by Ritu Hemnani (Author)
An evocative historical novel in verse about a boy and his family who are forced to flee their home and become refugees after the British Partition of India. Perfect for fans of Other Words for Home.
Twelve-year-old Raj is happiest flying kites with his best friend, Iqbal. As their kites soar, Raj feels free, like his beloved India soon will be, and he can't wait to celebrate their independence.
But when a British lawyer draws a line across a map, splitting India in two, Raj is thrust into a fractured world. With Partition declared, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim families are torn apart--and Raj's Hindu and Iqbal's Muslim families are among them.
Forced to flee and become refugees, Raj's family is left to start over in a new country. After suffering devastating losses, Raj must summon the courage to survive the brutal upheaval of both his country and his heart.
Inspired by the author's true family history, Lion of the Sky is a deeply moving coming-of-age tale about identity, belonging, and the power of hope.
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"An eye-opening tale of friendship, displacement, horror, and hope. Set during the Partition of India, Ritu Hemnani's stirring story touches upon the worst that people can be, but also how they can reveal the best of themselves during the most difficult times." — Rajani LaRocca, Newbery Honor-Winning Author of Red, White, and Whole
"With gorgeous writing and beautiful characters, Lion of the Sky left my heart both aching and full of hope. Ritu Hemnani's deeply personal story about the Partition of Pakistan and India does not shy away from the painful parts of history. But perhaps more important, it charts a map for young people—like Raj and Iqbal in the book—to choose kindness and understanding over hatred and division. A timely and powerful debut." — Maulik Pancholy, Award-Winning Author of The Best at It and Nikhil Out Loud