chakravarty

Ages 9–14Indian author

A ruddy mongoose turns nature detective in the forests of central India, solving 'crime scenes' that turn out to be the strange, true behaviour of lesser-known animals, insects and plants. A witty comic that mixes natural history with whodunnit, from the creator of Green Humour.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹321 ↗

'Carri-on', Ruddy!

by Rohan Chakravarty

Ages 9–14Indian author

Naturalist Ruddy, Kanha Tiger Reserve's resident mongoose detective, is back. Claw marks on trees, cannibal bees, lichens that threaten lizards: Ruddy travels across India to crack nature's oddest cases. The sequel to Naturalist Ruddy.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹304 ↗

The Great Indian Nature Trail with Uncle Bikky

by Rohan Chakravarty & Bijal Vachharajani

Ages 7–12Indian author📱 eBook only in India

Ornithologist Uncle Bikky, his wildlife-photographer niece Chunmun and their dog Duggu travel from deserts and wetlands to rock formations and forests, meeting India's bugs, birds, mammals and reptiles. WWF-India's comics, collected with jokes, trivia and activities.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹427 ↗

The Great Indian Nature Trail with Chunmun

by Rohan Chakravarty & Bijal Vachharajani

Ages 10–14Indian author

Eighteen-year-old Chunmun, a keen birdwatcher like her ornithologist uncle, wins an explorer's grant and sets off across India to photograph and write about the creatures she finds. Comics by Rohan Chakravarty with nature essays by Bijal Vachharajani.

Bird Business

by Rohan Chakravarty

Ages 8–14Indian author

Illustrated, funny glimpses into the daily lives of about 100 Indian birds: how they hunt, court, feed, fly and raise their young. Residents, migrants, endemics and endangered species, drawn with Green Humour's mix of art, science and jokes.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹553 ↗

Bookasura: The Adventures of Bala and the Book-Eating Monster

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹205 ↗

Ages 6–9Indian author

While staying with his grandparents, Bala meets Bookasura, a many-headed monster who eats books. Bala keeps him at bay with a steady supply of stories, but what happens when the books run out? A funny celebration of reading and imagination, illustrated by Priya Kuriyan. Winner of the Comic Con India award for best children's publication.

Koobandhee: The Adventures of Bala and the Book-Barfing Monster

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹181 ↗

Ages 7–10Indian author

Bala's books are under threat: from a book-chewing baby sister, a strict school librarian, and Koobandhee, a one-eyed monster who barfs up books and blames Bala for her upset stomach. The second Bookasura adventure, full of word play and bookish jokes.

Petu Pumpkin: Tiffin Thief

Ages 6–9Indian author

Petu Pumpkin is always hungry, and when he starts emptying his friends' tiffin boxes they form a secret society to save their lunches. Magic potions flop and super glue goes wrong in this laugh-out-loud school story. The first Petu Pumpkin book and a winner of the SCBWI Crystal Kite Award. Duckbill's hOle Books series.

Petu Pumpkin: Tooth Troubles

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹172 ↗

Ages 6–9Indian author

The Gap Club has challenged the Fourth Standard to a football match, but they can't practise without a ball, and the ball depends on Petu's wobbly tooth falling out in time. A funny chapter book about friendship, teamwork and losing your first teeth. hOle Books series.

Petu Pumpkin: Cheater Peter

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹156 ↗

Ages 6–9Indian author

When Petu starts cheating, his friends are sure he is headed for a life of crime. They try hypnosis, a home-baked truth serum and a DIY lie detector to set him straight. A funny story about honesty and friendship. hOle Books series.

Petu Pumpkin: Freedom Fighter

Ages 9–12Indian author

When games periods are cancelled and their playground is threatened by land grabbers, Petu and his friends take inspiration from India's freedom fighters and protest. Along the way they face misleading media, credit-stealing politicians and scary security guards. A funny, timely story about standing up for what's fair, illustrated by Shilpa Ranade.

Ramanujan: From Zero to Infinity

Ages 10–13Indian author

Young Srinivasa Ramanujan only wants to do maths at school in Kumbakonam, but this year there's no maths teacher. Instead, a string of odd substitutes has the boys lifting iron ingots, measuring milk and frying fish, and Ramanujan's team is drawn into a maths challenge he simply has to win. A funny story about the great mathematician as a boy, with puzzles to solve. Great Minds at Work series.

Raman and Chandrasekhar: Lighting Up the Stars

Ages 10–13Indian author

Young Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar hates school, and his holidays are ruined when his uncle, the famous scientist C.V. Raman, comes to stay. Raman Chithappa pulls the eight children of the house into a string of physics experiments that disrupt everything. A funny introduction to two Nobel Prize-winning Indian scientists. Great Minds at Work series.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹335 ↗

A Forest Calls

by Shalini Srinivasan

Ages 10–14Indian author

Raksha moves to Basavakere, beside a forest that is waking up. When her friend Pol is kidnapped, she and Savitha brave magical creatures and a vengeful monarch to bring him home.

Heads-up: Mild peril

Earth Tales: Folklore about India's Nature, Wildlife and Environment

by The Centre for Contemporary Folklore

Ages 8–14Indian author

A big illustrated collection of folk tales from every Indian state and union territory, many from tribal communities, where mountains, forests and animals are characters too. Each tale comes with its regional story and folk-art illustrations.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹968 ↗

From Bhavani, With Love

by Lakshmi V (illus. Zainab Tambawalla)

Ages 8–11Indian author

Sumi's grandfather is a master weaver of jamakkalam rugs in Bhavani. When his hands begin to falter and the pit loom falls silent, Sumi and the community find a way to help.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹245 ↗

Lightning Kid: 64 Winning Lessons from the Boy Who Became Five-Time World Chess Champion

by Viswanathan Anand

Ages 10–16Indian author

Vishy Anand tells his story, from a chess-mad boy in Chennai to India's first Grandmaster and five-time World Champion, with 64 short lessons on staying calm, losing well and bouncing back.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹255 ↗

Run, Ravi, Run!

by Kiran Vazir Nair (illus. Shubhshree Mathur)

Ages 6–9Indian author

Moments before his school 400-metre race, Ravi realises he has packed his big brother's shorts. Can his best friend Vikram help him make it to the starting line?

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹207 ↗

The Book Ghosts

by Varsha Seshan

Ages 9–12Indian author

Five friends who secretly slip 'banned' books into their school library take on a bigger mission when a smear campaign threatens their town's free mobile library.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹220 ↗

The War Elephants of Trigarta

by Sarita Mandanna

Ages 9–13Indian author

In 326 BCE, Mili, daughter of the general in charge of war elephants, befriends a rare white elephant called Nathu who obeys only her. Together they are swept into the battle on the Vitasta river.

Heads-up: War & battle violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹250 ↗

Women in Blue: Sixteen Warriors, One World Cup Dream

by Suprita Das

Ages 9–14Indian author

Illustrated profiles of sixteen cricketers, including Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandhana and Jemimah Rodrigues, who rose from small towns to win the 2025 Women's World Cup for India.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹299 ↗

Down by the Mangroves

by Praba Ram & Sheela Preuitt

Ages 10–13Indian author

Moyna's backyard is the Sundarbans, full of herons, kingfishers and tigers. When her father is suddenly gone, friends, neighbours and family help her learn that sorrow and joy can share space.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Ganesh Haloi: Colours of Home

by Likla Lall (illus. Eva Sánchez Gómez)

Ages 6–10Indian author

In 1950 a young boy was forced to flee his home; in 1964 he returned as an artist to a new country. The painter Ganesh Haloi looks back at the colours of the places he has called home.

