Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom

Kiki Kallira #1

by Sangu Mandanna

Kiki Kallira has always been a worrier. Did she lock the front door? Is there a terrible reason her mum is late? Recently her anxiety has been getting out of control, but one thing that has always soothed her is drawing. Kiki's sketchbook is full of fantastical doodles of the Hindu myths and legends her mother has told her since she was tiny.

One day, her sketchbook's calming effect is broken when her mythological characters begin springing to life and Kiki is pulled into the mystical world she drew.

There, she discovers the band of rebel kids who protect the kingdom, as well as an ancient, monstrous god bent on total destruction. Kiki must overcome her fear and anxiety to save both worlds - the real and the imagined - from his wrath.

But how can a girl armed with only a pencil defeat something so powerful?

Genres: Middle Grade, Fantasy, Mythology, Fiction, Adventure, Mental Health, Audiobook

352 pages, Paperback

First published July 6, 2021

About the author

Sangu Mandanna was four years old when an elephant chased her down a forest road and she decided to write her first story about it. Seventeen years and many, many manuscripts later, she signed her first book deal. Sangu now lives in Norwich, a city in the east of England, with her husband and kids.

Reviews

[Thibault Busschots · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiki is a girl who worries all the time about everything. But lately she’s become obsessed with her fears. To the point where she even goes home early one day because she’s somehow convinced herself that her mother has been eaten by a goose. Naturally, her mother’s totally fine and there’s not a goose in sight.

Then an Asura, a demon, pops out of Kiki’s sketchbook and causes mayhem. Kiki goes after the Asura to stop it, and she ends up being transported to the fantasy world she created.


Kiki is a very relatable character for people who worry a lot. She is able to let go of her fears and obsessions when she draws, which reminds me of how you can lose yourself in a book and forget about your own worries. The passion she has for her art is something that you only appreciate and root for. And getting pulled into your own imaginary world is simply escapism done right.


Another thing I need to point out is how the Indian mythology is woven into the plot. The book starts with Kiki’s mom telling her a simplified version of a story from Indian mythology. After which, Kiki’s imagination starts running wild as she creates an imaginary world inspired by that story. This is a good thing, as that’s exactly what a child would do. Plus, this allows some more creative freedom to be poured into the fantasy setting.


What keeps me from rating this book higher is a lack of tension or urgency. There is an obstacle to overcome and there is an antagonist that needs to be defeated, but it just never really feels like it. Because the real obstacle Kiki needs to overcome is herself. Maybe it’s because the solution to fixing the actual problem at hand is so easy to do and is said so early in the story that it just seems too easy for a long time. The plot also takes quite a while to really get going.


It’s a cozy character-driven middle grade story with a good cast of characters and a wealthy fantasy world that’s worth exploring.

[Natasha Ngan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Had me laughing, gasping and my heart soaring with every page. Readers will be sucked into this fast-paced adventure just like its heroine Kiki gets drawn into her make-believe world, with energetic writing, a cast of loveable young rogues, and heart-warming themes of found family and discovering your own power. Do not miss it! 

[aarya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content Notes: death of secondary character

I rarely read middle grade fantasy these days — not because I don’t love it, but because I’ve prioritized reading adult/ya novels as I get older (unfortunately MG gets left in the dust due to limited reading time). I’m so glad Sangu Mandanna’s release inspired me to try one again because it is delightful. If you’re looking to buy books for a child who loves Rick Riordan or Aru Shah, this is the perfect gift. Found family feels, intricate (but very easily understandable) mythology, and never-ending action.

Re: the anxiety plot. Oof. I held off on reading my arc for a unique reason. While representation is necessary/important, there is such a thing as feeling TOO seen, you know? Kiki has anxiety, South Indian ancestry, and a fascination with Indian mythology. I’m not in middle school anymore, but when I was that age… yeah, the similarities are uncomfortable. Sometimes it’s hard to read books that strike TOO familiar a cord — vulnerability is hard to grapple with!

My personal issues aside, the mental health storyline is incredible. The reveal about how Kiki’s anxiety tied to her artistic magical world made me cry. I’m so glad kids have a diverse slate of books to read these days. Kidlit still has a LONG way to go, but the options are so much richer compared to fifteen years ago. Imagine having multiple South Asian middle grade SFF worlds to revel in! My fourth grade self would’ve been over the moon, and my mid-20s self is as well.

Disclaimer: I received a free e-ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish every single anxious kid (and adult!) could read this beautiful MG fantasy novel about art and beauty,the power of fighting our own monsters - AND the power of talking about our fears and getting the help that we need, too. My kids and I all adored this book from the very first page, and - I know this is going to sound over-inflated, and I'm sorry for that, but it's absolutely 100% true - it very quickly became my very favorite MG portal fantasy since the Narnia books. This time, the portal is into Kiki Kallira's own sketchbook, where she's created an incredible fantasy world to escape from her own anxious brain - but when she's pulled into it, she finds not escape but friendship, courage, and the realization of her own power.

I loved every minute of it! When it finished, my son let out a sigh and said, "It's SAD that it's done." I felt exactly the same way! We both wanted to live in it forever.

[Brooke (B for Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

A middle grade fantasy with a satisfying hero's journey arc and a deep dive into Indian myths and legends. Some of the gods names I am familiar with, like Vishnu; but I had never heard of the two-headed Eagle Gandaberunda before and his interactions with Kiki were vividly portrayed.

Kiki's sketchbook comes alive and opens a pocket dimension where she confronts the never-ending nature of her anxiety. A true hero, Kiki must come to accept her anxiety without rejecting or denying it, and to own her darkness as her strength. The balance between the two forces of good and evil is demonstrated through the tension between the god Vishnu, and his incarnation as a god who becomes a monster--the Gundaberunda, or the representation of Kiki's anxiety.

For a middle grade read this was very clear and fast paced, both fun and informative. There is an authentic portrayal of emotions which opens up space for dialogue about embracing the changes of growing up. The depiction of the myths is really nice to see the inclusion of some lesser known myths and give them some more attention! I personally might have preferred a deeper dive, but for a middle-grade audience this was spot-on. I prefer this middle grade style to the author's more mature content, it seems like she excels for this group.

4.5/5

[Belles Middle Grade Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I’m LOVING Indian mythology so far. From what I read in here, India has a lot of different traditions/cultures, & I’m so excited to learn more about them all. This was PHENOMENAL! It makes me so happy to think of all the kids who will feel seen, having someone in a book like them-their culture & with stories they’ve heard their parents/grandparents tell, now getting to see in a book for them. I’m so happy to see more & more books with different cultures coming out. I learn so much, but those kids are the ones benefiting & it’s about time.

It also made me feel seen on some mental health issues I have, & I loved that. Because if it did that for me, I can just imagine how much it will help so many kids with the same issues feel seen & not alone. I have something similar, but different I guess to Kiki. I have a few mental health things, but 1 is OCD. For me, there are many layers to that. For example a couple are: I have certain rituals I have to do, & my brain makes me think that if I don’t do them even once something bad will happen. I know it’s ridiculous, but it doesn’t matter. I HAVE to do it. Also, like Kiki if I can’t remember if I locked or unplugged something, etc-even though I am 99% sure I did(because this is me who triple checks)I will go crazy until I go back & check. So when I say I felt seen, & Kiki will always have a special place in my heart it’s an understatement. In my opinion the author nailed it. Including the anger & self hatred this part of yourself brings. You get so angry at yourself, & for me it’s exhausting too. It was all blended together with the mythological aspects of the story effortlessly & didn’t take away but actually added so much.

This has so much depth & beauty. The writing is phenomenal. When I say this was the perfect author to write about art & the art coming to life-I mean PERFECT. She drew the art with her words. I could perfectly visualize Kiki’s art & her Mysore come to life. So detailed & so vivid. Then you have the ragtag bunch of kids in this world, & they are each so INCREDIBLE! They each are so unique, & each have different talents that are essential to the group. Simha(I loved him! And the teacup..& the sugar?!😆)& Pip have my heart. What a kid. What a GROUP of kids. Wow. I loved the mythology too. Authors always say that they take parts from mythology & make a fictional story of their own around it. Well, the author did that, PLUS had her character do it as well with her art lol I loved that. I was fascinated & hooked by it all-the original mythology(& I was googling EVERYTHING & EVERYONE lol), & Kiki’s take on it all.

Great messages in here(along with the stuff I already mentioned). Along the same mental health part, great messages about getting the help, the RIGHT help, that you need. There’s nothing wrong with you, & if you talk to someone & get the help needed, life can greatly improve from where it stands being silent. Then you have the importance of facing & fighting our own demons. So many symbolic things in here to me for that. How WE alone have all the power against our own demons.(& in my case, I turn to God as well, but I still have to do my part). Also, everyone is important, & EVERYONE has something important to contribute. You can’t succeed trying to be like someone else, or try to succeed doing it how someone else does. You have to do it being you. That’s the right way. We are all important, & all so powerful & strong in our own unique ways. Stop underestimating girls too! We even do it to ourselves. We are made of some pretty strong stuff. We aren’t “just” girls, thank you very much. Lol

There’s so much mythological goodness in here, plus amazing writing/characters, art, adventure, danger, suspense, & more. Plus, the twist? Wowza! Loved it, & an amazing ending! Can’t wait to see what happens next! I cannot wait for the sequel in May. Highly recommend! STUNNING cover by Nabi H. Ali too! And remember: don’t let ANYONE ever tell you who you should be. “I am the master of my fate, I am the captain of my soul.” 💜

[queenie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Little girls are always more powerful than people think we are. People think we’re sweet, precious things, all sugar and spice and everything nice, but we’ve got iron and steel in us, too.”

Rating: 5/5
★★★★★

Where do I even start? I think saying that this is my all-time favourite middle grade fantasy is not fair since (a) I haven’t read everything out there and (b) It would be a huge disservice to all my other favourites. But of course, I don’t care and I’m just gonna consider this my favourite anyway.

Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is a novel I definitely would have fallen in love with, as a kid. Which is clear ’cause I’m no longer one and yet I’m here gushing about this. One of the main reasons I love this book as much as I do is because of the South Indian representation. As a brown girl, finding books revolving around people like me has been hard, but thanks to recent times we see more diverse authors coming up with books of their own. While there definitely are the Aru Shah and Kiranmala series, they are mostly derived from North Indian myths. And to find something that’s close to my home was truly special.

The books starts off with Kiki’s brain conjuring up all sorts of scary scenarios where her mom dies because she wasn’t sure if she locked the front door. Fun, huh? Unfortunately, that is what it’s like, living with anxiety. The way the book explores Kiki’s neurodivergent nature was so cleverly woven into the story and very intriguing to read.

The humour was so on point! I really loved the banter in this book and Kiki’s inner voice just adds to it. The banter also gets so much better in the sequel, Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse, which is releasing this month. The friendship and found family vibes that this gave out were just as wonderful! The relationship between Kiki, Ashwini, Jojo, Lej, Pip, Suki and Samara were so well-written I was so into their lives more than my very busy and boring life.

Ultimately, this was such a wild ride, in a good way! I also liked the way that this book was self contained and doesn’t necessarily need a sequel. Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is as easily a standalone as it’s the first in an installment. And truth to be told, I think I enjoyed having this fun break from heart-wrenching cliffhangers.

So if you’re looking for a light read that is also deep, don’t forget to check this book out as it is underrated as heck!

Check out the full review along with Zachary Ying and the Dragon Emperor on my blog! (read here)

[Robin Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast-paced, vivid and exciting adventure story with real heart, I couldn't stop reading! (8+)

*Please note: this review is meant as a recommendation only. Please do not use it in any marketing material, online or in print, without asking permission from me first. Thank you!*

[Fanna]

October 26, 2020: Yeah, you all can show your disappointment at me for not knowing about this before today BUT I AM SUPER EXCITED AH

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

So rarely have I seen the obsessive thinking and catastrophizing that comes with this kind of mental illness so openly portrayed this accessibly to young audiences. I think it's going to make a lot of kids feel really seen! I also loved getting to dig into this particular avenue of Indian folklore, with the acknowledgement that so much of folklore is what we make it in retellings. There were a few things I wanted to dig deeper into ( example, there were some moments where I think shock and grief really deserved a bit more tenderness and time ) but on the whole I think this was a really fun, excellent, important book that I can't wait to put into kids' hands.

[Tea and Spite · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. It falls into the major trap nearly all "I wish this character had existed when I was a kid" type books fall into though: it talks down to children.

I cannot stand books talking down to children. Kids aren't stupid! They understand a lot more than adults give them credit for. They can handle complex topics and difficult issues without being spoon-fed. This book spoon-feeds. Painfully. The anxiety/acceptance plot is so trite I can't imagine most kids being willing to put up with it. I know I wouldn't have at nine or ten.

It's too bad because the book starts off great. Kiki is fun and engaging when she's allowed to simply exist as a child with anxiety. It's when the book tries to insert fan-ish conversations about fantasy worlds and representation that everything falls apart. For instance, Kiki repeatedly beats herself up about not giving her made-up band of child heroes parents or guardians. This is not something most kids ever notice or care about. They're aware enough to understand that if Peter Pan had adult supervision they'd tell him that pirates are dangerous and to get away from that crocodile. Adults are the ones who write meta about parents in fantasy stories being criminally incompetent.

There's also a major plot hole in that Kiki, upon being taken into a world created by her own drawings, never stops to ask if she can just go back to her proper world and draw her band of heroes defeating the bad guy. It's a clear indication of Mandanna having no concept of how children think because that is literally the first question every child I know would ask. Give a reason it can't be done if you want, but you have to rule out the simplest, most obvious solution before moving on to the rest of the story. Especially in books for kids. There is no group of critics more capable of ripping apart an overly-complicated plot than 8-12 year old children.

That plot hole, combined with the overly didactic portrayal of anxiety and a cast of characters that never fully came to life, made the book slow to read. I like the idea. I like the intentions. But good intentions and a fun idea are not enough to make a book worth reading.

[Becky Ginther · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seems like a somewhat unpopular opinion, but I didn't love this one. It felt like it had a lot of potential - I've enjoyed the Rick Riordan style mythology stories and learning about other cultures' myths. I don't know as much about Indian mythology but I work with a lot of Indian people so I would love to learn more. I also really liked the idea that the main character had some anxiety issues as I closely relate to that.

That being said, I just couldn't get into this. I listened to it on audiobook, but it just felt so plodding. Aside from one brief moment of action towards the beginning that kind of gets the main plot going, there was really almost no action until about 2/3 into the book. There's a lot of planning and explaining and that sort of thing but nothing really happens.

There was also a lot of exposition and explaining feelings rather than showing them. Especially for a character with anxiety it just felt frustrating that it was so spelled out rather than shown. It also felt unrealistic because half the time I can barely understand my own feelings and why certain things cause my anxiety, so for a 12 year old to "explain" all of that to the reader felt like a bit much.

There were some good moments in the last third of the book, but overall I just sort of had to get myself through this one. Maybe now that the characters and world are more established any sequels will be better, but I don't know that I'll be reading them.

[Kayla Stierwalt · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a creative and compassionate representation of OCD. This story shows the importance of connection, creativity and courage.

[Katy Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Journey... The Magic Paintbrush... now Kiki Kallira with added culture.

Stories about drawings coming to life have always fascinated me. A 'wish fulfilment' idea, like books becoming real in Inkheart, but with pictures.

I read this first Kiki book soon after watching Ms Marvel with my oldest. So to see cultures represented that we don't often see in fiction was again, very welcome. Having grown up in a multicultural town with Hindu friends, I was aware I knew little of their beliefs/background/stories. This would have been helpful growing up, to be able to ask them about these characters and narratives.

Kiki herself is also a great creation. A worrier. Not the usual 'hero'. She's almost OCD in her need to 'check' things, worried a burglar will get in and hurt her mum, she has to return home to check, even when out with a friend having fun.

Wrapping her worries inside her own artwork, her own created worlds and characters, her internal fears and quirks are going to be tested when her pictures find their way to becoming real... and not just the characters she rather likes. She's put mythological bad guys in their too. Who now feel very real once Kiki is transported to her own creation of Mysore.

Adventure and fantasy, with Kiki's nature at the heart of the narrative, it's a different hero and a very visually compelling world. Especially seeing Kiki in her rainbow unicorn pyjamas throughout. She's not hard to identify with, and there's a range of characters from sugar-hating lions to witches to appeal to all.

Fast-moving and refreshing, one for ages 9-13.

[USOM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom is emotional and precious at once. Let's start with my favorite element: Kiki. Her character instantly charmed me. The ways she's trying to manage her anxiety and her worrying. This just reached into my heart and twisted. Talk about a middle grade character who would have made a difference in my life. I feel like chatting about mental illness - and the conversations Kiki has in this book - are so crucial for kids. This idea that we can be suffering and not knowing how to ask for help or even recognize it.

Additionally, I loved how Kiki, dumped into this magical world, has to figure out her own power. We have these adventure stories where the main character ends up training. Where they seem to be able to use a weapon passably well or having magical powers. But what about us? I'm talking specifically about me who could wield absolutely nothing. For Kiki, trying to figure out her own magic, her own power and capability, is huge.

full review: https://utopia-state-of-mind.com/revi...

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prone to spiralling thoughts and anxiety, Kiki finds comfort in drawing in her sketchbook. One evening, while thinking of an asura and her dead aunt, something magical happens, and the figures in her sketchbook begin appearing in the flesh, in London, where she lives with her loving, single mum.

Her aunt pushes Kiki through the sketchbook into the version of Mysore Kiki's filled her sketchbook with. Kiki is entranced with this Mysore, but is told the asura must be destroyed to make the city safe. Kiki falls in with characters she drew, a band of kids her age who are rebelling against the asura subjugating the city.

Kiki becomes fond of these rebel kids, while trying to figure out how to break the demon’s hold on Mysore. She also becomes close with her aunt, who gives Kiki good advice on her anxiety.

There’s conflict, humour, tragedy and betrayals, and the Kiki who returns to London is much more confident than the one who fell into her version of Mysore, making this a fun start to the series.

[Tina M · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hoping The Series Gets Stronger As It Progresses/Library Loan

Enjoyable, but definitely for the younger crowd. There’s quite a bit of repetitive information that could’ve was been cut, thus reducing the clutter and page numbers.

I found myself wandering and losing interest at times because of some of the unnecessary clutter. Took longer to read than it should’ve simply because of this.

I still enjoyed it quite a bit. But, I’m not in a huge hurry to start the second in the series.

Sangu Mandanna is generally a strong writer, so I was slightly disappointed in the way some of this played out. Maybe it has something to do with the targeted age of the audience?

I could fairly only give this 3 stars, even though I was truly hoping for more.

[Ms. Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really wished I had read this book growing up. I have not seen a character with anxiety and openly working her way in dealing with her mental health. As someone with pretty severe anxiety growing up, I wish I had a character to look to. I loved the portal part of this fantasy novel, it was reminiscent of Narnia and it has me completely hooked on learning more Indian mythology. Can't wait to add a copy to my classroom library.

Thank you Libro.fm for a copy of the audiobook.

[Christina (A Reader of Fictions)]

Creative world building all about the power of imagination and fighting back with intelligence and innovation, not physical strength. Surprisingly dark in places as well. Didn't resonate with me emotionally, but I'm an old, and I think the cast of characters who are fictional to Kiki's real was a stretch for me in my oldness. I do think kids will really enjoy this.

[Layla Crowie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore that the author chose to accurately represent anxiety within their main character. There is a diverse selection of characters and a well fleshed out storyline.

[Marygrace Wrabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for any middle school age kid and even more so for kids with anxiety or ocd.

[Joe Kessler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another title in the popular recent mini-genre of Percy Jackson-inspired #ownvoices fantasy stories involving a middle-grade protagonist coming face-to-face with certain mythological beings drawn from the writer's cultural heritage. In this novel, the Hindu gods and demons are joined by a fun Inkheart sort of element, as it's the heroine's drawings of them (along with some of her own inventions) that have unexpectedly come to life and dragged her into their world. That gives the project a rather unique atmosphere, as does the frank and non-stigmatized approach to mental illness in discussing her anxiety / borderline OCD.

It's a fine adventure overall, although I wish there was less criticizing and guilting of Kiki throughout for her artistic choices, such as the house of rebel children with no grown-ups to look after them or a villain's fortress protected by deadly traps. She's thirteen and has quite reasonably never expected the things in her sketchbook to have any independent existence! Give her a break, and don't invite young audiences to worry about the morality of their own doodles, sheesh. But that aspect aside, I have really enjoyed the book. The action is exciting, the characters feel specific and endearing, and the plot contains a few genuine surprises even for an older reader like me. It's a great take on folklore, found family, and disability, and I'm excited to see author Sangu Mandanna is already under contract for a sequel.

[Content warning for death of a friend.]

Like this review?
--Throw me a quick one-time donation here!
https://ko-fi.com/lesserjoke
--Subscribe here to support my writing and weigh in on what I read next!
https://patreon.com/lesserjoke
--Follow along on Goodreads here!
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/6...
--Or click here to browse through all my previous reviews!
https://lesserjoke.home.blog

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiki Kallira Breaks a Kingdom was such a beautiful story with fantastic worldbuilding and a diverse cast of characters that was so much fun to read. There are some brilliant messages woven throughout the story in relation to celebrating our own merits, not comparing ourselves to others and working together as a team. Something that I enjoyed equally was the anxiety representation and how that was explored throughout the novel, Kiki is the perfect (imperfect) rolemodel that will bring so much confidence and comfort to so many children. The rest of the cast of characters were unique and memorable in the best way, and were not without their own struggles either.

The way mythology and culture is entwined into the story creates such a vibrant and interesting setting that you get sucked into from the first page. I am sure those with knowledge of Hindu mythology will love to see these characters reinvented into a new light whilst the explanations throughout make it a great starting point for those that have never been emersed into this type of culture before. The writing style really does make it accessible.

One thing I would say, is there is a slight lull in pacing around the middle of the book but the plot twists and action towards the end makes it totally worth sticking out, even if the speed the story goes at isn't always consistent.

Overall would definitely recommend it.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book with deep characters. I especially appreciate the treatment of anxiety/OCD tendencies in a way that is accessible and humane for young readers.

Themes of trusting one’s self as well as questions about what it means to create and to be “real” open up complex conversations for young readers.

One note (with slight spoilers): I read this as an alternative to Aru Shah with the Torchlight homeschool curriculum because Aru was too intense for my sensitive 2nd grader. This book was ultimately a better fit, but there are some intense scenes and the death of a main character (that’s slightly mitigated at the end through some magic but still permanent in important ways) was tough. Sensitive readers may struggle, especially if processing alone. We did it as a read aloud and had to take breaks and discuss big feelings!

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Allereerst, keep in mind dat dit middlegrade is mocht je deze ooit gaan lezen.

Dat gezegd hebbende (en zelf wist ik dat toen ik aan het boek begon) vond ik deze echt heel erg leuk. Ik vloog er in 24 uur doorheen, mede omdat het voor een lagere doelgroep is bedoeld. Maar er is een logisch verhaal met high stakes, met verschillende karakters die ergens naartoe werken.

Maar toch!! Was het niet té jong geschreven, er gebeurden dingen binnen de plot waarbij ik dacht ‘damn, bij deze doelgroep?’ Maar die dan wel op zo’n manier beschreven werden dat het kon. Ook is een heeeel groot onderdeel van dit verhaal hoe Kiki leert leven met haar anxiety. Dat vond ik echt goed beschreven en heel erg relatable. En goed dat dat bespreekbaar wordt gemaakt onder jeugd!

Ik zou deze van hart aanraden en kan niet wachten op deel 2. 4,5 ster.

[Katie Spradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kiki is a British Indian 12 year old girl with a big imagination and big worries to match. She pours her heart into her sketchbook to soothe her brain when it won’t quiet down, mixing Indian folklore with her own imagined heroes and cast of characters. She carries on like this, her anxiety festering until to her surprise, she finds herself face to face with one of her own demons in her own bedroom in London! A girl she had imagined, a hero named Ashwini with a sword and a crooked smile, appears and comes to her rescue then brings her back to the world of her sketchbook to help fight the demon king and save the imagined people who now don’t seem so imaginary. The pressure and guilt build as she realizes these people live in a world of her creation, demons and all, and it’s up to her to set it right.

This book does a lot of work beyond being a fun and imaginative adventure that will hook middle grades readers. Kiki’s worries are more than a typical kid’s and part of the journey involves her coming to terms with what’s going on in her brain, accepting it as part of herself but not what defines her, and finding her inner strength. The south Asian cultural representation is vibrant and will make any kids sharing Kiki’s culture feel seen and valued and represented in the class library. There is humor, heartbreak, and growth, as well as a cast of unique and lovable side characters. I recommend this for keeping on the shelf for independent reading or offering as a book club book for students. They will devour it and hopefully reach for the next one in the series.

[Brittany McCann · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was a lot to love, and this is an awesome middle-grade novel!

Kiki is likable but a very well-written neurodivergent character that deals with major anxiety and thought spirals.

On top of her struggles, she is a creator of characters and the world and finds herself lost in them and dealing with the elimination or lack of backstory she may have provided for them. As an author, this was so thrilling to read because we can't fill in every single blank, and that was genius of Sangu Mandanna.

4-4.5 Stars

[Heather-Lin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfection!

A fun, good hearted adventure, grounded in art, friendship, and Eastern Indian folklore. AMAZING MENTAL HEALTH REP. Extremely satisfying!!

Other quality MG books:
•Sal and Gabby Break the Universe by Carlo Hernandez
•Etiquette & Espionage (Finishing School #1) by Gail Carriger
•Greenglass House by Kate Milford

***

GR Personal Rating System:
★★★★★ 5 Stars ~ LOVED
★★★★☆ 4 Stars ~ ENJOYED
★★★☆☆ 3 Stars ~ LIKED
★★☆☆☆ 2 Stars ~ MEH
★☆☆☆☆ 1 Star ~ NOPE

[Mallie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was totally sucked into Kiki's adventure and loved every second! The cast of characters was great, Kiki's journey with her mental health and personal strength is so powerful, and I'm so excited to have more adventures in Mysore

[Tara · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing representation of mental health for upper elementary in a fun and adventurous fantasy