The New York Times bestselling author of Thirst brings readers the gripping story of a boy whose eye-opening trip to a tiger sanctuary ignites his desire to join those who are roaring to protect the animalsRohan loves animals—especially tigers—so he’s beyond thrilled when he gets to fly to India and stay near the tiger sanctuary where his grandfather works. At last, a chance to observe tigers in real life—especially Arya and her twin cubs—and when Ro finally sees them, the experience is even more breathtaking than he’d imagined. When signs of poachers are discovered, he’s distraught, and unfortunately that’s not the only threat the tigers face—protesters have assembled to support a mining company that would encroach upon the tigers’ space. Rohan knows there are always two sides to an argument, and the mines might provide jobs, but it’s clear to him that he must be on the tigers’ side. Then a horrible crime occurs, filling him with determination to do all he can to make sure people know how important it is to protect the tigers.
On sale: May 12, 2026
Age: 8-12 years
Grade: Grades 3-7
Page count: 192 Pages
ISBN: 9780593699058
Varsha Bajaj (VarshaBajaj.com) is the author of the middle grade novels
Thirst (a
New York Times bestseller and Global Read Aloud selection) and
Count Me In. She also wrote the picture books
Family of Friends,
A Garland of Henna,
The Home Builders (an Imagination Library selection), and
This Is Our Baby, Born Today (a Bank Street Best Book). She grew up in Mumbai, India, and when she came to the United States to obtain her master’s degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by books, which helped her learn about the culture. She lives in Houston, Texas.
* “A tiger-loving Texan tween attempts to protect these endangered creatures while staying with his grandparents in India. Rohan and his cousin Mira, who’s visiting from Bengaluru, love going to the tiger sanctuary where G-pa works; they’re thrilled to observe a tiger named Arya and her playful cubs. . . . Bajaj’s immersive prose transports readers to a tranquil forest teeming with vibrant wildlife. Information about tiger anatomy, habitats, and history is seamlessly woven into the story. Chapters told from the perspective of Arya and her friend Crow enrich the narrative; Bajaj writes with empathy for these animals without veering into sentimentality. Rohan’s journey is a compelling one; he begins the novel passionate about safeguarding tigers but shy about expressing himself and emerges as a committed activist. Uncomfortable truths of the complexity of encroaching into wildlife habitats, locals aiding poachers, and the brutality of nature are balanced out with an overarching note of hope. A rousing call for conservation efforts to safeguard the majestic tiger.” —
Kirkus Reviews,
starred review
* “A tiger-obsessed fifth grader finds purpose—and peril—awaiting him abroad in this absorbing eco-conscious adventure. . . . Riveting third-person narration primarily centers Ro while occasionally spotlighting chapters from the perspective of Arya, a tiger whose survival hangs in the balance, which lend immediacy to the conservation stakes. Introspective language seamlessly incorporates accessible information about the animals’ storied place in India’s cultural and environmental history. As the cousins confront not only habitat loss but also the sobering realities of greed and mortality, Bajaj (
Thirst) juggles suspense with sensitivity, crafting vibrant characters and a propulsive plot that underscores the cost of inaction in a heartfelt, page-turning call to stewardship.” —
Publishers Weekly,
starred review