It Takes a Tribe: True Stories of 25 Tribal Heroes Who Changed India

by Ramendra Kumar

Ages 9–14Indian author

Twenty-five true stories of tribal freedom fighters, forest guardians, athletes and leaders, from Birsa Munda and Rani Gaidinliu to Mary Kom and Poorna Malavath.

Why Is My Skin Brown?

by Lakshmi Iyer

Ages 7–10Indian author

When Sarayu moves to India for a few months, her cousins, neighbours and even her Nani have strong opinions about her dark skin. A heartfelt story about colourism, family and belonging in two worlds.

An Awakening in Awadh

by Vibha Batra

Ages 10–14Indian author

Lucknow, 1942. Qaisar's brother is leaving, his Abba thinks the British are good for India, and he is banned from playing Queen Victoria in the family play. As the Quit India movement grows, Qaisar finds himself in a role he never expected.

Bird/Dog

by Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan & Mrinalini Levin-Srinivasan

Ages 6–9Indian author

Bird roams the skies and wonders what a home would feel like; Dog has a home and longs for freedom. Their adventures bring them together in an unlikely friendship.

I Am Archa: The Legend of Unniarcha, India's Warrior Girl

by Ranjeeta Raam

Ages 10–14Indian author

Unniarcha is the fiery daughter of a Kalaripayattu master, in a world where only boys can be warriors. When a bitter cousin challenges her sick father to a duel, she must step up. A verse-novel retelling of Kerala's warrior-girl legend.

Laugh With Me

Ages 8–12Indian author

Ruskin Bond shares funny moments from his own life: swimming mishaps, train adventures, courtroom drama, mistaken identities and school days.

Sising: The Amazing Adventures of a Lab Mouse

by Rothindranath Goswami (tr. Partha Pratim Goswami)

Ages 9–14Indian author

Sising is a lab mouse with a clever chip that helps him think and learn. But he wants more than lessons: he dreams of mountains, oceans and far horizons. A funny, big-hearted adventure, translated from Assamese.

Travelling Treasures 2.0: 75 Incredible Tales of Things India Gave to the World

by Mala Kumar

Ages 8–12Indian author

From pepper and chess to pyjamas, shampoo and kathak, 75 short tales of everyday things and ideas that travelled from India to the rest of the world.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,372 ↗

Consent (for Kids!)

by Rachel Brian

Ages 6–10

A funny, comic-style guide to boundaries, respect and being in charge of your own body, from the creator of the 'Tea Consent' video.

Let's Talk About Body Boundaries, Consent and Respect

by Jayneen Sanders

Ages 4–10

Teaches children about body ownership, respect, feelings, choices and recognising bullying, with discussion questions for parents and teachers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹419 ↗

The Boy with the Dancing Bells: The Story of Akram Khan

by Samira Ahmed (illus. Humayra Kabir)

Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)

The story of Akram Khan, the British-Bangladeshi dancer who grew up dancing kathak and went on to create his own style. A picture-book biography about a boy who followed his love of dance.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,326 ↗

Unplugged (Gordon Korman)

by Gordon Korman

Ages 9–13

Jett, the son of a tech billionaire, is sent to a wellness retreat with no phones or screens, and stumbles into a mystery.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹589 ↗

The Shy Book

by Howard Pearlstein

Ages 5–9

This book hides from you but you help it become confident by answering its questions. Teaches social skills creatively.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,322 ↗

Slug Life

by Moesha Kellaway

Ages 5–9

Join Stevie the World's grumpiest slug as he learns what makes slugs special. Hilarious mix of narrative and non-fiction.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,160 ↗

A Little Blue Dot: Meet the Planets

by Maren Hasenjäger

Ages 5–9

Introduces the planets of the Solar System through the eyes of Earth, with a message about what makes our planet unique.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,805 ↗

Open Wide! Jaw-Dropping Mouths

by Dr Letizia Diamante

Ages 5–9

A fascinating, original take on the animal non-fiction book — all about teeth, mouths, and animal habits.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,881 ↗

Beat This Book

by Howard Calvert

Ages 5–9

Funny and silly, this book entertains children for a long time with over 40 ridiculous challenges to try.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,567 ↗

Gordon the Meanest Goose on Earth

by Alex Latimer

Ages 5–9

Gordon is terribly mean. But when a piglet gives him a flower he wonders — could he be brave instead? Very funny.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹954 ↗

The Search for Carmella

by Chloe Savage

Ages 5–9

Marine biologist Dr Rose takes a submersible craft deep into the ocean to search for a legendary beast.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹729 ↗

Blue Barry & Pancakes: Beach Ball Bedlam

by Dan Abdo & Jason Patterson

Ages 5–9

Join three unlikely friends in a hilarious, wacky adventure packed with silliness and heart.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹405 ↗

Snails of the Unexpected

by Terrie Chilvers

Ages 5–9

Snails Fergus and Shelby use mega-morphing skills to save their home and foil a dastardly plot. Laugh-out-loud fun.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,189 ↗

George and the Mini Dragon

by George Webster & Helen Harvey

Ages 5–9

How can George keep his mini dragon secret when she flies about causing chaos? Stars a character with Down syndrome.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹376 ↗

Amelia Cheeseheart: Mummy Mayhem

by Cat Weldon

Ages 5–9

Amelia and Webster must find out who is stealing objects from the museum — and why. Action-packed comic strip style.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹866 ↗

The Moonlight Mystery Agency

by Vashti Hardy

Ages 5–9

Can Hana and her cat friend solve the mystery of the stolen unicorn's birthday cake? Dyslexia-friendly.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹470 ↗

Beastie Bros: The Cabbage Juice Crime

by David O'Connell

Ages 5–9

Brothers Dribble the snail and Dash the firefly investigate the theft of Dribble's invention by dastardly dung-beetles.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹376 ↗

Detective Stanley and the Mystery

by Hannah Tunnicliffe

Ages 5–9

Stanley the Detective dog is brought out of retirement for one last intriguing case. Highly illustrated and hilarious.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,039 ↗

Wild Magic: Legend of the Black Lion

by Abiola Bello

Ages 5–9

Twins Misha and Ziggy have secret superpowers — talking to animals and shapeshifting. Can they save a black lion?

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹973 ↗

Meet the Mubbles

by Liz Pichon

Ages 5–9

The mischievous Mubbles live on the Isle of Smile until a mysterious delivery causes chaos. Liz Pichon's first graphic novel.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹83 ↗

Destiny Ink: Birthday Secret

by Adeola Sokunbi

Ages 5–9

Destiny is feeling left out at her cousin's birthday party. Can a talking teddy bear help her enjoy it?

