Books About India · 124 titles considered

The Best India Books for Kids

Looking for excellent children's books about india? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Series

#2 in Series

The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About India

Sale price

$1697

Chapter Book · Ages 9–12 · 2019

The Bridge Home

By Padma Venkatraman

Homeless kids find hope and freedom, but illness threatens their fragile world.

Golden Kite Award (2020)

208 pages· 34,537 words· Est. 4 hour read

4.3/5 Goodreads · 11,979 ratings

$16.99

Hardcover

Summary: In the bustling streets of Chennai, runaway sisters Viji and Rukku find refuge with two boys under an abandoned bridge. As they form a makeshift family, they navigate the harsh realities of survival. But when illness strikes, Viji faces a heart-wrenching choice: seek help from strangers or protect their hard-won independence. Can they hold onto hope in a world that seems so unforgiving?

Sale price

$858

Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2018

The Night Diary

By Veera Hiranandani

A young girl navigates a divided land, seeking identity and hope amidst India's partition.

Newbery Honor (2019)Jane Addams Children's Book Honor (2019)

304 pages· 50,124 words· Est. 7 hour read

4.2/5 Goodreads · 21,208 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: In 1947, as India splits into two nations, twelve-year-old Nisha, half-Hindu and half-Muslim, becomes a refugee. Her family flees their home in Pakistan, embarking on a perilous journey to find safety. Through letters to her deceased mother, Nisha grapples with her fractured identity and the chaos around her. Can she find a place to belong in a world torn apart? The Night Diary is a poignant tale of resilience and the search for home in a divided land.

Sale price

$1049

Chapter Book · Ages 10–14 · 1894

The Jungle Book

By Rudyard Kipling · Puffin Classics series

A boy raised by wolves must outwit a vengeful tiger in the jungle.

240 pages· 50,885 words· Est. 5.5 hour read

3.9/5 Goodreads · 135,116 ratings

$10.99Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Mowgli, a boy raised by wolves, navigates the dangers of the jungle under the guidance of Baloo the bear and Bagheera the panther. As he learns the Laws of the Jungle, he must outsmart the menacing tiger, Shere Khan, who seeks to destroy him. Alongside his animal friends, Mowgli embarks on thrilling adventures, including encounters with a snake-fighting mongoose and a mysterious elephant dance. Will Mowgli find his place in the wild, or will Shere Khan's relentless pursuit end his journey? Discover the magic and peril of the jungle in this timeless tale.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2017

Manjhi Moves a Mountain

By Nancy Churnin, Danny Popovici (Illustrator)

A man carves a mountain path, transforming his village's future.

32 pages· 805 words· Est. 7 min read-aloud

6.0/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 368 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Dashrath Manjhi, armed with only a hammer and chisel, spends twenty years carving a path through a mountain. His village, isolated from essential services, depends on his determination. Can one man's resolve bridge the gap between despair and hope? Discover how a single heart can change the fate of many.

Sale price

$1797

Picture Book · Ages 5–8 · 2020

111 Trees

By Rina Singh, Marianne Ferrer (Illustrator) · Book #22 in the CitizenKid series

A boy transforms his village by planting trees for every girl's birth, challenging tradition and sparking change.

36 pages· 993 words· Est. 8 min read-aloud

5.8/7 Bookroo·4.4/5 Goodreads · 425 ratings

$18.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a small Indian village, Sundar Paliwal witnesses the devastation of land and gender inequality. Determined to bring change, he plants 111 trees for every girl's birth. Initially met with resistance, Sundar's vision gradually wins over the villagers, transforming a barren landscape into a thriving community. His efforts not only rejuvenate the environment but also empower women, proving that one person's resolve can inspire a village. This true story of ecofeminism and sustainability invites readers to ponder: How can one act of defiance reshape a community's future?

Sale price

$858

Board Book · Ages 1–5 · 2016

The Jungle Book

By Miriam Bos · First Stories series

A wild man-cub navigates the jungle's dangers and friendships.

