
Age rating and parents' guide:Ashoka the Great (Amar Chitra Katha)
by Anant Pai
Ages 7–13
Ashoka the Great (Amar Chitra Katha) by Anant Pai is best for children aged 7–13. It has moderate violence, nothing scary, no romance and no bad language.
This graphic novel tells the life story of Ashoka, one of ancient India's most influential emperors. It chronicles his rise to power, his fierce expansion of the Mauryan Empire, and the brutal battle of Kalinga that changed his outlook forever. Moved by remorse, Ashoka renounces violence and adopts the peaceful teachings of Buddhism. Illustrated in classic comic-book style, this accessible biography helps young readers explore Indian history and the importance of compassion.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- Moderate
- Scary moments
- None
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Graphic novel
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Pictures on almost every page
- Some emotionally heavy moments
- A good pick for reluctant readers
- Indian author, setting or story
Great for kids who like
- Indian stories
- History & biography
- Indian heritage
Reading mood
- Suspenseful
Good to talk about
- Family
- History & biography
Books like Ashoka the Great (Amar Chitra Katha)
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.

Ages 7–13
Akbar (Amar Chitra Katha)
by Anant Pai
This graphic novel tells the life story of Jalaluddin Muhammad Akbar, one of the most famous emperors of the Mughal dynasty. Young readers follow his journey from taking the throne as a boy to expanding the empire and promoting religious tolerance and cultural flourishing. Filled with vibrant comic-style illustrations and historical anecdotes, it brings Mughal history to life in an engaging, easy-to-follow format that introduces children to Indian heritage and courtly life.

Ages 8–12
Kings and Queens
by Subhadra Sen Gupta
This engaging non-fiction book introduces young readers to some of the most notable rulers in Indian history. From powerful emperors to inspiring queens, Subhadra Sen Gupta brings court life, political rivalries, and royal daily routines alive with a warm, conversational tone. Children will enjoy the fascinating anecdotes about monuments, battles, and personalities, making historical dynasties feel vibrant, relatable, and exciting to explore.

Ages 8–12
Amma, Take Me To The Golden Temple
by Bhakti Mathur
Join young brothers Shiv and Veer as their mother takes them on a journey to the iconic Golden Temple in Amritsar. Through engaging conversation and colorful illustrations, this book introduces children to the history of Sikhism, the lives of the ten Gurus, and the traditions of service like the community kitchen (langar). It offers an approachable and warm cultural exploration that makes Indian heritage and religious history easy and enjoyable for young readers to discover.

Ages 6–11
Amma Take Me to the Golden Temple
by Bhakti Mathur
Join Amma and her two curious boys, Shiv and Veer, on an engaging trip to the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Through their journey, young readers discover the history of the Sikh Gurus, the significance of the sacred pool, and the unique architecture of the shrine. They also learn about the tradition of the langar, where thousands share free meals side by side. Filled with warm illustrations and clear explanations, it offers an inviting introduction to Sikh culture and heritage.

Ages 6–10
Sikh Gurus: The Life and Times of the Ten Gurus
by Om Books International
This beautifully illustrated non-fiction book introduces young readers to the lives, teachings, and history of the ten Sikh Gurus, starting from Guru Nanak Dev Ji to Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Children learn about key principles such as equality, service, and devotion through accessible retellings of pivotal moments in Sikh history. The engaging storytelling and colourful artwork make it an inviting introduction to faith, cultural heritage, and values for families reading together.

Ages 6–10
Grandparents' Bag of Stories
by Sudha Murty; illustrated by Priya Kurian
During an unexpected lockdown, four cousins stay with their grandparents in a village in Karnataka. To keep the children entertained, Ajji and Ajja open their treasure chest of stories, sharing tales of clever kings, talking animals, gods, goddesses, and moral lessons from Indian folklore. Between stories, the children help with chores and enjoy homemade treats. It is a gentle, comforting read that celebrates family bonds and the joy of oral storytelling.
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.