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Ajay and the Mumbai Sun #1
Ajay and the Mumbai Sun
A high-stakes adventure story full of heart from debut author Varsha Shah – winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2020!
Abandoned on the Mumbai railways, Ajay has grown up with nothing but a burning wish to be a journalist.
Finding an abandoned printing press, he and his friends Saif, Vinod, Yasmin and Jai create their own newspaper: The Mumbai Sun.
As they hunt down stories for their paper, the children uncover corruption, fight for justice and battle to save their slum from bulldozers.
But against some of the most powerful forces in the city, can Ajay and his friends really succeed in bringing the truth to light? Not to mention win the most important cricket match ever …
Abandoned on the Mumbai railways, Ajay has grown up with nothing but a burning wish to be a journalist.
Finding an abandoned printing press, he and his friends Saif, Vinod, Yasmin and Jai create their own newspaper: The Mumbai Sun.
As they hunt down stories for their paper, the children uncover corruption, fight for justice and battle to save their slum from bulldozers.
But against some of the most powerful forces in the city, can Ajay and his friends really succeed in bringing the truth to light? Not to mention win the most important cricket match ever …
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 7, 2022
15 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
February 5, 2023
A sweet and spirited story that will not only hook younger readers with its action packed plot, but also act as an incredibly eye opening and informative read.
November 5, 2022
The book was average by plot, presentation, suspense, quotes and dialogues. Every development was predictable which made it boring specially in the first half. However, I must compliment the author for his descriptive power. He has used the most apt words to describe every scene of the story. No part could have been described better. Be it the type of food, climate, human feelings, tumult of the railway stations or any other environment, the writer left no stone unturned in using the best vocabulary assiduously at every stage.
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May 8, 2022First published novel of my classmate Varsha and what a triumph. Enjoyed the story, it gave me little reminders of Tintin mixed meets Hugo Caberet and Oliver Twist (and maybe even a touch of The French Dispatch?) but it really is its own. Though it contains some heavier topics such as inequality, corruption, and death, Shah deals with them with nuance and keeps the balance with sprinkles of beautiful description and tummy-rumblingly good passages about delicious foods (in fact I wish the book came with a mini recipe book from Vinod!) The characters are warm, lovable, and funny, and I loved Ajay’s positive attitude to life. It’s also so refreshing to read of a newspaper and journalist that wants to uncover truth rather than just create clickbait and to bring people together rather than divide. Love how some history was woven in the story too eg WWI information and the Panama Papers etc ;) And to top it off Sònia’s illustrations were great and really complimented the story. Well done all round. Looking forward to the next!
October 21, 2023
A fascinating trip through Mumbai's busy streets that perfectly captures the spirit of the city's colourful culture. It is a touching and well written tale of Ajay's search to discover the secret of the Mumbai sun. The characters are likeable and realistic. It's an engrossing read that will appeal to readers of all ages, providing an insight into Mumbai's many traditions.
March 2, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Sometimes a kids book just fills a gap
Sometimes a kids book just fills a gap
April 13, 2023
I picked this up because I saw it was nominated for the children’s award at Waterstones. I can definitely see the merits of this book and why it was nominated but I found it to be slow going at times. It took me a while to start to care for the characters and a while for the plot to get going. I can see this being an issue with more reluctant younger readers who want the plot to begin immediately.
September 28, 2023
This is the first novel that I have read in a while. For me, it has been the perfect re-entry into reading as I found Ajay and the Mumbai Sun to be one of those books that the world just flies by and you're on page 100 before you know it. I hope my enthusiasm for reading remains.
Set in India, this book explores themes surrounding the working class structures in Mumbai. Following Ajay and his other friends who live in the railway station, this book aims to inspire those who want to make real changes in the world. Although many books aim for this same aspiration, it is through the gritty perseverance of all those associated with the Mumbai Sun newspaper that aligns this aspiration with the real world, rather than just a fairytale. The illustrations are fantastic, the vocabulary is awesome, and don't even get me started on how Varsha Shah describes food as it will just make my mouth water.
