Aru Shah is twelve years old and a bit of a liar. You don't think it's true? She'll tell you so herself. She likes to stretch the truth to fit in with the kids in middle school. And while her classmates will be spending their autumn breaks on exotic locations, Aru will be stuck inside at home in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture. However, that's not exactly what she told the kids at school...
At the start of break, three of her classmates come by the museum to try and catch Aru in a lie. They don't believe one of the artifacts, the Lamp of Bharata, is actually cursed and they want her to prove it. She lights the lamp, just for a second to get the kids off her back. Unfortunately, instead of impressing her classmates, she freezes them and her mother, and unleashes the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty is to awaken the God of Destruction. Now it's up to Aru to save them, by discovering a power she never knew she had and finding strength from inside herself.
Aru Shah and the End of Time is a fantastically whimsical and fun book. I loved the influence of Indian culture throughout the story. It really made me want to learn more of their history and culture. Aru herself is feisty and fun and pairs really well with the character of Mini who goes along on this adventure. The End of Time touches a lot on insecurities of middle school girls which I think will allow kids reading this to easily identify with Aru and Mini on many levels. I love that the story takes readers imaginations on a wild ride, while also seeing Aru grow and find her strength.
Aru Shah and the End of Time is a four book series that middle school and upper elementary kids will fall in love with.
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