Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A historical novel in verse that glides smoothly and rises with hope.Set in 1947 during the tumultuous days of the Partition, this is the story of 12-year-old Raj, a Hindu boy who loves flying kites with Nana, his grandfather, and Iqbal, his Muslim best friend. But Raj's world is soon fractured by a line drawn on a map. Readers are immersed in rich descriptions of food as Amma prepares kaju mithai, fragrant with cashews and cardamom, and measures spices for sweet mango pickle. The boys cement their friendship with a Diwali treat of almond and pistachio varo; at Eid al-Fitr, they share a bowl of sheer khurma. Food evokes deeper introspection about home in the face of the losses that keep piling up and serves as a reminder that joy is quadrupled when shared. The tension rises while politically aware Raj struggles to make sense of the changes around him, and the story moves from Hyderabad in Sindh to Bombay. The difficulties are undercut with glimmers of optimism and humanity, and family and friendship form the backbone of the story, which opens with Raj's exhilaration about kites-lions in the sky-and the upcoming Kite Festival. Ultimately this is a tale about being lion-hearted, soaring after falling many times, and still reaching for the sky. It's also about lines that divide, that cut across hearts and countries, and that are seared into memories.An exquisite, memorable story about new beginnings and the quest to belong. (author's note, glossary) (Verse historical fiction. 9-13)

Kirkus Reviews

A historical novel in verse that glides smoothly and rises with hope.Set in 1947 during the tumultuous days of the Partition, this is the story of 12-year-old Raj, a Hindu boy who loves flying kites with Nana, his grandfather, and Iqbal, his Muslim best friend. But Raj's world is soon fractured by a line drawn on a map. Readers are immersed in rich descriptions of food as Amma prepares kaju mithai, fragrant with cashews and cardamom, and measures spices for sweet mango pickle. The boys cement their friendship with a Diwali treat of almond and pistachio varo; at Eid al-Fitr, they share a bowl of sheer khurma. Food evokes deeper introspection about home in the face of the losses that keep piling up and serves as a reminder that joy is quadrupled when shared. The tension rises while politically aware Raj struggles to make sense of the changes around him, and the story moves from Hyderabad in Sindh to Bombay. The difficulties are undercut with glimmers of optimism and humanity, and family and friendship form the backbone of the story, which opens with Raj's exhilaration about kites-lions in the sky-and the upcoming Kite Festival. Ultimately this is a tale about being lion-hearted, soaring after falling many times, and still reaching for the sky. It's also about lines that divide, that cut across hearts and countries, and that are seared into memories.An exquisite, memorable story about new beginnings and the quest to belong. (author's note, glossary) (Verse historical fiction. 9-13)

School Library Journal (Wed May 01 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

Gr 5 Up— Raj's name literally means king, but he isn't the king of anything; not like his big brother Vijay who is king of math, or his little sister Maya who is queen of getting what she wants. Instead, Raj finds himself sneaking into the kitchen to watch his amma cook, playing with his Muslim best friend Iqbal, and trying to stay out of trouble at school for not understanding math. His dream is to become the King of Kites during the Kite Festival and finally hear his Baba say, "Dado sutho, well done!" But when the independence of India brings so much more trouble and pain than Raj could have ever imagined, he finds himself lost, confused, and wondering if he will ever be happy again. Set in 1947 when India gained independence from the UK and the partitioning led to the splitting of one country into India and Pakistan, this novel in verse tells the familiar yet unique story of a young boy trying to find his place in the world, as the world around him erupts into chaos. A culturally rich reading experience that is heartbreaking and inspiring, this will have readers crying at the loss of Raj's innocence and cheering for him as he takes on bullies and fights social norms to support his family. An author's note with explanations about India's independence and the Partition are included, as well as a glossary of the many terms and languages featured throughout. VERDICT A fantastic addition to any collection, a much-needed reminder that, "We don't need your kind and my kind &30;only kindness."— Emily Beasley