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“A tiger-loving Texan tween attempts to protect these endangered creatures while staying with his grandparents in India. . . . Bajaj’s immersive prose transports readers to a tranquil forest teeming with vibrant wildlife. . . . Rohan’s journey is a compelling one; he begins the novel passionate about safeguarding tigers but shy about expressing himself and emerges as a committed activist.”

—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review

“A tiger-obsessed fifth grader finds purpose—and peril—awaiting him abroad in this absorbing eco-conscious adventure. . . . Riveting third-person narration primarily centers Ro while occasionally spotlighting chapters from the perspective of Arya, a tiger whose survival hangs in the balance, which lend immediacy to the conservation stakes. Introspective language seamlessly incorporates accessible information about the animals’ storied place in India’s cultural and environmental history.”

—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

Roar

Written by Varsha Bajaj
Published by Nancy Paulsen Books

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.

Primary ISBN: 9780593699058
Publication Date: May 2026
Available As: Hardcover, Audiobook, eBook
Middle Grade, Age 08 or older

Community Represented:

Themes: , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Setting: United States (Texas), India

Character's Place in the Immigration Journey: 1st Generation

Book Creator(s) Connection to the Community Represented: Own Voices/Lived Experience

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