Roar by Varsha Bajaj

What worked:

The book exposes readers to wildlife and nature conservation in India. Ro’s grandfather oversees a sanctuary and fights hard to protect all of the animals living there. Tigers are the main topic, as Arya protects and nurtures her two newborn cubs. Mira, Ro’s cousin, loves to study birds, and she shares information with Ros and readers about the hundreds of species found in the sanctuary. G-pa and the other rangers teach the kids about tigers and their survival habits. Ro even discovers that tiger urine smells like popcorn! Young readers learn about trespassers and poachers and their tactics for hunting and killing tigers. The book shares ways the sanctuary tries to combat humans with evil intent, although it’s very difficult to do in a space that covers miles.

Young readers will love the short chapters, which help make the story feel fast-paced. Periodically, chapters share Arya’s perspective of life in the sanctuary. Readers learn about the tiger’s habits, including how she stalks and kills her prey. The cubs grow from tiny newborns into mischievous toddlers. They’re still too young to hunt on their own and protect themselves from danger, so Arya must watch them closely. The male cub listens to his mother and stays close, but his sister is slier and more daring. Arya gives her a wallop or carries the cub in her mouth, trying to teach the youngster that she needs her mother’s protection. Readers learn that wild animals have personalities, too.

What didn’t work as well:

The narrative is mostly realistic fiction, so the chapters from Arya’s point of view seem strange. The tiger has conversations with a crow that calls her Queen, and they talk about Good Human, Ro’s grandfather. These chapters seem odd since the rest of the book could really happen.

The final verdict:

This book is ideal for animal lovers, especially those interested in protecting them in the wild. Tigers are the story's main focus, but readers will find many other creatures. I recommend you try this book for yourself.