Freedom to read

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Ages: 8+

A flag, a Song and a Pinch of Salt: A brilliant storyteller, Subhadra Sen Gupta narrates our struggle for freedom through the lives of our freedom fighters, making it interesting even for those who run away from history textbooks. The tale of how they stood up against the biggest colonial empire in the world carrying the tricolour is relived beautifully in her words.

The Puffin History of India For Children - Volume 1: This informal, engaging style of narration by Roshen Dalal takes us through centuries-old stories - from the Indus Valley Civilisation to our Independence - tracing the social, political, cultural and economic development along the way. Well-researched and comprehensive, the book packs in trivia, maps
and illustrations.

Amar Chitra Katha: Stories about freedom: This special issue by Reena I Puri chronicles the freedom struggle of India and features those who were instrumental in shaping its path. Their immense sacrifices and losses are documented to help children appreciate the value of freedom.

A Beautiful Lie: This debut novel by Irfan Master is set in India in 1947 at the time of Partition, touching on the importance of tolerance, love and family. The protagonist is a young boy, determined to protect his dying father from the news of Partition but that entails a very complicated relationship with the truth.

The Story of India's Freedom Movement: This masterful account by Pandit Nehru's niece Nayantara Sehgal, tells us the story of ordinary people defeating a mighty empire through the forces of satyagraha and ahimsa. It narrates the lives of the leaders, revolutionaries and masses, along with the horrors of oppression that they faced and the big triumphs in the end.

Ages: 5+

We the Children of India: The author - former Chief Justice Leila Seth - believes it is never too early for young people to learn about the Constitution. Complex topics like what is a democratic republic, why are we secular and what is sovereignty is explained in a lucid language with numerous photographs, bits of trivia and brilliant illustrations by acclaimed illustrator Bindia Thapar.

Mukund and Riaz: A moving reading experience by Nina Sabnani with strong visuals using the art of appliqué work that is common to India and Pakistan, the story is set against the background of the Partition of 1947. Through shared memories, craft and histories, it offers deeply moving layers of meaning with which to identify and from which to draw strength.

A Children's History of India: Simple, lucid writing has been Shubhadra Sen Gupta's trademark style and her unique style lets your mind journey through the art, culture and architecture of places of importance over centuries. The fun and easy-to-do activities, quirky fact boxes and beautiful illustrations make the read even more interesting.

Picture books to read

. My Gandhi Scrapbook by Sandhya Rao
. Uncle Nehru, Please Send An Elephant! By Devika Cariama
. Warrior Women by Tara Anand
. Kasturba by Tanaya Vyas