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹514 ↗

One Smart Cookie

by Mika Song

Ages 5–9

How can the squirrels get an endless supply of cookies? They have a plan! A funny graphic novel for newly confident readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹882 ↗

Squid Squad: Nothing to Sea Here…

by Aoife Dooley

Ages 5–9

A gang of deep sea creatures embark on four hilarious adventures in this vibrantly illustrated graphic novel.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹433 ↗

The Great Pollination Investigation

by Deborah Hocking

Ages 5–9

What's the link between flowers and the food we eat? Lift flaps to learn more. Stunning and packed with facts.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹2,007 ↗

The Guinea-Pig Party

by Holly Webb

Ages 5–9

Katy finds a guinea pig in her garden! But can she really keep her? A sweet chapter book for animal lovers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹243 ↗

Ava Spark: Hello, I'm Here!

by Alex Field

Ages 5–9

Ava and her friends concoct a plan to welcome the new girl to their class. Features a protagonist with a disability.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,301 ↗

Ivy and Bearlock Holmes

by Kristyna Litten

Ages 5–9

Ivy and grandpa Bearlock Holmes solve the case of the missing Agave flower with interactive puzzles for young detectives!

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,043 ↗

Respect the Insect

by Jules Howard

Ages 7–9

A wide-ranging guide to all the ways insects help regulate our environment and the vital roles they play in the natural world.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹896 ↗

Astrophysics for Supervillains

by Dr Matthew Bothwell

Ages 7–9

A fun and jokey guide to astrophysics focused on the more sensational elements of space — for aspiring supervillains.

Buy on Flipkart ↗

Boss of the Underworld: Shirley

by Tor Freeman

Ages 8–9

A very funny graphic novel about Shirley's adventures after falling down a manhole into the underworld.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹696 ↗

Guardians of the New Moon

by Eric Huang

Ages 7–9

The ruler of heaven challenges every animal to a great race for the Chinese zodiac. Join Ming the fox and Miaow the cat!

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹938 ↗

Become a Genius in a Year

by Mike Rampton

Ages 7–9

Supercharge your brain with an incredible fact for every day of the year. Fun illustrations and fascinating information.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹324 ↗

Supa Nova

by Chanté Timothy

Ages 7–9

Young scientist Nova invents a plastic-eating organism to solve plastic waste — but Chomp causes chaos. Vibrant sci-fi graphic novel.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹594 ↗

Hero Wanted!

by Mark Powers

Ages 8–9

A very silly but utterly irresistible fantasy adventure with a subliminal message about the futility of war and discovering empathy.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹394 ↗

The Beanstalk Murder

by P G Bell

Ages 8–9

Two trainee witches find themselves caught up in the hunt for a killer in a land where their suspects could squash them with one footstep.

Heads-up: Crime & murder

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹874 ↗

The Cheat Book

by Ramzee

Ages 8–9

Will the Cheat Book really teach Kamal how to be cool? A funny, highly illustrated story about a boy facing many typical school issues.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹316 ↗

Badgers Are Go!

by Susannah Lloyd

Ages 8–9

Lulu the badger undergoes specialist training before embarking on a Top Secret mission to secure world peace. Hilarious.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,170 ↗

Toby and the Pixies: Worst King Ever

by James Turner

Ages 8–9

Toby discovers an enchanted kingdom in his garden and is crowned King of the Pixies. Laugh-out-loud graphic novel, utterly bonkers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,400 ↗

How to Train Your Dragon School

by Cressida Cowell

Ages 8–9

Can Hiccup and Toothless save the Bog-Burglars? Action-packed, highly illustrated fun from the author of the beloved series.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹271 ↗

Scarlet: Defender of the Universe

by James Davis

Ages 8–9

A mind-boggling sci-fi adventure that is bonkers but ingenious and laugh-out-loud funny from the very first page.

Blue Jelly and Strawberries

by Kate Sheppard (illus. Attie Lime)

Ages 8–9

A joyful collection of poems about food that will make young children laugh. Delightfully illustrated.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,273 ↗

Solving Crimes is NOT My Superpower

by Nathanael Lessore

Ages 8–9

In a town full of people with powers, will Sara ever find hers? Solving the mystery of the stolen football trophy might help.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹855 ↗

The Day My School Got Famous

by Jen Carney

Ages 8–9

Ferris's foster brother is a tornado of chaos, but when their school is closed down can they work together? Funny and moving.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹351 ↗

The Adventures of Rap Kid

by MC Grammar

Ages 8–9

Z never speaks at school in case he automatically rhymes — can he win the Royal Rap Rumble? Teaches you to write your own rap.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,163 ↗

My Upside Down World

by Ken Spillman

Ages 5–9

A girl wakes to find her world literally turned upside down by her brother. A layered story readable as sibling chaos or something larger.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹314 ↗

Geronimo Stilton: Lost Treasure of the Emerald Eye

by Geronimo Stilton

Ages 6–9

The mouse reporter Geronimo Stilton embarks on a wild treasure hunt. Hugely popular with young readers worldwide — a great gateway chapter book.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹263 ↗

Captain Underpants

by Dav Pilkey

Ages 6–9

George and Harold create comics about their superhero Captain Underpants. Irresistibly silly and beloved by reluctant readers everywhere.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹297 ↗

The Crossover

by Kwame Alexander

Ages 8–9

Twelve-year-old Josh narrates basketball, twin brotherhood, and a father's health crisis in electrifying slam-poetry verse. Newbery Medal winner. One of the best books ever written for this age.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹343 ↗

Charlotte's Web

by E.B. White

Ages 7–9

Wilbur the pig and Charlotte the spider form an extraordinary friendship that must face life's greatest questions. Possibly the most beloved children's novel in English.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹253 ↗

Diary of a Wimpy Kid

by Jeff Kinney

Ages 8–9

Greg Heffley navigates the terrors of middle school in this hilarious illustrated diary. A global phenomenon that has turned millions of children into readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹241 ↗

New Kid

by Jerry Craft

Ages 8–9

Jordan Banks is a Black kid from Washington Heights who wins a scholarship to a fancy private school — and has to navigate two very different worlds. Newbery Medal winner. Honest and funny.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹950 ↗

Big Nate: In a Class by Himself

by Lincoln Peirce

Ages 7–9

Nate Wright is convinced today is the greatest day of his life — and sets a school record for detentions trying to prove it. A hugely fun comic-strip novel for reluctant readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹600 ↗

The Undefeated

by Kwame Alexander

Ages 6–9

A love letter to Black Americans — their struggles, achievements, and resilience — in soaring poetic language. Caldecott Medal winner. Profound and essential reading.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹484 ↗

Wonder

by R.J. Palacio

Ages 10–12

Auggie Pullman, born with a facial difference, starts school for the first time at age ten. Told from multiple perspectives, it is one of the most important books about empathy ever written for young people.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹292 ↗

Front Desk

by Kelly Yang

Ages 10–12

Ten-year-old Mia Tang manages a motel front desk while her Chinese immigrant parents work and she secretly helps hide undocumented guests. Inspiring, funny, and deeply felt.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination, Violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹790 ↗

Ghost

by Jason Reynolds

Ages 10–12

Castle 'Ghost' Cranshaw is fast — faster than anyone — but it's the thing he's running from that might destroy him. A Track series novel that crackles with energy.

Heads-up: Violence, Abuse

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹331 ↗

Esperanza Rising

by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Ages 10–12

Thirteen-year-old Esperanza leaves her privileged life in Mexico for the California farmworker camps during the Great Depression. A powerful, beautiful novel about loss, hope, and dignity.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹729 ↗

Inside Out & Back Again

by Thanhha Lai

Ages 10–12

A verse novel told through a year of haiku, following ten-year-old Hà as her family flees Vietnam as refugees and arrives in Alabama. Raw and luminous. Newbery Honor.

Heads-up: War & battle violence, Death & grief, Racism & discrimination

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹379 ↗

Merci Suárez Changes Gears

by Meg Medina

Ages 10–12

Merci navigates a full scholarship at a private school, her first crush, and a grandfather with dementia — all while being the only scholarship kid in her friend group. Newbery Medal winner.

Heads-up: Teen crushes & romance, Serious illness

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹459 ↗

The One and Only Ivan

by Katherine Applegate

Ages 10–12

Ivan, a gorilla in a shopping mall, has lived there so long he no longer thinks about freedom — until a baby elephant arrives. Based on a true story. Newbery Medal winner.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Animal cruelty

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹701 ↗

A Long Walk to Water

by Linda Sue Park

Ages 10–12

Based on the true story of Salva Dut — a Sudanese Lost Boy who walked hundreds of miles to survive — alongside Nya, a girl who walks eight hours a day to fetch water. Unforgettable.

Heads-up: War & battle violence, Violence, Death & grief

Holes

by Louis Sachar

Ages 10–12

Stanley Yelnats is sent to Camp Green Lake — a dry lake bed where boys dig holes all day. A wildly original, funny, and profound novel about fate, justice, and friendship. Newbery Medal winner.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination, Violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹499 ↗

Hilo: The Boy Who Crashed to Earth

by Judd Winick

Ages 8–12

A robot boy crashes to Earth and befriends D.J. and Gina, who must help him battle the alien robots following him. A riotously fun, action-packed graphic novel series for all readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹624 ↗

Amal Unbound

by Aisha Saeed

Ages 10–13

Amal dreams of becoming a teacher in rural Pakistan until one confrontation with a powerful landlord upends her family's future. A quietly gripping story about courage and speaking up.

Heads-up: Exploitation & child labour

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹453 ↗

Radiant Child: The Story of Young Artist Jean-Michel Basquiat

by Javaka Steptoe

Ages 6–9

Jean-Michel Basquiat painted the streets of New York and became one of the 20th century's most celebrated artists. A Caldecott Medal-winning picture book biography.

Heads-up: Mental illness

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,399 ↗

Before John Was a Jazz Giant: A Song of John Coltrane

by Carole Boston Weatherford

Ages 5–9

Before John Coltrane became a jazz legend, he was a boy who listened — to church choirs, to radios, to the South Carolina world around him. A lyrical, profound tribute.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹814 ↗

The Trumpet of the Swan

by E.B. White

Ages 8–12

Louis is a trumpeter swan born without a voice. He learns to play a brass trumpet to speak for himself and win the love of his life. A tender and funny E.B. White classic.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹229 ↗

I Am Malala: Young Readers Edition

by Malala Yousafzai & Patricia McCormick

Ages 10–13

Malala's full story — the Taliban's ban on girls' education in Pakistan, the attack that nearly killed her, and the worldwide movement she ignited. Adapted for young readers.

Heads-up: Violence, Terrorism & militancy

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹355 ↗

Little Leaders: Bold Women in Black History

by Vashti Harrison

Ages 7–10

Forty Black women — from Harriet Tubman to Misty Copeland — in illustrated short biographies that celebrate ambition, courage, and quiet genius.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination

The Girl Who Thought in Pictures: The Story of Dr. Temple Grandin

by Julia Finley Mosca

Ages 6–10

Temple Grandin was told to be quiet and sit still. She became one of the world's most important animal scientists. A rhyming biography about the power of thinking differently.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹475 ↗

The Crane Wife

by Odds Bodkin (retelling)

Ages 6–9

A wounded crane repays a fisherman's kindness by weaving magnificent cloth — but only if he never watches. A haunting Japanese folk tale about love, trust, and sacrifice.

Esperanza (Norma / Scholastic edition)

by Pam Muñoz Ryan

Ages 10–12

Esperanza Ortega's privileged Mexican childhood is destroyed overnight — she must reinvent herself as a farmworker in Depression-era California. Widely taught across Latin America.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹699 ↗

El principito / The Little Prince

by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

Ages 8–12

The pilot who crashes in the Sahara meets a small prince who has visited many planets. One of the most translated books in history — a meditation on love, loneliness, and what matters.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹414 ↗

Matilda

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹278 ↗

Ages 7–10

Matilda has a brilliant mind and extraordinary powers — but her dreadful parents and the terrifying Miss Trunchbull want to crush her. One of the greatest children's novels ever written and a love letter to books and readers.

Heads-up: Child abuse & neglect

The BFG

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹273 ↗

Ages 7–10

Sophie is snatched from her orphanage bed by a Big Friendly Giant who takes her to Giant Country. Wildly inventive, endlessly funny, and absolutely original — Roald Dahl at his most magical.

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹275 ↗

Ages 7–10

Five golden tickets. One extraordinary chocolate factory. One very special boy called Charlie Bucket. The most delicious, inventive, anarchic children's story ever put between two covers.

James and the Giant Peach

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹257 ↗

Ages 6–9

James escapes his horrible aunts inside a giant peach, sailing across the Atlantic with a cast of marvellous insects. One of Roald Dahl's most surreal and joyful adventures.

See Inside Your Body

by Various / Usborne

Ages 5–9

Lift over 100 flaps to discover how your heart pumps blood, how your lungs work, and what happens when you eat. One of Usborne's all-time bestsellers for curious young readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,454 ↗

100 Things to Know About Science

by Various / Usborne

Ages 8–12

One hundred fascinating science facts — from quantum physics to the human brain to deep ocean creatures — packed into one beautifully illustrated book. Perfect for children who want to know everything.

See Inside How Things Work

by Various / Usborne

Ages 5–9

Lift the flaps to find out how aeroplanes stay in the air, how computers think, and how bridges hold up. Usborne's tactile approach to engineering and physics for young minds.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,929 ↗

Five on a Treasure Island (Famous Five #1)

by Enid Blyton

Ages 7–10

Julian, Dick, Anne, George, and Timmy the dog discover a mysterious island with an ancient shipwreck and a secret treasure. The very first Famous Five adventure — the series that defined children's adventure fiction.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹147 ↗

The Secret Seven

by Enid Blyton

Ages 6–9

Peter, Janet, and five friends form a secret society with a password, a badge, and a shed to meet in — and find themselves solving real mysteries. A perfect gateway mystery series for young readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹133 ↗

The Breadwinner

by Deborah Ellis

Ages 10–13

In Taliban-controlled Afghanistan, eleven-year-old Parvana disguises herself as a boy to earn money after her father is arrested. One of the most important children's books of the 21st century — suspenseful and deeply humane.

Heads-up: War & battle violence, Violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹681 ↗

Fatty Legs

by Christy Jordan-Fenton & Margaret Pokiak-Fenton

Ages 7–10

Eight-year-old Olemaun (Margaret) is determined to learn to read — despite a cruel nun at the residential school who gives her ugly grey stockings to break her spirit. Based on a true story. Powerful.