Set in India, this book explores themes surrounding the working class structures in Mumbai. Following Ajay and his other friends who live in the railway station, this book aims to inspire those who want to make real changes in the world. Although many books aim for this same aspiration, it is through the gritty perseverance of all those associated with the Mumbai Sun newspaper that aligns this aspiration with the real world, rather than just a fairytale. The illustrations are fantastic, the vocabulary is awesome, and don't even get me started on how Varsha Shah describes food as it will just make my mouth water.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 28, 2025
I absolutely loved reading this book! It’s full of heart, passion, and wonderful characters!
If you enjoy unlikely heroes, and unfolding mysteries - action - and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then you’ll love the Mumbai Sun.
Also: I would highly recommend this book, and you may need some snacks to keep you going! (Some of the scenes are highly descriptive - be forewarned).
Lastly,
‘Let justice be done, though the heavens may fall!’
If you enjoy unlikely heroes, and unfolding mysteries - action - and a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat, then you’ll love the Mumbai Sun.
Also: I would highly recommend this book, and you may need some snacks to keep you going! (Some of the scenes are highly descriptive - be forewarned).
Lastly,
‘Let justice be done, though the heavens may fall!’
August 16, 2025
Ajay is a great protagonist in this MG story. The poverty is palpable, yet the book is uplifting.
March 27, 2023
Satyamera Jayate
Zum Inhalt:
Ajay ist eines der Bahnhofskinder in Mumbai. Sein großer Traum ist es, Reporter für eine Zeitung zu werden und seine Freunde unterstützen ihn dabei. Als in der Umgebung seltsame Dinge geschehen und die Textilfabrik plötzlich einstürzt, beginnen Ajay und seine Freunde, sich auf die Suche nach der Wahrheit zu begeben. Dabei müssen sie sich einigen Herausforderungen stellen und lernen, wie wichtig wahre Freunde sind.
Mein Eindruck:
Ich habe das Buch gewaltig unterschätzt, so viel kann ich euch sagen. Ajay und die Tintenhelden fällt eher in die Kategorie der Kinderbücher, weswegen ich mit einigen Ereignissen nicht gerechnet hatte.
Die Stimmung im Buch ist perfekt auf den Handlungsort abgestimmt, außerdem haben mir die Metaphern und detaillierten Umgebungsbeschreibungen eine kleine Reise nach Mumbai ermöglicht. Dieses Feingefühl für Atmosphäre hat mich von Anfang bis Ende begeistert und die Handlung noch authentischer werden lassen.
Ajay und seine Freunde haben kein unbeschwertes Leben, jedoch kommen sie erstaunlich gut mit Herausforderungen klar. Ajay – ein 12 jähriger Junge – beweist in diesem Buch extrem viel Mut, Verstand und weitere Talente, sodass ich aus dem Staunen nicht mehr heraus gekommen bin. Auch seine Freunde und insbesondere der Zusammenhalt aller, haben mich emotional sehr an die Charaktere gebunden.
Ich habe bei einem Buch, das ich wirklich unterschätzt habe, mitgefiebert und mitgelitten. Es ist so schön ehrlich und basiert sogar auf echten Ereignissen. Die Autorin thematisiert nicht nur das Leben von Straßenkindern in Mumbai, sondern auch politische Probleme aufgrund des „Kastensystems“ und den Einfluss von Fast Fashion auf Arbeiter und Umwelt.
Ajay und die Tintenhelden hat einen aufklärerischen Charakter und bleibt dabei ehrlich und auch humorvoll. Es wird nichts beschönigt, auch wenn einige Situationsausgänge ein bisschen verharmlost wurden – es ist immer noch ein Kinderbuch. Und für dieses Genre ist dieses Buch ziemlich vollgepackt mit Spannung und Gewalt.
Besonders gefallen hat mir das Glossar am Ende, welches einige typisch indischen Gerichte oder Sprichwörter genauer erklärt. Wie das in der Überschrift, es bedeutet übersetzt: „Nur die Wahrheit allein siegt“ und es passt perfekt zu Ajays Geschichte. Zudem enthält es einen kleinen Beitrag zum Thema Fast Fashion und bietet weitere Informationsquellen. Kleine Illustrationen verliehen ihm noch mehr Ausdruck und Details.
Ajay und die Tintenhelden ist kurzgesagt ein Komplett-Paket und trägt eine bedeutende Nachricht an alle Leser weiter. Ich bin sehr begeistert und werde es aufheben, bis ich selber Kinder habe (falls das irgendwann passieren sollte) um es ihnen zu zeigen und sie über die Welt aufzuklären.
