*Shortlisted

Review by Ana, St Cecilia’s 
I liked the book because it had a lot of detail and it was very emotional. It taught me how frustrating and worrying wars can be. The book itself has a very thought-through story line to make it just right. I would recommend this book to someone who has an eye for a hopeful and cultural book like this one. Thanks to Hiba Noor Khan for making such a wonderful book. 

Review by Haider, Oliver Goldsmith Primary 
Ravi and Jahan’s friendship is one of the main ideas in this book. Ravi is the emotional one who cares about everything that happens. Lakshmi is the mysterious one who at first did not appear in the beginning but made a lot of appearances in the middle and end of the story. Ravi is brave, loves action and getting into trouble. One of the main things I loved about this book is culture because I can really relate to the food and the religious place, a mosque.  So that’s a real highlight for me!  

Review by Anna, Dallas Road Community Primary School, Lancaster 
I found the time it was set in very interesting because of the way they had the story based around partition and what would happen when the line was drawn. I found out that while the partition line was being decided, chaos broke out and people were driven from their homes. I think the most interesting character was Lakshmi because of her personality and determination. I learned that the Koh-I-Noor diamond was from India and that it was stolen by the British. I also learned that the Hindi word “loot” was one of the first to enter the English language. I found the plot very thought-provoking because of the perspective it's written from and the dramatic ending. I think the feelings at the end of the book, that are a mixture of happiness after finding Ravi, and mystery, sadness and despair for Lakshmi, are what stand out from the book for me. I didn't really like the way the author left us on a cliff hanger wondering if Jahan, Ravi and Lakshmi would ever meet again. However, I think that at the same time it was intriguing as well. I really enjoyed reading this book and thought it was amazing. I would highly recommend this book to other kids at my school.