Heads-up: Child abuse & neglect, Racism & discrimination

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹792 ↗

The Barefoot Book of Earth Tales

by Dawn Casey (illus. Anne Wilson)

Ages 5–9

Seven folk tales from seven continents — Japan, the Amazon, West Africa, India, and more — each honouring the relationship between people and the natural world. Luminous and vital.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,098 ↗

Around the World in 80 Tales

by Saviour Pirotta (ed.)

Ages 6–10

Eighty folk tales drawn from every corner of the globe — one per country — bringing children an extraordinary world of tricksters, giants, wise women, and magic. A treasure of world literature.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹2,275 ↗

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon

by Grace Lin

Ages 8–12

Young Minli leaves her poor village to find the Old Man of the Moon and change her family's fortune. A magical quest woven from Chinese folk tales — full of dragons, legends, and wonder. Newbery Honor.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹662 ↗

I Am Hua Mulan

by Yu Rong

Ages 5–9

The legendary story of Hua Mulan — the girl who takes her father's place in battle — retold through breathtaking traditional Chinese papercutting art. A visually stunning celebration of courage and devotion.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,382 ↗

Tik-Tik, The Master of Time

by Musharraf Ali Farooqi

Ages 6–10

A whimsical tale about a clockmaker who claims to be able to control time itself.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹215 ↗

My Encyclopedia of Very Important Things

by DK

Ages 5–9

A vibrant first encyclopedia for curious young readers, covering animals, people, places, planets, and more with fun facts and colourful illustrations.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹2,838 ↗

The Way Things Work Now

by David Macaulay

Ages 8–12✈️ Import only (pricey)

David Macaulay's classic illustrated guide to how machines and technology work, updated with touchscreens, smartphones, and other modern tech.

Children's Illustrated Atlas

by DK

Ages 7–9

A colourful world atlas for young readers, mapping countries, cultures, wildlife, and landmarks across every continent.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,765 ↗

Timelines of Everything

by DK

Ages 9–12

More than 120 illustrated timelines tracing world history from the Big Bang to the modern day, covering dinosaurs, Vikings, robots, and more.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹728 ↗

DKfindout! Dinosaurs

by DK

Ages 6–9

A photo-packed guide to the dinosaur age, from fossil formation to the evolutionary link between dinosaurs and modern birds, with quizzes and quirky facts.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹866 ↗

Cinder

by Marissa Meyer

Ages 12–16

A gifted mechanic — and secret cyborg — in futuristic New Beijing gets caught up in a deadly plague and a devastatingly handsome prince, in this Cinderella retelling with a sci-fi twist.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Teen crushes & romance

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹349 ↗

Renegades

by Marissa Meyer

Ages 12–16

In a city of superheroes, a girl secretly working with villains to bring the heroes down falls for one of their most powerful members.

Heads-up: Violence, Teen crushes & romance

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹458 ↗

Daughter of the Pirate King

by Tricia Levenseller

Ages 12–16

A pirate captain's daughter lets herself get captured by enemy sailors as part of a plan to find a legendary hidden map.

Heads-up: Violence, Teen crushes & romance

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹799 ↗

Divergent

by Veronica Roth

Ages 12–16

In a divided future Chicago, Tris must choose which faction to devote her life to — and hide a dangerous secret that marks her as Divergent.

Heads-up: Violence, Death & grief, Teen crushes & romance

The Rithmatist

by Brandon Sanderson

Ages 12–16

In a world where certain people can bring chalk drawings to life for defense against deadly creatures, a boy without magical ability is determined to learn the craft anyway.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹398 ↗

Anna Hibiscus

by Atinuke

Ages 6–9

Anna Hibiscus lives in a big white house in Nigeria with her large, warm extended family, in this joyful chapter book series full of everyday adventures.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹817 ↗

Akata Witch

by Nnedi Okorafor

Ages 12–16

An American-born albino Nigerian girl discovers she has latent magical powers and must master them alongside a group of fellow misfits in this inventive fantasy.

Heads-up: Violence, Crime & murder, Scary / horror

The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind (Young Readers Edition)

by William Kamkwamba, Bryan Mealer

Ages 10–14

The true story of a Malawian teenager who built a windmill from scrap to save his family's farm during a famine, becoming a self-taught engineer.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹448 ↗

Chike and the River

by Chinua Achebe

Ages 9–12

A boy leaves his village for the bustling city of Onitsha on the River Niger in this classic adventure novella from one of Africa's greatest writers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹868 ↗

The First Rule of Punk

by Celia C. Pérez

Ages 9–12

When Malú starts a new school, she channels her love of punk rock and her Mexican American heritage into a zine and a band, defying everyone's expectations of who she should be.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹487 ↗

We Are Water Protectors

by Carole Lindstrom

Ages 5–9

Inspired by Indigenous-led movements across North America, a young water protector stands against a black snake threatening her people's water. Caldecott Medal winner.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹248 ↗

Rez Dogs

by Joseph Bruchac

Ages 10–14

Stranded with her grandparents on a Wabanaki reservation during the pandemic, Malian finds comfort in the stray dogs and the stories her grandparents tell, in this quiet verse novel.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹983 ↗

I Am Every Good Thing

by Derrick Barnes

Ages 5–9

A joyful, rhythmic affirmation of Black boyhood — brave, kind, creative, smart and so much more. A companion to the bestselling Crown: An Ode to the Fresh Cut.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹900 ↗

Number the Stars

by Lois Lowry

Ages 9–12

Ten-year-old Annemarie helps hide her Jewish best friend Ellen from the Nazis in occupied Denmark, risking everything for family and courage. Newbery Medal winner.

Heads-up: Holocaust & genocide, War & battle violence, Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹266 ↗

The War That Saved My Life

by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley

Ages 9–12

Evacuated from London during WWII, Ada — who has never been allowed outside because of her clubfoot — discovers freedom, horses, and what it feels like to be loved. Newbery Honor.

Heads-up: Child abuse & neglect, War & battle violence

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹396 ↗

The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas

by John Boyne

Ages 11–14

Bruno, the son of a Nazi commandant, befriends a boy named Shmuel who lives on the other side of a fence — not realizing what that fence really means. A devastating modern classic.

Heads-up: Holocaust & genocide, Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹297 ↗

Letters from Rifka

by Karen Hesse

Ages 9–12

Twelve-year-old Rifka writes letters to her cousin as her Jewish family flees Russia in 1919, facing typhus, separation and the long journey to America. Based on a true family story.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination, Serious illness

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹423 ↗

Wolf Hollow

by Lauren Wolk

Ages 10–13

In WWII-era rural Pennsylvania, Annabelle must decide whether to stay silent or stand up for a troubled war veteran being falsely blamed by a cruel new classmate.

Heads-up: Violence, Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹378 ↗

Refugee

by Alan Gratz

Ages 10–14

Three refugee children — fleeing Nazi Germany in 1938, Castro's Cuba in 1994, and present-day Syria — take dangerous journeys that turn out to be connected across time. Gripping and urgent.

