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Cover of The Serpent's Secret

Age rating and parents' guide:The Serpent's Secret

by Sayantani DasGupta

Ages 9–11

The Serpent's Secret by Sayantani DasGupta is best for children aged 9–11. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing: Monster battles.

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. Opens conversations about culture, community, and different ways of life.

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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: Monster battles

Dhiraj Bodade

Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on 21 September 2026.

At a glance

  • ★Novel
  • ★Part of the Kiranmala 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
  • Mystery & Detective
  • Action & Adventure

Reading mood

  • Adventurous
  • Mysterious
  • Imaginative

Good to talk about

  • Indian heritage
  • Fantasy & Magic

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    Aru Shah and the End of Time

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    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. Encourages gentle, guided conversations about challenging feelings and experiences.

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    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. Invites older readers to reflect on compassion, courage, and resilience.

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  • Cover of Skandar and the Unicorn Thief

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Questions parents ask

Q: What age is The Serpent's Secret for?
The Serpent's Secret suits children aged 9–11. It is a novel: a steady start that picks up quickly, mostly text.
Q: Is The Serpent's Secret appropriate for a 9 year old?
Yes. Bookstaken rates it for ages 9–11. It has moderate violence, some scary moments, no romance and no bad language. Worth knowing before reading: Monster battles.
Q: Is The Serpent's Secret part of a series?
Yes, it belongs to the Kiranmala series. If your child enjoys it, the other Kiranmala books are the easiest next step.
Q: What should my child read after The Serpent's Secret?
Try The Magic of the Lost Temple, Aru Shah and the End of Time and The Land of Stories. They share the same kind of story and suit the same ages.
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