Ajay and the Mumbai Sun

Though 12-year-old orphan Ajay is currently selling newspapers on Mumbai railway platforms to get by, he dreams of becoming a journalist. When he learns of an opportunity to impress Mr. Gupta, editor of the City Paper, Ajay determines to write an article that will convince Mr. Gupta to hire him. But when he goes to deliver his article to Mr. Gupta at a local restaurant, the disgruntled establishment owner tears up his piece, and Mr. Gupta tells Ajay that newspaper sales are declining: "We're firing people, not hiring," he says. Undeterred, Ajay enlists his friends to help create his own paper, the Mumbai Sun, using an abandoned printing press he finds in an alley. Upon discovering that his neighborhood will be sold and demolished by developers, Ajay endeavors to report on it, but his investigation soon imperils him and his friends. While some villain descriptions lean into caricature, short chapters and uncomplicated prose capably propel this largely fresh and fun mystery. By centering enterprising Ajay and his longing to "change the world," Shah delivers a heartfelt debut that tackles issues of housing inequity, financial precarity, and believing in oneself. Ages 8-12. (July)

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