Zum Inhalt:
Ajay ist eines der Bahnhofskinder in Mumbai. Sein großer Traum ist es, Reporter für eine Zeitung zu werden und seine Freunde unterstützen ihn dabei. Als in der Umgebung seltsame Dinge geschehen und die Textilfabrik plötzlich einstürzt, beginnen Ajay und seine Freunde, sich auf die Suche nach der Wahrheit zu begeben. Dabei müssen sie sich einigen Herausforderungen stellen und lernen, wie wichtig wahre Freunde sind.
Mein Eindruck:
Ich habe das Buch gewaltig unterschätzt, so viel kann ich euch sagen. Ajay und die Tintenhelden fällt eher in die Kategorie der Kinderbücher, weswegen ich mit einigen Ereignissen nicht gerechnet hatte.
Die Stimmung im Buch ist perfekt auf den Handlungsort abgestimmt, außerdem haben mir die Metaphern und detaillierten Umgebungsbeschreibungen eine kleine Reise nach Mumbai ermöglicht. Dieses Feingefühl für Atmosphäre hat mich von Anfang bis Ende begeistert und die Handlung noch authentischer werden lassen.
Ajay und seine Freunde haben kein unbeschwertes Leben, jedoch kommen sie erstaunlich gut mit Herausforderungen klar. Ajay – ein 12 jähriger Junge – beweist in diesem Buch extrem viel Mut, Verstand und weitere Talente, sodass ich aus dem Staunen nicht mehr heraus gekommen bin. Auch seine Freunde und insbesondere der Zusammenhalt aller, haben mich emotional sehr an die Charaktere gebunden.
Ich habe bei einem Buch, das ich wirklich unterschätzt habe, mitgefiebert und mitgelitten. Es ist so schön ehrlich und basiert sogar auf echten Ereignissen. Die Autorin thematisiert nicht nur das Leben von Straßenkindern in Mumbai, sondern auch politische Probleme aufgrund des „Kastensystems“ und den Einfluss von Fast Fashion auf Arbeiter und Umwelt.
Ajay und die Tintenhelden hat einen aufklärerischen Charakter und bleibt dabei ehrlich und auch humorvoll. Es wird nichts beschönigt, auch wenn einige Situationsausgänge ein bisschen verharmlost wurden – es ist immer noch ein Kinderbuch. Und für dieses Genre ist dieses Buch ziemlich vollgepackt mit Spannung und Gewalt.
Besonders gefallen hat mir das Glossar am Ende, welches einige typisch indischen Gerichte oder Sprichwörter genauer erklärt. Wie das in der Überschrift, es bedeutet übersetzt: „Nur die Wahrheit allein siegt“ und es passt perfekt zu Ajays Geschichte. Zudem enthält es einen kleinen Beitrag zum Thema Fast Fashion und bietet weitere Informationsquellen. Kleine Illustrationen verliehen ihm noch mehr Ausdruck und Details.
Ajay und die Tintenhelden ist kurzgesagt ein Komplett-Paket und trägt eine bedeutende Nachricht an alle Leser weiter. Ich bin sehr begeistert und werde es aufheben, bis ich selber Kinder habe (falls das irgendwann passieren sollte) um es ihnen zu zeigen und sie über die Welt aufzuklären.
July 28, 2025
A good way to include some of the ethics of clothing trade and corruption in an adventure story for quite young readers.
