Age rating and parents' guide:Aru Shah and the End of Time
by Roshani Chokshi
Ages 9–14
Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi is best for children aged 9–14. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Mythic battles, monsters and peril; strong reluctant-reader pick for older children.
Twelve-year-old Aru Shah tends to stretch the truth to fit in at school. While spending her autumn break in the Museum of Ancient Indian Arts and Culture, she lights a cursed lamp to impress her classmates, accidentally freeing an ancient demon who freezes time and traps her mother. To save her family and the world, Aru embarks on an epic quest through Hindu mythology, discovering her own heroic heritage along the way. Readers love the witty, humorous heroine, vibrant mythological beasts, and fast-paced adventure.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Moderate
- Scary moments
- Moderate
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Worth knowing: Mythic battles, monsters and peril; strong reluctant-reader pick for older children.
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Novel
- Part of the Pandava series
- A steady start that picks up quickly
- Mostly text
- Some emotionally heavy moments
- A good pick for reluctant readers
- Indian author, setting or story
Great for kids who like
- Fantasy & Magic
- Action & Adventure
- Myths, Legends & Fairy Tales
Reading mood
- Adventurous
- Imaginative
- Suspenseful
Good to talk about
- Mythology
- Indian heritage
Books like Aru Shah and the End of Time
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 9–14
Nevermoor
by Jessica Townsend
Morrigan Crow is cursed and blamed for every local misfortune, doomed to die on Eventide. Instead, a mysterious man named Jupiter North whisks her away to the secret, magical city of Nevermoor. There, Morrigan must compete in four dangerous trials against hundreds of talented children to win a place in the elite Wundrous Society. Full of whimsical charm, eccentric characters, and high-stakes excitement, it is an inventive adventure about courage, friendship, and finding where you truly belong.
Ages 9–11
The Serpent's Secret
by Sayantani DasGupta
On her twelfth birthday, Kiranmala thinks she is an ordinary sixth-grader from New Jersey. That changes when a demon trashes her home, her parents disappear into another dimension, and two prince-like strangers arrive to whisk her away. Kiran soon learns that her parents' tall tales of Bengali folktales are actually real—and she is a secret princess. Fast-paced, witty, and packed with fearsome creatures and clever riddles, this magical adventure offers an exciting journey filled with humor and cultural richness.
Ages 9–11
The Land of Stories
by Chris Colfer
After losing their father, twins Alex and Conner receive a cherished fairy-tale book from their grandmother that unexpectedly acts as a portal into a magical realm. To find their way back home, the siblings must travel through kingdoms inhabited by familiar characters like Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, and Goldilocks on a quest to gather rare items. The story is an imaginative, fast-paced blend of humour and wonder that appeals to children who love clever twists on traditional folklore.
Ages 9–13
Asha & the Spirit Bird
by Jasbinder Bilan
Living in the foothills of the Himalayas, Asha worries when money stops arriving from her father in the city. When a ruthless moneylender threatens to take their family home, Asha sets off on a dangerous trek across the mountains to find him, accompanied by her best friend Jeevan. Guided by a majestic bird that she believes carries the spirit of her grandmother, Asha faces harsh wilderness and real danger. It is an atmospheric, deeply felt adventure rich in Indian culture and strong family bonds.
Ages 9–14
Percy Jackson and the Olympians
by Rick Riordan
Percy Jackson is a twelve-year-old boy who discovers he is actually a demigod, the son of the Greek god Poseidon. After being accused of stealing Zeus's master lightning bolt, he must journey across modern-day America to find the real thief and prevent a war among the gods. Alongside his friends Annabeth and Grover, Percy faces legendary monsters and mythological perils. Readers love the fast-paced action, witty first-person narration, and clever modern twists on ancient legends.
Ages 9–14
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone
by J.K. Rowling
After living a miserable life with his uncaring aunt and uncle, Harry Potter discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is actually a wizard. He is whisked away to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he learns spells, plays Quidditch, and discovers the warmth of true friendship. However, danger lingers as Harry uncovers secrets about the dark wizard who killed his parents. Children love the imaginative magical world, the cozy boarding-school atmosphere, and the thrilling mystery at its heart.
On these book lists
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.