The Samosa Rebellion: A Middle Grade Novel for Kids (Ages 8-12) About an Immigrant Boy Fighting to Rescue His Grandmother

Critically acclaimed author Shanthi Sekaran makes her middle grade debut with this timely and stunning novel in which a young boy and his friends must rescue his grandmother from a relocation camp after their country’s descent into xenophobia. Perfect for fans of The Night Diary and Front Desk.Before his grandmother moved from India to the island of Mariposa, Muki Krishnan’s life was good. But now? He has to share his bedroom with Paati, his grandmother, who snores like a bulldozer and wakes him up at dawn to do yoga.Paati’s arrival coincides with even bigger changes in Mariposa. The president divides citizens into Butterflies—families who have lived in Mariposa for three generations—and Moths, who, like Muki’s family, are more recent immigrants. The changes are small at first. But then Muki and his friends find a camp being built to imprison Moths before sending them away. Soon after, his Paati is captured and taken there.While devising Paati’s escape, Muki discovers that a secret rebellion is underway, and as he digs deeper, he realizes that rescuing Paati will be the fight of his life.* Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year *Can one boy, his best friend, and an unlikely ally really rescue a grandmother and spark a rebellion?Kids Taking Action: When the adults are paralyzed by fear, Muki and his friends must take matters into their own hands, devising a risky plan to break his Paati out of the camp.A Secret Rebellion: The fight is bigger than just one family. Muki discovers a network of neighbors working in secret, using everything from coded messages to fresh-cooked samosas to resist.Unlikely Friendship: Muki finds a surprising ally in Tinley, the daughter of the very general in charge of the camps. Trusting her could be the key to everything—or a devastating mistake.Family and Heritage: At the heart of the story is the powerful bond between Muki and his Paati, a grandmother who brings her strength, wisdom, and love of yoga from India just when her family needs it most.Social Justice for Young Readers: A perfect book for classrooms and families to discuss themes of xenophobia, immigration, and what it means to stand up for what’s right, even when it’s scary. Read more