When historical fiction and fantasy come together, we're in for a treat! Rafu is a TTTD--a Time-Travelling, Thieving Djinn. Or at least, that's what he's supposed to be. The problem is that he is much more interested in food than gems. When the king of djinns challenges him to steal the Shah-i-Noor, Rafu strikes the perfect deal with his mother. If his mission is a success, it will be his last TTTD assignment and he will be free to open hist restaurant.Unexpected allies and a healthy dose of luck help Rafu battle nefarious villains and get closer to the diamond. As he plans his escape route, he learns about the Char Minar and we explore the historical city of Haiderabad. Monuments The Misadventures of a Diamond Thief is a work of historical fiction that is full of possibility. In the author's note at the end of the book, Lubaina Bandukwala says that … [Read more...]
The Chowpatty Cooking Club
Who didn't want to be a freedom fighter while studying about the independence movement? I know I dreamt of being a heroine - just like Sakina in The Chowpatty Cooking Club. I would do something meaningful and brave. I would do whatever it took! But like Sakina, the question was what?Bursting with humour, innocence and a burning, childlike desire to prove yourself, The Chowpatty Cooking Club by Lubaina Bandukwala is a lovely read. It is the tale of three young children who are determined to be heroes. It's tough being a heroine when you have a strict grandfather, but Sakina must triumph. She, Zenobia and Mehul must do everything they can - learn to cycle, make flags, investigate the People's Radio ... But is it enough? Are they doing anything at all?They are, but they don't know it yet.Written almost like a murder mystery, The Chowpatty Cooking Club gives us glimpses of a … [Read more...]