10 pages

5.5/7 Bookroo·4.1/5 Goodreads · 57 ratings

$8.99Save 5%

Board Book

Summary: In the heart of the jungle, Mowgli, a spirited man-cub, embarks on an adventure filled with danger and discovery. Guided by the wise Baloo and facing the fierce Shere Khan, Mowgli must find his place among the wild. As he encounters new friends and foes, will he embrace his wild instincts or seek a different path? Dive into this timeless tale where every turn of the page reveals a new twist in Mowgli's journey.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 2–8 · 2018

Festival of Colors

By Surishtha Sehgal, Kabir Sehgal, Vashti Harrison (Illustrator)

Celebrate Holi with vibrant colors, friendship, and fresh starts.

32 pages· 153 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud

5.3/7 Bookroo·4.2/5 Goodreads · 1,423 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Join siblings Mintoo and Chintoo as they prepare for Holi, the Festival of Colors. As spring arrives, they gather flowers to create vibrant powders for the celebration. On the big day, they unite with friends and family, embracing new beginnings, friendship, and forgiveness. Dive into this colorful adventure and discover the joy and traditions of Holi.

Sale price

$2089

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 1997

One Grain of Rice

By Demi

A clever girl uses math to teach a greedy raja a lesson in fairness.

40 pages· 1,089 words· Est. 9 min read-aloud

4.3/5 Goodreads · 3,213 ratings

$21.99Save 5%

Hardcover

Summary: In a land plagued by famine, a raja hoards rice, leaving his people hungry. Enter Rani, a village girl with a cunning plan. Granted a reward for her good deed, she requests a single grain of rice, doubled each day for thirty days. As the grains multiply, Rani's cleverness reveals the true power of wisdom and fairness, challenging the raja's greed. Will the raja learn the value of sharing before it's too late? Discover the surprising outcome in this tale of mathematical magic and moral insight.

Sale price

$1697

Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2023

The Light Within You

By Namita Moolani Mehra, Kamala Nair (Illustrator)

Can Diya capture the magic of Diwali to keep with her forever?

40 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 430 ratings

$17.99Save 6%

Hardcover

Summary: Diya travels 7,850 miles to India for Diwali, eager to reunite with her grandma, Nani. As they shop and prepare for the Festival of Lights, Diya feels at home. But with her visit ending, she wonders if she can carry the festival's magic back with her. Will Diya find a way to keep the light of Diwali alive in her heart?

Sale price

$1135

Chapter Book · Ages 12–17 · 2011

Tiger's Quest

By Colleen Houck · Book #2 in the Tiger Curse series

Kelsey's life is threatened, forcing her back to India on a perilous quest to break a tiger curse.

512 pages

4.3/5 Goodreads · 42,415 ratings

$11.95Save 5%

Paperback

Summary: Kelsey thought she left the magic behind in India, but danger follows her to Oregon. Forced to return, she joins Kishan, Ren's tiger-brother, on a treacherous journey to break an ancient curse. As they navigate mystical challenges, Kelsey must confront her feelings and the growing bond with Kishan. Will they succeed in freeing the brothers from their tiger forms, or will the curse claim them forever? Adventure, magic, and love intertwine in this thrilling quest.

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India Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

Sturdy, inviting books about india for the youngest readers and listeners.

Sale price

$599

The Jungle Book

Ages 2–5 · 2003

A jungle boy faces leaving his wild home for the Man-village.

Series

Sale price

$899

Rapunzel

Ages 2–5 · 2017

A girl with long hair is trapped in a tower in a vibrant Indian retelling.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Mahatma Gandhi

Ages 0–3 · 2019

A rebellious youth becomes a symbol of peace, uniting a nation.

Sale price

$995

Holi Colors

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover Holi's vibrant colors and joyful celebrations.

Series

Sale price

$999

India

Ages 0–4 · 2023

Discover India's vibrant life through sights, sounds, and flavors in this engaging journey.

Series

Sale price

$995

Good Night Taj Mahal

Ages 0–3 · 2019

Explore Agra's wonders through a child's eyes in this enchanting journey.

Sale price

$995

Diwali Lights

Ages 0–3 · 2018

Discover Diwali's magic, where light triumphs over darkness in a vibrant celebration of joy and unity.

Series

Sale price

$1299

The Jungle Book

Ages 3–5 · 2018

Join a young boy's jungle adventure, facing wild creatures and a fierce tiger.