March 23, 2023
E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus
Ajay was abandoned by his mother at a Mumbai railway station and makes his living selling The City Paper newspaper. His dream is to become a journalist, and when he gets a chance to meet its editor, Mr. Gupta, to ask for a job, he's very excited. He goes to buy ink at the market, and spills some on Mr. Raz, a renowned environmentalist, who allows him to purchase the supplies he needs to write an article to give to Mr. Gupta. Sadly, Mr. Gupta informs him that the paper is laying off staff, and definitely not hiring ten year olds. Ajay does find an old printing press that the paper is getting rid of, and with the help of some friends, takes it to the equipment room at the railway station where his friend Saif is an apprentice engineer. He starts to look for articles to write, and manages to find pink waste paper to print on, and old t shirt dye from his friend Yasmin's workplace to use as ink. He sees groups of threatening looking men putting up signs, taking photos of them, and then taking them down. The signs are notices that the slums are going to be cleared, which means that people will lose their homes. He published that in his Mumbai Sun newspaper, but no one seems very interested. Realizing that people like sports stories, he arranges an interview with a local cricket player, and does sell more copies. He also finds out that the factory where Yasmin works has had some code violations, and investigates. Yasmin is angry when the article comes out, because her factory is shut down and she has no job. When she goes to talk to the boss, the building (which Ajay heard the boss saying was unsafe) collapses. Yasmin narrowly escapes with Ajay's help, and her boss is killed. This launches Ajay and his friends into a full investigation, which uncovers shell corporations with untraceable origins. They manage to get documents from a lawyer handling some of the cases with the help of Lata, an intern, and even realize who is running the corporations. Will they be able to convince the local politicians that clearing the slums and relocating the residents is not in their best interests, but rather the work of villains?
Strengths: This balances descriptions of daily life with social justice issues very nicely, and is a fast-paced look at children who see a problem and want to solve it. Ajay may not have all of the advantages of the private school they approach to play a match against the street children, but he has grit and determination, and puts his desire to become a journalist into practice. His friends include not only Saif, who is learning to fix equipment of all sorts, but also Vinod, who is an excellent cook, and Yasmin, who is a champion for workers' rights. The investigation takes Ajay to all manner of interesting places, like the address of one of the shell corporations inhabited by a three year old who is supposedly the president, and the fancy legal offices of Mrs. Pain. There were some interesting things about Indian culture that I learned, like the fact that caste discrimination has been illegal for 60 years, and a twist at the end that I should have seen coming and didn't. This was an interesting look at a happier version of life for children in India than Venkatraman's The Bridge Home.
Weaknesses: My students may not understand why Ajay and his friends don't have parents taking care of them, so there could have been a bit of explanation for readers who are not familiar with Indian culture. Also, this had a decidedly British feel to the characters, and the names were a bit quirky. One of the shell corporations has the acronym FISHY. This makes the book seem a little less serious than it is.
What I really think: This is a must have for fans of Bajaj's Thirst, and a great example of Children Doing Things. While it seemed a little unrealistic to me taht Ajay would have had such an impact, I wish my students had a thimblefull of Ajay's gumption. Definitely purchasing, and am looking forward to handing to students next year.
Ajay was abandoned by his mother at a Mumbai railway station and makes his living selling The City Paper newspaper. His dream is to become a journalist, and when he gets a chance to meet its editor, Mr. Gupta, to ask for a job, he's very excited. He goes to buy ink at the market, and spills some on Mr. Raz, a renowned environmentalist, who allows him to purchase the supplies he needs to write an article to give to Mr. Gupta. Sadly, Mr. Gupta informs him that the paper is laying off staff, and definitely not hiring ten year olds. Ajay does find an old printing press that the paper is getting rid of, and with the help of some friends, takes it to the equipment room at the railway station where his friend Saif is an apprentice engineer. He starts to look for articles to write, and manages to find pink waste paper to print on, and old t shirt dye from his friend Yasmin's workplace to use as ink. He sees groups of threatening looking men putting up signs, taking photos of them, and then taking them down. The signs are notices that the slums are going to be cleared, which means that people will lose their homes. He published that in his Mumbai Sun newspaper, but no one seems very interested. Realizing that people like sports stories, he arranges an interview with a local cricket player, and does sell more copies. He also finds out that the factory where Yasmin works has had some code violations, and investigates. Yasmin is angry when the article comes out, because her factory is shut down and she has no job. When she goes to talk to the boss, the building (which Ajay heard the boss saying was unsafe) collapses. Yasmin narrowly escapes with Ajay's help, and her boss is killed. This launches Ajay and his friends into a full investigation, which uncovers shell corporations with untraceable origins. They manage to get documents from a lawyer handling some of the cases with the help of Lata, an intern, and even realize who is running the corporations. Will they be able to convince the local politicians that clearing the slums and relocating the residents is not in their best interests, but rather the work of villains?
