Books have an incredible way of opening doors to exciting experiences—whether it’s uncovering lost histories, exploring diverse cultures, or finding comfort in relatable stories. Whether you are a young reader eager for adventure, a history buff, or someone seeking heartwarming tales about self-acceptance, these six books are a must-read. From exploring hidden underwater realms to discovering the lives of India’s royal rulers, from learning about the richness of folk music to embracing personal growth, each book on this list offers something special. Let’s dive into why these stories deserve a place on your shelf!
Submerged Worlds and Other Amazing Stories by Vaishali Shroff
The job of any river is to flow and as it flows, it nurtures everything around it, everything within it. But when human interference affects this natural flow, it brings floods and droughts, displacement and suffering in its wake. From melting glaciers to urban flooding, sand mining to dammed rivers, river rights to river interlinking projects, dead rivers to river revival, this book is an attempt to understand India’s rivers through their stories and the narratives of those whose lives are interlaced with the life of rivers. Deeply steeped in the historical, spiritual, cultural, political, ecological, and economic fabric of our society, these stories are highly relevant in today’s world where the climate crisis is a water crisis. Compelling readers to listen to the river’s gentle yet urgent voice, it’s a must read for all non-fiction lovers and students keen on understanding life in the subcontinent we call home.
Submerged Worlds
Vaishali Shroff
Fascinating Maharajas of India by Sreelata Menon
Long, long ago, the vast Indian subcontinent was alive with powerful kingdoms and adventurous maharajas. They expanded with fervour and ruled with aplomb. They lived extravagant lives yet protected their turfs. They introduced reforms and uplifted their people. And despite their many quirks, they laid the foundation for the progress and development of modern India.
- How did the Travancore maharajas promote education?
- When did the Mysore maharajas begin celebrating Dasara with such pomp?
- How unique was the Junagadh nawab’s love for his dogs?
Discover the answers to these questions and more in this gorgeously illustrated book that chronicles twenty-five such exciting Indian kingdoms—from their origin to when they became princely states under the British to finally merging with the Indian Union at the time of Independence and becoming the backbone of a brand-new nation.
Fascinating Maharajas of India
Sreelata Menon
The Demon of Dandi by Lavanya Karthik
All the world’s eyes are on this tiny village by the Arabian Sea, where Mahatma Gandhi will soon break the Salt Law to defy British rule. Dinu would rather be home in Surat, reading his beloved Sherlock Holmes books. Instead, he finds himself wading through mud, battling angry goats and eating burnt food as the youngest of the student volunteers helping prepare Dandi for Bapu’s arrival. When a man is found dead and rumours of an angry demon grip the village, Dinu finds himself drawn into the mystery, even as he grapples with dilemmas of his own. But as Dinu and his friends race against time to find the killer, the demon strikes again
A Demon in Dandi
Lavanya Karthik
10 Indian Traditions of Folk Music by Mamta Nainy
This book explores ten traditions of folk music that have long preserved some of the many voices and diverse cultures across India. From the evocative ballads of Kashmir to the soulful rhythms of Bengal, each tradition is shaped by the region where it originated and the challenges and joys of the singers. These traditions are:
The Bidesia of Bihar
The Gathas and Kathas of Rajasthan
The Ladishah Ballads of Kashmir
The Nizami Qawwali of Dilli
The Pandavani of Chhattisgarh
The Kabir Vaani of Kutch
The Janapadas of Karnataka
The Lavani of Maharashtra
The Li of the Chakhesang Nagas
The Bhatiyali of Bengal Mamta Nainy explores the origins of these musical forms, and their evolution in the face of modernity, highlighting their power as a means of collective expression.
10 Indian Traditions of Folk Music
Mamta Nainy
Everything Changes and That’s Okay by Carol Dodd
Change is all around, but it can be overwhelming! Explore how changeexists everywhere in a way that is natural, and even beautiful, in this vibrantly illustrated book with fun rhyming couplets, for children ages 3 to 7.
The moon is full, but then it’s gone,
chased away by the dawn.
Stars that shine all through the night
disappear in morning’s light.
Everything changes, night to day.
Everything changes, and that’s OK.
From an apple seed growing into a brilliant tree to a child watching a family member grow old, this book offers a thoughtful look at why change doesn’t always have to be negative and can instead be observed with appreciation. It poetically presents a story that prompts kids to recognize and adapt to the change they see in their daily lives.
This beautiful exploration of impermanence is accompanied by vibrant illustrations that explore every corner of the world, from rolling fields in Tibet to the cozy, fireplace-lit living room of a family member’s home. The illustrations remind children that everything changes no matter where you are, no matter who you are, and that’s all right.
Everything Changes
Carol Dodd
I Am Quiet by Andie Powers
Emile is not shy—he is quiet.
On the outside, Emile may seem reserved, but inside, his imagination is bursting with adventure. While others see a quiet boy who doesn’t raise his hand in class, Emile sees himself as a high-seas adventurer, a fearless explorer, and a friend to wild beasts.
Through heartfelt storytelling and stunning illustrations, I Am Quiet celebrates the power of introversion, self-acceptance, and the richness of an imaginative mind. This beautifully crafted picture book encourages young readers to embrace who they are and reminds us all that being quiet doesn’t mean being small—it means thinking, dreaming, and seeing the world in a unique way.
Perfect for:
- Children ages 4+ who love thoughtful, introspective stories
- Parents and educators looking for books on self-acceptance and social-emotional learning
- Young introverts who want to see themselves represented in stories
I Am Quiet
Andie Powers
