Aru Shah and The End of Time by author Roshani Chokshi

aru shah and the end of time graphic novel

Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she’ll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?

One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru’s doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don’t believe her claim that the museum’s Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. Just a quick light, Aru thinks. Then she can get herself out of this mess and never ever fib again.

But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and it’s up to Aru to save them.

The only way to stop the demon is to find the reincarnations of the five legendary Pandava brothers, protagonists of the Hindu epic poem, the Mahabharata, and journey through the Kingdom of Death. But how is one girl in Spider-Man pajamas supposed to do all that?

praise for aru shah and the end of time

Adapter Caramagna 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.”
Kirkus

A new star is born. Aru Shah and the End of Time is mind-bending and brilliant. Original and spellbinding, the story sparkles with wit and magic. Fantasy has never been so much fun.”
          Eoin Colfer, New York Times bestselling author of the blockbuster Artemis Fowl series

Hilarious and brilliant—full of wit, warmth, and wonder. Aru Shah is a clever, believable heroine who deserves her place with all the great heroes of legend. I’m so happy this book exists—and that there are still more to come!”
         Shannon Messenger, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Keeper of the Lost Cities series

Warning! This book contains mind-bending myths, dreadful demons, and more swashbuckling high adventure than can possibly be good for you. Oh, and one of the sassiest heroines ever to walk into an elephant’s mouth. I loved it. I think you will, too.
         Jonathan Stroud, author of the New York Times bestselling Bartimaeus Trilogy

[An] engrossing adventure tale.
Teen Vogue

An imaginative novel that puts girl power and diverse protagonists front and center.
Entertainment Weekly

VERDICT A perfect pick for readers desiring a fantasy adventure that breaks the mold when it comes to lore and characters
School Library Journal