Publishers Weekly
★ 02/26/2024
Drawing from family history, Hemnani delivers a wrenching historical verse debut that traces the eagerly anticipated end of British rule in India and the subsequent conflicts between Hindu, Muslim, and Sikh populations during the 1947 Partition, which forced millions to relocate. In his hometown of Sindh, 12-year-old Hindu Raj flies “through the fields.../ of wildflowers and birdsong,” guiding his kite “in the endless blue,/ free and wild/ as it/ fights/ and/ snaps.” Raj’s carefree frolicking disappoints his father Baba, who favors Raj’s sister Maya and compares him to his brother Vijay. Acceptance comes from Raj’s Muslim best friend Iqbal. When the Partition begins, violence erupts across India, but Baba hopes that “the madness/ won’t spread to us.” Yet Raj watches powerless as Iqbal’s home is burned (“When he sees me.../ his eyes never looked/ so cold”) and Raj and his family are forced to flee to Bombay, where they face myriad injustices as religious refugees. Raj experiences agonizing losses throughout, which are rendered in Hemnani’s aching verse. Compelling stakes ratchet up the tension in this illuminating and harrowing story about displacement, grief, and hope. Ages 8–12. (May)
From the Publisher
"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." — Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"Compelling stakes ratchet up the tension in this illuminating and harrowing story about displacement, grief, and hope." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"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." — School Library Journal
"This verse novel weaves historical information and Sindhi language into a powerful story about friendship and bravery, and Raj’s epic journey ends on a believably hopeful note without downplaying the unimaginable things he and his country face." — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Detail-oriented and emotional. A lofty companion to Veera Hiranandani’s The Night Diary” — ALA Booklist
“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
School Library Journal
05/01/2024
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 …only kindness."—Emily Beasley
JUNE 2024 - AudioFile
Vikas Adam uses a strong but easily understood East Indian accent to welcome listeners into Raj's happy Hindu family. Oblivious to what India's 1947 independence might mean, Raj seeks only to win his father's approval and help his Muslim friend, Iqbal, succeed in the annual kite festival. Adam's narration makes clear Raj's emotive nature, and his distinctive portrayals capture connections with Raj's wise grandfather, cheery sister, and others. After India's Partition, Adam's performance heralds the tension of conflicts to come. Adam balances ugly confrontations, flight to a Bombay refugee camp, and other frightening situations with the lyricism of this novel in verse. Vivid details on food, as well as East Indian phrases, all defined in a glossary on a downloadable pdf, add authenticity to the story. S.W. © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