Strengths: This balances descriptions of daily life with social justice issues very nicely, and is a fast-paced look at children who see a problem and want to solve it. Ajay may not have all of the advantages of the private school they approach to play a match against the street children, but he has grit and determination, and puts his desire to become a journalist into practice. His friends include not only Saif, who is learning to fix equipment of all sorts, but also Vinod, who is an excellent cook, and Yasmin, who is a champion for workers' rights. The investigation takes Ajay to all manner of interesting places, like the address of one of the shell corporations inhabited by a three year old who is supposedly the president, and the fancy legal offices of Mrs. Pain. There were some interesting things about Indian culture that I learned, like the fact that caste discrimination has been illegal for 60 years, and a twist at the end that I should have seen coming and didn't. This was an interesting look at a happier version of life for children in India than Venkatraman's The Bridge Home.
Weaknesses: My students may not understand why Ajay and his friends don't have parents taking care of them, so there could have been a bit of explanation for readers who are not familiar with Indian culture. Also, this had a decidedly British feel to the characters, and the names were a bit quirky. One of the shell corporations has the acronym FISHY. This makes the book seem a little less serious than it is.
What I really think: This is a must have for fans of Bajaj's Thirst, and a great example of Children Doing Things. While it seemed a little unrealistic to me taht Ajay would have had such an impact, I wish my students had a thimblefull of Ajay's gumption. Definitely purchasing, and am looking forward to handing to students next year.
July 16, 2023
Shah takes readers on an exhilarating journey through the vibrant streets of Mumbai, where a group of resilient and resourceful children defy the odds to chase their dreams and fight against corruption. Set amidst the backdrop of the city's bustling railway stations, slums, and factories, this heartwarming tale showcases the power of friendship, loyalty, and the indomitable spirit of the underdogs.
The story revolves around Ajay, a street kid who earns his living by selling newspapers but aspires to become a journalist. His encounter with a renowned environmentalist and the discovery of an abandoned printing press set the stage for a thrilling adventure. Ajay, along with his diverse group of friends, including a railway apprentice engineer, an artist, a seasoned cook, and a budding cricketer, comes together to start their own newspaper, The Mumbai Sun.
When Ajay stumbles upon a diabolical plan by a corrupt alliance of builders and politicians to demolish a neighbouring slum, he embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth. Despite their meagre resources and constant threats from goons, Ajay and his crew utilize their street smarts to dig deep and expose the sinister plot. The fast-paced narrative weaves themes of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the ordinary.
Varsha Shah's writing shines through in her ability to depict the energy, ambition, and resilience of the characters. The narrative sparks moments of laughter, concern, and elation, evoking a range of emotions from readers. Its themes encourage discussions about power imbalances, social change, and the impact of individual actions. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The story revolves around Ajay, a street kid who earns his living by selling newspapers but aspires to become a journalist. His encounter with a renowned environmentalist and the discovery of an abandoned printing press set the stage for a thrilling adventure. Ajay, along with his diverse group of friends, including a railway apprentice engineer, an artist, a seasoned cook, and a budding cricketer, comes together to start their own newspaper, The Mumbai Sun.
When Ajay stumbles upon a diabolical plan by a corrupt alliance of builders and politicians to demolish a neighbouring slum, he embarks on a relentless pursuit to uncover the truth. Despite their meagre resources and constant threats from goons, Ajay and his crew utilize their street smarts to dig deep and expose the sinister plot. The fast-paced narrative weaves themes of hope, resilience, and the triumph of the ordinary.
Varsha Shah's writing shines through in her ability to depict the energy, ambition, and resilience of the characters. The narrative sparks moments of laughter, concern, and elation, evoking a range of emotions from readers. Its themes encourage discussions about power imbalances, social change, and the impact of individual actions. I thoroughly enjoyed it.
August 11, 2023
1. Marketed as teen/middle grade fiction but reads like it's for younger readers
2. Characters are fairly flat and mostly defined by one or two traits (like Saif being an apprentice engineer and mentioning it in almost every line of dialogue)
