Lion of the Sky by Ritu Hemnani (Harper Collins, 2024) Prior to the Partition of 1947, Twelve year-old Raj, and his best friend, Iqbal, spent their days flying kites, climbing trees, and eating mangoes. After Partition, a British lawyer draws a line on a map splitting India into separate countries. Raj’s family originally lived in what is now Pakistan. They are forced to flee Pakistan because they are Hindus- and millions of families, friends, and neighborhoods are split apart by religion. Based on the Hemnani’s family history, this book provides readers a glimpse into the largest mass migration in history. (Grades 4 and up)
Award Status: Honorable Mention
Award Category: Middle Grade Readers
Author: Ritu Hemnani
Learn more and purchase on the publisher’s website