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Roar
The
New York Times
bestselling author of
Thirst
brings listeners 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 animals
Rohan 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.
Rohan 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.
192 pages, Hardcover
Published May 12, 2026
About the author
Varsha Bajaj
20 books108 followersVarsha Bajaj grew up in Mumbai, India. When she came to the United States to obtain her master’s degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by her awareness of the culture through books. In addition to her previous picture books, she wrote the middle-grade novel Abby Spencer Goes to Bollywood, which was shortlisted for the Cybils Award and included on the Spirit of Texas Reading Program. She lives in Houston, Texas.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
May 24, 2026
Roar is one of those middle grade books that manages to be both exciting and meaningful at the same time. Varsha Bajaj does a great job building tension and adventure while still keeping the emotional core of the story front and center. The characters felt believable, and I really appreciated how the book explored courage—not as being fearless, but as continuing on even when things feel overwhelming.
What stayed with me most was the heart of the story. There’s a lot packed into a relatively quick read: friendship, resilience, family, and finding your voice when the world expects you to stay quiet. It’s the kind of book that would spark really good conversations with younger readers, but it’s also genuinely enjoyable as an adult.
What stayed with me most was the heart of the story. There’s a lot packed into a relatively quick read: friendship, resilience, family, and finding your voice when the world expects you to stay quiet. It’s the kind of book that would spark really good conversations with younger readers, but it’s also genuinely enjoyable as an adult.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
3.5/5 stars
Thank you to Net Galley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Nancy Paulsen Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Told in alternating viewpoints between Rohan, an 11-year-old kid visiting his grandparents in India, and Arya, a mother tiger living in a nearby sanctuary and trying to raise two cubs.
This is an enjoyable story by the author of Thirst. Like that book, it has a rather overt political agenda (one I happen to agree with wholeheartedly) that can at times feel wooden in the delivery. This is still entertaining and a good read for middle to upper elementary kids, especially those who love tigers, though some plot points are very sad.
Thank you to Net Galley, Penguin Young Readers Group, and Nancy Paulsen Books for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
Told in alternating viewpoints between Rohan, an 11-year-old kid visiting his grandparents in India, and Arya, a mother tiger living in a nearby sanctuary and trying to raise two cubs.
This is an enjoyable story by the author of Thirst. Like that book, it has a rather overt political agenda (one I happen to agree with wholeheartedly) that can at times feel wooden in the delivery. This is still entertaining and a good read for middle to upper elementary kids, especially those who love tigers, though some plot points are very sad.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Roar is such a beautiful story about conservation and hope. Rohan and his cousin are a lot of fun to read about as they explore the wildlife sanctuary where their grandpa works. Ro is obsessed with tigers, and the cousins become invested in a tiger named Arya, especially when it seems like poachers are around.
This is a perfect book for 9+ kids to read about how important it is to protect endangered animals. The chapters are short, and the writing is very accessible.
Thank you to Nancy Paulsen Books for the opportunity to read and review.
This is a perfect book for 9+ kids to read about how important it is to protect endangered animals. The chapters are short, and the writing is very accessible.
Thank you to Nancy Paulsen Books for the opportunity to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5
I read this book with my five year old and we both loved it. We enjoyed learning about tigers in India and especially how sanctuaries help protect tigers in the area. The characters were interesting and the story was so intriguing. We loved trying to figure out the mystery. The biggest highlight for us was the animals. Arya and Crow were such good additions to this book and made it so interesting. Highly recommend for middle grade readers.
I read this book with my five year old and we both loved it. We enjoyed learning about tigers in India and especially how sanctuaries help protect tigers in the area. The characters were interesting and the story was so intriguing. We loved trying to figure out the mystery. The biggest highlight for us was the animals. Arya and Crow were such good additions to this book and made it so interesting. Highly recommend for middle grade readers.
May 21, 2026
Ro loves tigers more than anyone else he knows. So, when he gets the chance to visit his family in India and spend time on a tiger reserve, he is thrilled. Once he arrives, he meets Arya, a beautiful tigress who just had two cubs. The more he spends time with his family and the animals, the more Ro learns about life and nature.
This story was a quick read and perfect for middle grade animal lovers.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
This story was a quick read and perfect for middle grade animal lovers.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
An elementary novel about tigers, the efforts to help them, and the many forces working against them. Told through the eyes of an 11-year-old Indian-American boy, visiting India and experiencing all the wonders and tragedies of the work to help tigers survive and thrive. Writing is overly didactic at times, especially dialogue, but animal lovers will be willing to overlook that.
May 25, 2026
Yeah, the magical realism/talking animals completely took me out of this every time it came up. And I'm unaware of tigers carrying their cubs on their back. Sloth bears, yes. Other than that, I appreciate that it brings up the issue facing sanctuaries and tigers and those who live near them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and Nancy Paulsen Books for the ARC!
May 25, 2026
Excellent upper middle grade - compelling characters, fascinating setting that really draws you in, and lots of fascinating information about tigers. The conservation story line does not derail the plot at all - instead, the plot is enhanced by the plight of the tigers of India. Briskly paced - perfect for a reluctant reader.
May 28, 2026
themes: wild animal conservation; cousin relationships. the story does not have the expected happy ending, but is far more realistic. the plot was accessible because the text and vocabulary were VERY simple. I thought Rohan and Mira spoke like much younger children. i was disappointed in this one.
May 19, 2026
4 1/2 stars
June 3, 2026
Before I say a word about the book itself, I have to stop and take a moment for what may be one of the most beautiful book covers I’ve ever seen. Simply stunning and absolute design perfection.
I love to sneak in a middle grade book every now and then, and this one was a joy to read. Set in India in a wildlife sanctuary, it was truly a book honoring wildlife and our planet and how important it is to conserve them both. I enjoyed the lessons it taught and appreciate the approachable language and storytelling—wonderful reminders and inspiring words for all of us!
Although there are lots of animals in this book, tigers are the focus. What’s the most exotic animal you’ve seen or dream of seeing?
I love to sneak in a middle grade book every now and then, and this one was a joy to read. Set in India in a wildlife sanctuary, it was truly a book honoring wildlife and our planet and how important it is to conserve them both. I enjoyed the lessons it taught and appreciate the approachable language and storytelling—wonderful reminders and inspiring words for all of us!
Although there are lots of animals in this book, tigers are the focus. What’s the most exotic animal you’ve seen or dream of seeing?
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews