May 1, 2022
Gr 6-8-Those looking for a briskly-paced, colorful, engaging fantasy adventure starring diverse characters and featuring imaginative creatures inspired by folklore and myth need look no further than this book. Starting out with a dare-as most adventures do-the narrative follows Aru, an Indian American girl, who awakens an ancient deity meant to bring about the world's end. She must defeat this otherworldly foe before all is lost. Joined by a talking bird she nicknames Boo, who informs her that she is this generation's Pandava (hero), Aru soon meets her counterpart, Mini, and they embark on their quest to save the world. While this book is heavy on dialogue, which may scare off reluctant readers, there are plenty of bright and colorful images, grand locations, and fantastical elements to draw in and retain any young reader's interest. With deep lore rivaling other fantasy works, Aru Shah and the End of Time is an excellent alternative to the adventure stories that are almost always occupied by the same generic heroes we've grown accustomed to rooting for. VERDICT A perfect pick for readers desiring a fantasy adventure that breaks the mold when it comes to lore and characters.-M. Brandon Robbins
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Starred review from May 15, 2022
Chokshi's beloved middle-grade fantasy gets the graphic-novel treatment. Aru Shah lives above the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture--where her mother is the curator--and often visits the statues of ancient gods and goddesses in her free time. To impress her classmates, Aru claims that she lives downtown and has an elephant and a magic lamp. When she is caught in her lies, Aru does something she knows is risky: She lights the Diya of Bharata, a move that releases a dangerous spirit known as the Sleeper. Aru is then informed by Subala, a pigeon, that it's her mission to save the world alongside her newly discovered soul sister, Mini, and that both girls are a reincarnation of the Pandava brothers, who, according to the Mahabharata, once engaged in civil war with their 100 cousins. Adapter Caramugna and illustrator Chouhan put a new spin on Aru's story in ways that will reach the ever growing audience for middle-grade graphic novels. Chouhan's vivid depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses are colorful and detailed, and Caramugna's text captures the essence of the original novel while also maintaining its quick pacing, compelling scenes of action and adventure, and strong character development. Aru and Mini are South Asian. A dynamic graphic-novel adaptation of a fan favorite. (Graphic novel. 8-12)
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