The past year has seen the publication of wonderful books for young adults by South Asian writers and illustrators. With various themes ranging from climate conservation to monsters, Indian history, music, extraordinary lives, and courage, we’ve put together a list of the ten best YA books of 2021.
1. Coral Woman (HarperCollins, 9-11):
This unique book tells the true story of a 50-year-old housewife, Uma Mani, who found the courage to dive into the deep seas and see the corals that fascinated her. She continued to paint these corals and became a passionate advocate for coral conservation. Based on a film of the same name directed by an independent documentary filmmaker Priya Thuvasserythe book is a unique look at India’s coral reefs, highlighting various facts about them and the dangers they face that impact marine life and coastal communities.
Written by Lubina Bandukwalawho is the founder of Peek A Boo Literature Festival for children, the book is illustrated by a Mumbai-based picture book artist Sanket Pethkar. The book also features beautiful illustrations created by children aged 9-14 who participated in Coral Woman, a drawing and book illustration workshop led by a children’s illustrator. Zainab Tambawallaconceptualized and presented by Avid learning.
2. Jukebox (HarperCollins, 11+):
A mysterious time-traveling homemade jukebox, old vinyl records and cryptic notes on music history are Shaheen’s only clues to his father’s disappearance. For their research, she and her cousin, Tannaz, are transported to different eras of music history, from political marches to landmark concerts. A surefire treat for any music lover, this delightful graphic book roller coaster ride connects the notes of music, history and memory.
Based in San Francisco Nidhi Chanani is the author of pashmina and Shubh Raatri Dost/Good night my friend as well as the illustrator of I will be fierce. Born in Kolkata and raised in California, Nidhi creates illustrations that capture love in everyday moments, which are often featured in Disney parks. In 2012, she was honored by the Obama administration as a champion for change.
3. India’s Freedom Story (HarperCollins, 10+):
As India completes 75 years of independence, this comprehensive book looks back at the extraordinary stories that helped our country break free from British rule. Tracing the course of a nation’s history, the book brings to life key episodes of the struggle, such as the arrival of the East India Company, the emergence of Gandhi as leader, the Salt Satyagraha, the partition and the formation of the Indian Constitution. It also chronicles the role of prominent political thinkers and freedom fighters, such as Raja Rammohan Roy, Swami Vivekananda, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Abul Kalam Azad and Vallabhbhai Patel. The book then explores the broader idea of freedom and its importance to today’s youth, highlighting contemporary movements and focusing on global figures such as Martin Luther King Jr, Nelson Mandela as well as more recent ones such as Greta Thunberg.
Child psychologist, writer and reviewer of children’s books, Ira Saxena has written fiction and non-fiction in Hindi and English for children of all ages and adults. A well-known children’s author, Nilima Sinha has written several award-winning books. She writes in English and Hindi, and her books have been included in the International catalog of white crows speak International Youth Library. self-taught artist, Arun Pottirayil is an illustrator with over twenty years of experience in digital and hand-drawn illustrations. Based in Vancouver Sukriti Sobti is a graphic designer with many years of experience in the book publishing industry.
4. Pedru and the Big Boom (Kalpavriksh, 8+):
The village is invaded by a mysterious band of breathtaking diggers. Although he loves his peaceful village of Goa, the young Pedru is curious about life beyond and wants to be an explorer. When his grand escape plan goes upside down, he finds he’s set off a series of events that will put his entire village in danger. Find out what happens when Pedru stays back and takes on this gang. Accompanied by some pretty black and white sketches, This story is an emotional rollercoaster that takes you through the struggle of a boy and his village against a powerful adversary, to save their beloved land. While writing the book, the author researched many sources of information on the social and environmental impact of mining in Goa and other mining regions of India.
