Lion of the Sky

An evocative historical novel in verse about a boy and his family who are forced to flee their home and become refugees after the British Partition of India. Perfect for fans of Other Words for Home. 

Twelve-year-old Raj is happiest flying kites with his best friend, Iqbal. As their kites soar, Raj feels free, like his beloved India soon will be, and he can’t wait to celebrate their independence.

But when a British lawyer draws a line across a map, splitting India in two, Raj is thrust into a fractured world. With Partition declared, Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim families are torn apart—and Raj’s Hindu and Iqbal’s Muslim families are among them.

Forced to flee and become refugees, Raj’s family is left to start over in a new country. After suffering devastating losses, Raj must summon the courage to survive the brutal upheaval of both his country and his heart.

Inspired by the author’s true family history, Lion of the Sky is a deeply moving coming-of-age tale about identity, belonging, and the power of hope.

How does a boy hold on to hope when his country, and his heart, are broken in two?

• Hindu-Muslim Friendship: Raj is Hindu and his best friend, Iqbal, is Muslim. Their bond is put to the ultimate test when the new border threatens to tear them apart forever.
• A Refugee Story for Children: Forced to leave the only home he’s ever known, Raj must find the courage to start over and build a new life from the ashes of the old.
• South Asian History for Kids: Told in stunning, accessible verse, this novel makes the complex history of the Partition of India understandable for young readers.
• Inspired by a True Story: Based on the author’s own family history, this novel provides a personal and deeply felt look into the turmoil of this historic event.

Ritu Hemnani is a journalist, teacher, voice actor, and motivational speaker. She recognizes herself as ethnically Indian and a British national and calls Hong Kong her home, where she lives with her husband and three children. Lion of the Sky is Ritu’s debut middle grade novel. You can find her online at rituhemnani.com.