Bargains! PROMOTIONS
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