Mumbai-based award-winning author Nandita Da Cunha has previously published picture books and fantasy novels for children. She was one of 14 playwrights selected to take part in the Writer’s Block 4 playwriting programme, run by the Royal Court Theater in London, in conjunction with the Rage Theater in Mumbai. Bengaluru-based freelance illustrator, writer, designer, translator and editor Niharika Shenoy has created educational materials and illustrated content for magazines and websites as well as communication material for associations.
5. Born Behind Bars (Penguin Random House, 8-12)
Kabir Khan, our brilliant young narrator, was born in prison in Chennai and is a child of dualities. His mother is a low-caste Hindu trapped in a system that imprisoned her for a theft she did not commit, and his father, whom he has never met, is a Muslim who married his mother. in secret because of their religion. Kabir is also bilingual, speaking Kannada (his parents’ language) and Tamil. Growing up in confinement, he dreams of freedom from the outside world from what he sees on TV and hears in his mother’s stories.
Born behind bars East the powerful and informative companion novel to Padma Venkatraman’s fourth book The bridge house. She continues to explore child homelessness, families of choice, birth and caste, religious and cultural differences. This time, she also examines a damaging and failing justice system and how it affects children.
6. Reva and Prisha (Scholastic, 8-12 years old):
Come spend time with the Sahils – twins Reva and Prisha, and their mothers, Runu and Pritam – as they spend their dreams, food, school and walks, and discover the world together, in joy , fun and friendship. A fun and easy-to-read book for everyone, each chapter is a different adventure. The book subverts traditional norms with an alternative family structure of two mothers and their two children, and they are both Hindu and Muslim. Additionally, it focuses on themes of kindness, empathy, brotherly love, family, compassion as well as an appreciation for nature and the world around us – a reminder of the happy moments of our childhood.
Mumbai-based writer and queer feminist Shal Mahajan has published a few children’s books, such as Timmi in Tangles, Timmi and Rizu, A big day for small wheelsand co-author No outlaws in the galaxy of genres. Shals is genderqueer and has worked on issues of gender, sexuality, caste and communalism as a trainer, teacher and activist. Based in Mumbai children’s book writer and illustrator Lavanya Karthik has wrote several picture books for various Indian publishers and illustrated over 20 books.
7. The Coward and the Sword (HarperCollins, ages 9-11):
Kofu’s sixteen-year-old heir, Prince Kadis, is not brave and courageous unlike the people of the kingdom who are skilled in war. One day, an apparently fortuitous meeting completely changes his life. Armed with the mystical sword of Kofu, the timid prince and his two young friends embark on an epic journey to bring peace to the warring kingdoms of Kofu and Molonga. It’s a beautiful coming of age story about finding the courage that lies within.
This is the second novel by award-winning New York actor, writer and director Jugal Hansraj. His first book, Cross Connection – The Great Circus Adventure, was published in 2017. Book illustrator and mural artist Ruchi Shah has illustrated over 15 books which have been published in multiple languages. In 2018, she received the British Council’s Social Impact Award for her work.
8. Incognito: Lights. Camera. Sheltered. (PIRATES, 13-15 years old):
Aarav is on the run – from an armed, trigger-happy, bloodthirsty monster. A feared gangster has sworn revenge on his entire family, forcing them into hiding – meaning no school, friends, cellphone, laptop, iPad, FB, Snapchat, Instagram or WiFi… As if that weren’t enough, Aarav must assume an entirely new identity, that of a girl. To make matters worse, he has the world’s biggest crush on his employer’s daughter, while the pesky son digs him up! With a dangerous criminal hot on his heels and a startling discovery that sheds light on his father’s unresolved death, things promise to get even more complicated.
Vibha Batra, an author, advertising consultant, poet, lyricist, translator, travel writer, playwright and columnist based in Chennai, has several books to her credit including The activist and the capitalist, Sequins and Shiny, Ludhiana in London, Travel in Europe, keep it realand The Merchants of Dreams.
Neha Kirpal is a Delhi-based freelance writer. She is the author of Wanderlust for the Soul, an e-book collection of short stories based on travels to different parts of the world.