Heads-up: War & battle violence, Holocaust & genocide, Violence, Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹332 ↗

Journey to Jo'burg

by Beverley Naidoo

Ages 9–12

Under apartheid South Africa, Naledi and her little brother walk and hitch their way to Johannesburg to find their mother when their baby sister falls gravely ill.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹749 ↗

Once

by Morris Gleitzman

Ages 10–13

Felix escapes the Polish orphanage where he's been hidden and sets off across Nazi-occupied Poland to find his parents, believing — against all evidence — that they're still alive.

Heads-up: Holocaust & genocide, Violence, Death & grief

Good Night, Mr. Tom

by Michelle Magorian

Ages 10–13

Evacuated from London during WWII, abused young Willie is taken in by the gruff, grieving Tom Oakley — and the unlikely pair slowly heal each other. A beloved British classic, Carnegie Medal winner.

Heads-up: Child abuse & neglect, War & battle violence, Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹214 ↗

Welcome to Dead House

by R.L. Stine

Ages 8–12

The Benson family's new house comes with strange neighbours who only come out at night — and a secret that turns out to be much creepier than anyone expected. Goosebumps #1.

Heads-up: Scary / horror

Coraline

by Neil Gaiman

Ages 8–12

Behind a locked door in Coraline's new home is another world with an Other Mother who wants to sew buttons over her eyes and never let her leave. Eerie, brilliant, and unforgettable.

Heads-up: Scary / horror

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹314 ↗

The Graveyard Book

by Neil Gaiman

Ages 9–13

Raised by ghosts in a graveyard after his family is murdered, Nobody Owens grows up learning to fade, haunt, and survive — while the man who killed his family is still hunting him. Newbery and Carnegie Medal winner.

Heads-up: Scary / horror, Violence, Crime & murder

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹314 ↗

The Witches

Ages 7–10

A boy and his sharp-witted grandmother go up against a secret society of child-hating witches who are plotting to turn every child in England into a mouse. Delightfully spooky Roald Dahl classic.

Heads-up: Scary / horror

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹394 ↗

Small Spaces

by Katherine Arden

Ages 9–12

After finding a mysterious book about a decades-old tragedy, Ollie is drawn into a scarecrow-haunted cornfield where the rule is simple: avoid the small spaces, or else.

Heads-up: Scary / horror, Death & grief

The Last Kids on Earth

by Max Brallier

Ages 8–12

Jack Sullivan builds a fortified treehouse and battles zombies and monsters in a post-apocalyptic town — somehow managing to make the end of the world hilarious. Illustrated, laugh-out-loud spooky fun.

Heads-up: Scary / horror

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹299 ↗

City of Ghosts

by Victoria Schwab

Ages 8–12

After a near-drowning leaves her able to see ghosts, Cassidy moves to famously haunted Edinburgh, where she and her ghost best friend Jacob must face something much older and darker.

Heads-up: Scary / horror

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹873 ↗

Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark

by Alvin Schwartz

Ages 8–12

A classic collection of spine-chilling short scary stories and urban legends, drawn from American folklore — quick, punchy tales perfect for reading aloud at sleepovers.

Heads-up: Scary / horror

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹396 ↗

Hatchet

by Gary Paulsen

Ages 10–13

After the small plane he's flying in crashes in the Canadian wilderness, thirteen-year-old Brian must survive alone with nothing but a hatchet and his own resourcefulness. A modern survival classic.

Heads-up: Death & grief, Parental affair

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹299 ↗

My Side of the Mountain

by Jean Craighead George

Ages 9–12

Tired of city life, Sam Gribley runs away to the Catskill Mountains and teaches himself to live off the land — making a home in a hollowed-out tree with a trained falcon at his side.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹427 ↗

Island of the Blue Dolphins

by Scott O'Dell

Ages 9–12

Left behind when her people evacuate their Pacific island, Karana survives alone for years — befriending wild animals and building a life from what the island provides. Based on a true story. Newbery Medal winner.

Heads-up: Violence, Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹256 ↗

The Sign of the Beaver

by Elizabeth George Speare

Ages 9–12✈️ Import only (pricey)

Left alone in the Maine wilderness in 1768 while his father goes for the rest of the family, young Matt must learn to survive — with crucial help from a Penobscot boy his own age. Newbery Honor.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹843 ↗

The Cay

by Theodore Taylor

Ages 10–13

Torpedoed during WWII, young Phillip is shipwrecked on a tiny Caribbean island with an elderly sailor named Timothy — who teaches him to survive after Phillip is blinded in the blast.

Heads-up: War & battle violence, Racism & discrimination, Death & grief

I Survived the Sinking of the Titanic, 1912

by Lauren Tarshis

Ages 7–10

Ten-year-old George is aboard the Titanic on its doomed maiden voyage — and must fight to survive the icy Atlantic when the unsinkable ship starts to go down. Fast-paced real-history survival fiction.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹214 ↗

Peak

by Roland Smith

Ages 10–14

Fourteen-year-old Peak Marcello sets out to become the youngest person ever to summit Mount Everest — and finds the mountain far more dangerous, and the climb far more meaningful, than he expected.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,277 ↗

Kensuke's Kingdom

by Michael Morpurgo

Ages 8–12

Washed up alone on a remote Pacific island after falling overboard, Michael slowly discovers he's not alone — a mysterious old Japanese man named Kensuke has been living there since WWII.

Heads-up: War & battle violence

Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

by Rachel Renée Russell

Ages 8–12

Middle-schooler Nikki Maxwell pours her hopes, crushes and social disasters into her diary in this hugely popular, hilariously illustrated series about surviving middle school.

Heads-up: Teen crushes & romance

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹956 ↗

Dear Mr. Henshaw

by Beverly Cleary

Ages 8–11

Leigh Botts writes letters to his favourite author and keeps a diary to work through his parents' divorce and life as the new kid at school. Tender, funny, and real. Newbery Medal winner.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹365 ↗

Timmy Failure: Mistakes Were Made

by Stephan Pastis

Ages 8–12

Self-styled detective genius Timmy Failure runs his own agency with a 1,500-pound polar bear as his business partner — utterly convinced he's brilliant, and utterly wrong. Deadpan hilarious.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹269 ↗

Tom Gates: The Brilliant World of Tom Gates

by Liz Pichon

Ages 7–11

Doodling, excuse-making Tom Gates fills his notebook with comics, complaints about his band-obsessed sister, and schemes to avoid trouble at school. A wildly popular illustrated diary series.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹129 ↗

Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

by Anne Frank

Ages 11–15

The real wartime diary of a Jewish teenager hiding from the Nazis in a secret annex in Amsterdam — funny, hopeful, and devastating, and one of the most important books of the twentieth century.

Heads-up: Holocaust & genocide, War & battle violence, Puberty & sexuality

Roald Dahl's Whoppsy-Whiffling Joke Book

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹581 ↗

Ages 6–10

A gloriumptious collection of jokes, riddles and silly wordplay pulled straight from Roald Dahl's beloved stories — perfect for fans of the BFG's own topsy-turvy language.

