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...]