View all india board books

Browse by age

India Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about india for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Mother Teresa

Ages 4–7 · 2018

A nun's journey from teaching to founding a hospital, transforming lives with love and charity.

Sale price

$1799

The Secret Kingdom

Ages 7–10 · 2018

A secret garden of treasures faces destruction. Can it be saved?

#6 in Series

Sale price

$699

The Mystery of the Suspicious Spices

Ages 5–9 · 2014

Siblings uncover a spice tampering mystery in Mumbai's vibrant market.

Sale price

$1799

Sugar in Milk

Ages 5–8 · 2020

An immigrant girl finds hope in a myth about sweetening a new land.

Sale price

$1699

The Boy Who Grew a Forest

Ages 5–8 · 2019

A boy transforms a barren island into a thriving forest, proving one person can change the world.

Sale price

$1995

Grandmother School

Ages 4–8 · 2020

A grandmother learns to read, defying illiteracy's grip.

Series

Graphic Nov.

Sale price

$1599

I am Gandhi

Ages 10–14 · 2017

A young man defies injustice with peaceful protest, sparking a revolution.

Sale price

$899

Seven Blind Mice

Ages 3–7 · 1992

Seven blind mice uncover a mysterious truth by the pond.

Series

Sale price

$1599

Bracelets for Bina's Brothers

Ages 4–7 · 2021

Bina's bracelet-making reveals surprising patterns and family secrets.

Sale price

$1799

Gandhi

Ages 5–10 · 2013

A 24-day march challenges oppressive salt taxes, igniting a peaceful revolution for independence.

Sale price

$1799

Mother Goose Goes to India

Ages 0–8 · 2022

Classic nursery rhymes with an Indian twist and Hindi words.

Sale price

$1795

Priya Dreams of Marigolds & Masala

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A girl bridges cultures through her grandmother's vivid tales and shared traditions.

View all india picture books

Browse by age

India Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about india for developing and independent readers.

Sale price

$1799

Thirst

Ages 10–12 · 2022

A girl uncovers a water mafia in Mumbai, risking everything to expose them.

Sale price

$1299

Sold

Ages 14–17 · 2006

A young girl must escape a nightmare after being sold into a brothel.

Series

Sale price

$599

Who Was Mother Teresa?

Ages 8–11 · 2015

A biography of Mother Teresa's life and her work with the poor in India and around the world

#65 in Series

Sale price

$799

Bollywood Burglary

Ages 7–10 · 2016

A stolen ruby, a Bollywood film, and a mouse detective on the case.

#12 in Series

Sale price

$899

Thea Stilton and the Prince's Emerald

Ages 7–10 · 2012

A group of mice travel to India to help their friend Ashvin with a problem involving monkeys and a stolen emerald.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1699

A Circle of Elephants

Ages 9–12 · 2019

A boy and an elephant face nature's fury and human threats in 1970s Nepal.

#2 in Series

Sale price

$1499

Rebels with a Cause

Ages 9–12 · 2019

Kid geniuses tackle a global water crisis while evading a sinister corporation's kidnapping attempts.

Sale price

$1999

The Partition Project

Ages 8–12 · 2024

A young journalist uncovers her grandmother's hidden past, revealing a story of survival and identity.

Series

Sale price

$799

Where Is the Taj Mahal?

Ages 8–11 · 2017

A timeless love story immortalized in marble, the Taj Mahal hides secrets waiting to be uncovered.

Series

Sale price

$699

Who Was Gandhi?

Ages 8–12 · 2014

A leader's quest for freedom through non-violence reshapes a nation and inspires the world.

Sale price

$2095

Ahimsa

Ages 9–12 · 2017

A young girl must continue her jailed mother's fight for India's freedom.

#1 in Series

Sale price

$1699

What Elephants Know

Ages 9–12 · 2016

A boy must find a great tusker to save his elephant family from closure.

View all india chapter books

Keep exploring

Books about death, grief, and bereavement Books about homelessness Books about missing home and homesickness Books about refugees Books about running away from home Books about siblings

Our 10 Favorite Books About India

Great books, picked for their age.

India Board Books for Babies & Toddlers

India Picture Books

India Chapter Books & Middle Grade

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