The Treehouse Joke Book

by Andy Griffiths & Terry Denton

Ages 6–10

Hundreds of jokes, riddles and knock-knocks handpicked from the wildly popular Treehouse book series, illustrated with the same silly cartoon energy.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹346 ↗

Laugh Attack!: The Biggest, Best Joke Book Ever

by Highlights

Ages 6–9

A jam-packed collection of kid-tested, kid-approved jokes, riddles and puns curated by the team behind Highlights magazine.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹414 ↗

Knock-Knock Jokes and Silly Stories for Kids

by May B. Gigglin

Ages 5–9

An entire book of knock-knock jokes paired with short, giggly stories — perfect for beginning readers who love a good pun.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹473 ↗

Mr. Benedict's Book of Perplexing Puzzles, Elusive Enigmas, and Curious Conundrums

by Trenton Lee Stewart

Ages 8–12

A tie-in puzzle book from the world of The Mysterious Benedict Society, packed with logic puzzles, riddles and brain teasers for young codebreakers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹2,850 ↗

Murdle Jr.: Curious Crimes for Curious Minds

by G. T. Karber

Ages 8–12

Kid-friendly logic-deduction mysteries in the hit Murdle style — readers gather clues and use logic grids to solve each silly, low-stakes 'crime.'

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,169 ↗

The Care and Keeping of You: The Body Book for Younger Girls

by Valorie Schaefer

Ages 8–12

The bestselling illustrated guide to growing up for girls, from hair and skin care to first periods, updated with input from a paediatrician.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹912 ↗

The Care and Keeping of You 2: The Body Book for Older Girls

by Cara Natterson

Ages 10–14✈️ Import only (pricey)

The follow-up for older girls: periods in detail, bras, body changes and emotions, by a paediatrician.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,234 ↗

Celebrate Your Body (and Its Changes, Too!)

by Sonya Renee Taylor

Ages 8–12✈️ Import only (pricey)

A body-positive puberty guide for girls that pairs the facts about changes with lessons on self-love and body acceptance.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,092 ↗

Guy Stuff: The Body Book for Boys

by Cara Natterson

Ages 8–12✈️ Import only (pricey)

A paediatrician's straightforward guide for boys to the changes of puberty, hygiene and feelings.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,089 ↗

Welcome to Your Period

by Yumi Stynes & Dr Melissa Kang

Ages 9–13

A funny, frank and reassuring guide to first periods, pads, cramps and feelings, with real questions from young people.

Heads-up: Puberty & sexuality

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹599 ↗

Booked (Graphic Novel)

by Kwame Alexander & Dawud Anyabwile

Ages 10–13

Twelve-year-old Nick loves football more than anything, but a divorce, a crush and a bully get in the way — the Newbery winner's verse novel as a graphic novel.

Rebound

by Kwame Alexander & Dawud Anyabwile

Ages 10–13

The prequel to The Crossover: after his father dies, Charlie finds his way back through basketball, family and friendship, told in verse.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹892 ↗

Patina

by Jason Reynolds

Ages 10–13

Patty runs track to outrun her worries about family — but learns she can't win alone. Book two of the Track series after Ghost.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹691 ↗

Football School Season 1: Where Football Explains the World

by Alex Bellos & Ben Lyttleton

Ages 8–12

A funny, fact-packed 'school' where every lesson — maths, science, history, geography — is taught through football.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹271 ↗

The Kicks: Saving the Team

by Alex Morgan

Ages 8–12

New in town, Devin joins a struggling school football team and helps turn them into real teammates. Book one of the series by the US World Cup winner.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹423 ↗

You Are a Champion

by Marcus Rashford & Carl Anka

Ages 9–13

The England footballer shares what he learned on and off the pitch about confidence, resilience, teamwork and finding your voice.

Rebel Girls Champions: 25 Tales of Unstoppable Athletes

by Rebel Girls (foreword by Ibtihaj Muhammad)

Ages 7–12

Twenty-five true stories of women athletes from around the world, from Serena Williams to Simone Biles, each with a full-page portrait.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹952 ↗

Hoop Genius: How a Desperate Teacher and a Rowdy Gym Class Invented Basketball

by John Coy

Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)

The true story of how teacher James Naismith invented basketball to turn an unruly gym class into a team.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,303 ↗

Teamwork Isn't My Thing, and I Don't Like to Share!

by Julia Cook

Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)

RJ hates group work and sharing — until his coach and his mum help him see why teamwork makes everyone better.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,358 ↗

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone

by J.K. Rowling

Ages 8–12

On his eleventh birthday, Harry learns he's a wizard and heads to Hogwarts, where friendship, courage and a hidden mystery await. Book one of the series that turned a generation into readers.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹359 ↗

Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief

by Rick Riordan

Ages 9–13

Twelve-year-old Percy discovers he's the son of a Greek god and sets off on a quest to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt. Funny and fast, with a hero who has ADHD and dyslexia.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹340 ↗

The Mysterious Benedict Society

by Trenton Lee Stewart

Ages 9–13

Four gifted children pass a series of strange tests and are sent undercover to a mysterious school to stop a sinister plot — a puzzle-filled celebration of teamwork and different kinds of smart.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,731 ↗

The Westing Game

by Ellen Raskin

Ages 10–14

Sixteen heirs to an eccentric millionaire's fortune are paired up to solve the puzzle of his death. Newbery Medal winner and a classic whodunit.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹470 ↗

A Series of Unfortunate Events: The Bad Beginning

by Lemony Snicket

Ages 8–12

The three Baudelaire orphans outwit the dastardly Count Olaf in this darkly funny, word-loving first book of the series.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹945 ↗

Nancy Drew: The Secret of the Old Clock

by Carolyn Keene

Ages 8–12

The very first Nancy Drew case: the plucky teen sleuth hunts for a missing will. The series that inspired generations of girl detectives.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹418 ↗

The Hardy Boys: The Tower Treasure

by Franklin W. Dixon

Ages 8–12

Brothers Frank and Joe Hardy's first case: tracking a jewel thief and the treasure hidden in a mansion's tower.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹174 ↗

The Mystery of the Burnt Cottage (The Five Find-Outers)

by Enid Blyton

Ages 7–11

Fatty, Larry, Daisy, Pip, Bets and Buster the dog team up to find out who burned down a cottage — and outwit the village policeman.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹864 ↗

Murder Most Unladylike

by Robin Stevens

Ages 10–14

At a 1930s English boarding school, Daisy Wells and Hazel Wong — a Hong Kong-born student — set up a secret detective society and find a real murder to solve.

Heads-up: Crime & murder

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹334 ↗

The London Eye Mystery

by Siobhan Dowd

Ages 9–13

Ted, whose brain works differently, and his sister Kat investigate when their cousin vanishes from a sealed London Eye pod — a warm, clever puzzle.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹296 ↗

Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library

by Chris Grabenstein

Ages 8–12

Twelve kids are locked overnight in the world's most amazing library and must solve its clues and riddles to find a way out.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹265 ↗

Chasing Vermeer

by Blue Balliett

Ages 9–12

Two Chicago sixth-graders use patterns, puzzles and pentominoes to track down a stolen Vermeer painting.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹771 ↗

From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

by E.L. Konigsburg

Ages 9–12

Claudia and her brother run away to live in New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art — and get caught up in the mystery of an angel statue. Newbery Medal winner.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹723 ↗

Encyclopedia Brown, Boy Detective

by Donald J. Sobol

Ages 7–10

Ten short cases for readers to solve alongside the boy detective, with the answers at the back.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹215 ↗

A to Z Mysteries: The Absent Author

by Ron Roy

Ages 6–9

Dink and his friends Josh and Ruth Rose search for a famous mystery writer who never showed up for his book signing. Book one of 26.

