Center for Children's Literature Blog

Children’s Book Committee – December 2024 Pick

Lion of the Sky
Author: Ritu Hemnani

A Hindu boy’s family must relocate and reinvent their lives, when India’s long-anticipated independence from British rule pits Hindus, Sikhs, and Muslims against each other. Free verse.

“I liked how this book portrays the story in a poem-like format. I loved how friendship and peace were the important themes in this book. This book is special because it reminds us how war continues to break apart lives. It shows how peace can mend family and relationships.

The language of this book was very poetic. It was written in verses. I liked it because the poetic language made the story flow better to me. I also liked that the plot had many twists.

This book inspires me to think deeper about peace, religion, and friends. I want to care for my family more.”

–Aika, age 11, New York, NY.

Young people who are interested in reviewing are invited to do so as we welcome the individual perspective of our age appropriate readers. If you are interested in being a reviewer, contact youngreviewers@bankstreet.edu

See our Monthly Picks Archive 2012–2018, and our Monthly Picks 2019–present.