3. Constant character shilling for Ajay -- was it really necessary for him to be vital to Jai winning the cricket match?
4. Random attempts at humor that just... don't work (Pain & Profitt, SOS, FISHY builders, The Amanap Papers) and feel unwelcome in a story that starts with a pretty serious examination of juvenile homelessness
5. Everything just kind of works out for everyone in the end, all the bad guys get their comeuppance, the world is saved, everything bad is stopped forever, because a handful of kids started a newspaper
6. Implies that bad people own snakes
7. Seriously there is a character named Mrs. Pain, it's so stupid
8. Too much grinning
No idea why this was marketed as middle grade fiction, though "middle grade" sometimes refers to children as young as third or fourth grade, so I guess MAYBE they'd get something out of it
2. Characters are fairly flat and mostly defined by one or two traits (like Saif being an apprentice engineer and mentioning it in almost every line of dialogue)
3. Constant character shilling for Ajay -- was it really necessary for him to be vital to Jai winning the cricket match?
4. Random attempts at humor that just... don't work (Pain & Profitt, SOS, FISHY builders, The Amanap Papers) and feel unwelcome in a story that starts with a pretty serious examination of juvenile homelessness
5. Everything just kind of works out for everyone in the end, all the bad guys get their comeuppance, the world is saved, everything bad is stopped forever, because a handful of kids started a newspaper
6. Implies that bad people own snakes
7. Seriously there is a character named Mrs. Pain, it's so stupid
8. Too much grinning
No idea why this was marketed as middle grade fiction, though "middle grade" sometimes refers to children as young as third or fourth grade, so I guess MAYBE they'd get something out of it
March 21, 2023
Loved this book! Ajay is a plucky underdog full of determination and excitement. I loved watching him fulfil his dream and was genuinely swept up by the story - the pacing was really good. The humour woven through the story made me smile despite the hard times within it, and the ending was really satisfying. (Unbelievable sure, but it's the ending you want from a children's book!)
I think the setting also added a lot to the story. The realities of the way of life for the railway children didn't detract from the fact that they were individuals with their own talents and hopes. The refusal to shy away from real life topics also makes this a great book for kids curious about the world, without being as doom and gloom as actual news stories. Plus the food descriptions were inspiring.
Big fan of Ajay and his team!
I think the setting also added a lot to the story. The realities of the way of life for the railway children didn't detract from the fact that they were individuals with their own talents and hopes. The refusal to shy away from real life topics also makes this a great book for kids curious about the world, without being as doom and gloom as actual news stories. Plus the food descriptions were inspiring.
Big fan of Ajay and his team!
June 27, 2024
This book is said to be for middle grade. However, it seems suitable for younger readers. The language is simple and there are too many convenient plot devices taking the story forward. The story is inspirational enough for a children’s book. But the writing is not up to the mark. Even though the characters are poverty laden, they seem to be having rich foods like biryani (spelt as bhiryani in the book), gulab jamoon etc. A multitude of colors are used to describe eyes (emerald, caramel, honey), skies (gold, orange, pink) which seem repetitive. Adjectives must be used to add more context to the situation.
I am reading the Harry Potter series again and honestly there is so much to learn for authors of YA books.
I am reading the Harry Potter series again and honestly there is so much to learn for authors of YA books.
March 20, 2023
Ajay has grown up in the slum mumbai railway but this hasnt dampened his dreams of becoming an journalist. When something big happens in his town Ajay fails to get it recognised by the people in charge so takes it upon himself to make his own news paper. There are a lot of diasters that happen that AJay fails to get noticed but with him and his freinds they manage to get noticed at the right time before things begin to be really affected permently.
I loved this from start to end just thought it could be more developed in areas but other than that it had a great plot.
I loved this from start to end just thought it could be more developed in areas but other than that it had a great plot.
November 29, 2023
What an absolute gem of a novel! Author Varsha Shah brought Mumbai to life and slipped in so many little details about the reality of the residents of slums that kids and adults alike will find themselves learning a lot. The book should be on the must-read list for anyone who loves adventure and strong friendships. Other than including way too many exclamation points and a few plot twists that felt a little too idealistic, I would say most kids would enjoy this one. Check it out for sure!
January 15, 2024
Read for WT
So many great lessons and tons of action packed in this! I think a lot of kids would really enjoy. Does a great job of introducing some higher level topics: forgiveness and making mistakes, corruption, environmental justice. Would be a great part of a journalism unit for a class! My one critique is that the stakes were too high to be believable at times (thinking in particular of the flood rescue and fight scenes) but hey, kids can do remarkable things so maybe not so unbelievable!