Artemis Fowl

by Eoin Colfer

Ages 10–14

A twelve-year-old criminal genius kidnaps a fairy to steal her people's gold — and meets his match in Captain Holly Short.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹326 ↗

The 39 Clues: The Maze of Bones (Graphic Novel)

by Rick Riordan

Ages 9–13

Siblings Amy and Dan race around the world following clues to their family's secret — the graphic novel of the first 39 Clues book.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹424 ↗

Enola Holmes: The Case of the Missing Marquess

by Nancy Springer

Ages 10–14

Sherlock Holmes's clever younger sister sets out to find her missing mother — and solves a kidnapping along the way.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹798 ↗

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

by C.S. Lewis

Ages 8–12

Four siblings step through a wardrobe into Narnia, a land frozen in winter by the White Witch.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹356 ↗

The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Ages 10–14

Home-loving Bilbo Baggins is swept into a quest with thirteen dwarves and a wizard to win back treasure from a dragon.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹359 ↗

Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow

by Jessica Townsend

Ages 9–13

Cursed Morrigan Crow escapes to the magical city of Nevermoor and must pass four trials to join its most prestigious society.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹475 ↗

The Girl Who Drank the Moon

by Kelly Barnhill

Ages 10–13

A girl accidentally fed moonlight as a baby grows up with dangerous magic. Newbery Medal winner about love, family and courage.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹293 ↗

Wings of Fire: The Dragonet Prophecy

by Tui T. Sutherland

Ages 8–12

Five young dragons raised in secret to fulfil a prophecy escape to find their own destinies. Book one of the hugely popular dragon series.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹300 ↗

Magic Tree House: Dinosaurs Before Dark

by Mary Pope Osborne

Ages 6–9

Jack and Annie find a magic tree house full of books that whisks them back to the time of the dinosaurs. The first of a much-loved series.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹189 ↗

Agatha Oddly: The Secret Key

by Lena Jones

Ages 9–12

Thirteen-year-old Agatha, who dreams of being a detective like Hercule Poirot, uncovers a real conspiracy under London.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹599 ↗

Women in Science: 50 Fearless Pioneers Who Changed the World

by Rachel Ignotofsky

Ages 9–13

Illustrated profiles of fifty women scientists, from Hypatia and Marie Curie to Janaki Ammal and Katherine Johnson.

Hidden Figures Young Readers' Edition

by Margot Lee Shetterly

Ages 9–13

The true story of the Black women mathematicians at NASA whose calculations helped put astronauts into space.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹830 ↗

Wangari Maathai: The Woman Who Planted Millions of Trees

by Franck Prévot

Ages 6–10

The Kenyan environmentalist who started the Green Belt Movement and became the first African woman to win the Nobel Peace Prize.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹453 ↗

The Story of My Life

by Helen Keller

Ages 10–14

Helen Keller's own account of growing up deaf and blind, and of the teacher, Anne Sullivan, who opened the world of language to her.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹95 ↗

Rosa Parks: My Story

by Rosa Parks & Jim Haskins

Ages 11–15

Rosa Parks tells the full story of her life, the Montgomery bus boycott and the civil rights movement, in her own words.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹334 ↗

All the Blues in the Sky

by Renée Watson

Ages 10–14📱 eBook only in India

Told in poetry and prose, a girl learns to carry her grief after the death of her best friend. A gentle, honest book about loss and healing.

Heads-up: Death & grief

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹419 ↗

Evie and Maryam's Family Tree

by Janeen Hayat

Ages 9–12

A school project reveals that two very different girls had great-grandmothers in 1920s Delhi, and the story moves between present-day England and pre-independence India. A warm look at friendship, family roots and prejudice.

Wanda Hears the Stars

by Amy S. Hansen with Wanda Díaz Merced (illus. Rocío Arreola Mendoza)

Ages 6–9📱 eBook only in India

The true story of astrophysicist Wanda Díaz Merced, who lost her sight and found a new way to study the stars by turning data into sound.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,336 ↗

The Girl Who Played With Colour

by Samira Ahmed (illus. Humayra Kabir)

Ages 5–9✈️ Import only (pricey)

When young Rana moves to London from a small village in Bangladesh, she has no way to talk to those around her except through her colouring pencils. The true story of how artist Rana Begum found her voice through drawing. From the Deshis Create series.

Floating Words

by Shamim Azad & Rumana Yasmin, eds. (illus. Rifat Taher)

Ages 7–12✈️ Import only (pricey)

A collection of children's poems by Bengali writers exploring a deep cultural and personal connection with water.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹929 ↗

My Name Is Samim

by Fidan Meikle

Ages 10–14✈️ Import only (pricey)

Thirteen-year-old Samim, a gifted chess player from Afghanistan, must tell the story of his perilous journey to the UK to be allowed to stay, while starting school and making new friends.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹1,236 ↗

Winged Tales

by Vladislav Krapivin (tr. Jan Yevtushenko)

Ages 8–12📱 eBook only in India

Two magical stories from Russia: fifth-grader Alyoshka flies off to the city of Vetrogorsk to find a model clipper ship for his friend Masha, and a ten-year-old and his best friend soar over their town on a flying carpet. Warm tales of kindness, courage and friendship.

Buy on Amazon.in · ₹184 ↗

When Daddy Was a Little Boy

by Alexander Raskin

Ages 6–10

A dad tells his little daughter Sasha true, funny stories from his own childhood: how he tamed a dog, bit the professor, was always late, failed to learn German and was teased at school. A gentle classic about mistakes, feelings and growing up.

Economics for Beginners

by Andy Prentice & Lara Bryan (illus. Federico Mariani)

Ages 10–16✈️ Import only (pricey)

An illustrated, infographic-style guide to how markets, businesses, governments and money work, and why economics affects everyday choices.

Managing Your Money

by Holly Bathie & Jane Bingham (illus. Nancy Leschnikoff)

Ages 11–15

A practical guide for older kids on budgeting, saving, bank accounts, borrowing and making smart money choices.

One Hen: How One Small Loan Made a Big Difference

by Katie Smith Milway (illus. Eugenie Fernandes)

Ages 7–11

In Ghana, Kojo uses a tiny loan to buy one hen, sells the eggs and slowly builds a farm that helps his whole village.

The Nine Moons of Han Yu and Luli

by Karina Yan Glaser

Ages 9–13

In 731 Chang'An, Han Yu sells steamed buns and is rumoured to summon tigers. In 1931 New York Chinatown, Luli dreams on her family's restaurant roof. When hard times strike, both children venture out, and their stories meet.

The Incredibly Human Henson Blayze

by Derrick Barnes

Ages 11–14

An accomplished Black boy wants to be seen simply as a person, not a stereotype. A powerful, nuanced novel about race, prejudice and being fully human.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination

The Library in the Woods

by Calvin Alexander Ramsey (illus. R. Gregory Christie)

Ages 7–11✈️ Import only (pricey)

North Carolina, 1959. After his family moves to town, nine-year-old Junior discovers a library for Black readers hidden in a forest clearing, in the segregated South.

Heads-up: Racism & discrimination