So many great lessons and tons of action packed in this! I think a lot of kids would really enjoy. Does a great job of introducing some higher level topics: forgiveness and making mistakes, corruption, environmental justice. Would be a great part of a journalism unit for a class! My one critique is that the stakes were too high to be believable at times (thinking in particular of the flood rescue and fight scenes) but hey, kids can do remarkable things so maybe not so unbelievable!
November 12, 2024
The story’s immersive descriptions transport readers into Mumbai’s heart, making them feel the city’s sights and sounds. Themes of community strength and hope are central, resonating with readers of all ages. Ajay’s relatable curiosity encourages children to explore and ask questions, fostering wonder and connection. It is a heartwarming read that celebrates culture and community, perfect for shared or independent reading.
April 11, 2025
Set in the lively city of Mumbai, this fast-paced middle-grade novel follows Ajay and his friends as they create their own newspaper. Along the way, they learn the importance of uncovering the truth and standing up for what's right—even when it's not easy. Cricket plays a fun and meaningful role in the story, adding to the local flavor and excitement. I found it a vibrant, courageous, and inspiring read.
August 2, 2022
trigger warnings: poverty, classism, children in danger, fire, child abuse, bullying
Optimistic and progressive, with beautiful illustrations.
Negatively, I didn't like the twist of who Mr Z was. And when Mrs Pain's bodyguards come after the kids, it's too frightening and harmful. They could have done half the stuff that they did and still have been threatening.
Optimistic and progressive, with beautiful illustrations.
Negatively, I didn't like the twist of who Mr Z was. And when Mrs Pain's bodyguards come after the kids, it's too frightening and harmful. They could have done half the stuff that they did and still have been threatening.
February 15, 2023
I run a children's book club in the library and we've just been reading Ajay and the Mumbai Sun. I absolutely loved reading this book. An adventure story about friendship, determination, courage, integrity, wit and the strength to make one's dreams come true. A delightful, heart-warming and amusing book not only for children. Thank you, Varsha Shah!
April 27, 2023
This was a really lovely and hopeful middle grade about a boy called Ajay who lives in the Mumbai railways but longs to be a journalist. I thought it had a gripping plot and whilst it didn’t exactly keep me guessing,it was a joy to read and I feel like Ajay’s hopeful spirit will stay with me for a while.
Would rec the audiobook too which is superbly narrated by Susheel Kumar
Would rec the audiobook too which is superbly narrated by Susheel Kumar
June 10, 2023
Seeking out the truth from the slums of Mumbai, Ajay brings his friends and their unique talents together to use a newspaper to bring light to the truth of the corruption in their city. Looking forward to their next adventure. Plenty of danger and intrigue to keep you turning the pages. This is a good one for the thoughtful readers and writers of year 5.
September 11, 2023
3.5 stars.
Great story of kids overcoming obstacles to start a newspaper and report on treachery in their slum. Things did come a bit too easy though to have it really be four stars but I'm not going to just give it three. I think the worst instance was them all escaping the collapsing factory. Umm, yeah, they'd be dead.
Great story of kids overcoming obstacles to start a newspaper and report on treachery in their slum. Things did come a bit too easy though to have it really be four stars but I'm not going to just give it three. I think the worst instance was them all escaping the collapsing factory. Umm, yeah, they'd be dead.
April 24, 2022
Excellent book. Will be using this in school with my year 5/6 class in September. Great combination of classic child gang adventure, and strong themes on important issues including inequality and corruption. These are sewn into a plot that is fast paced and written with beautiful description.
February 26, 2023
Excellent book, year 5+. Light enough to enjoy, without glossing over the realities for Ajay and his friends. The short chapters are great for reluctant readers and the story keeps moving forward all the time.
August 11, 2023
Loved this book!
This book was a great and inspirational read about a young boy from the slums who followed his dreams of being a newspaper editor.
I really enjoyed the insight into life and the community of Mumbai and think it would be of great interest to young children of all identities.
This book was a great and inspirational read about a young boy from the slums who followed his dreams of being a newspaper editor.
I really enjoyed the insight into life and the community of Mumbai and think it would be of great interest to young children of all identities.
March 11, 2024
Set in modern India, a boy named Ajay tries to save his slum neighborhood by starting a newspaper. (I believe slums are called chawls in India, but the book called them slums so I'll stick with that.) The story never hooked me and there was a lot I didn't believe.
DNFed it about 50%.
DNFed it about 50%.
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