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.

What happens when the person you call your best friend suddenly lives in another country?

• Novel in Verse: Written in beautiful, accessible verse that makes a difficult time in history feel personal and immediate.
• Hindu and Muslim Friendship: Raj and Iqbal are best friends who believe their bond is unbreakable—until a line on a map declares them enemies.
• The Partition of India: Experience the heart-wrenching turmoil of one of history’s largest forced migrations through the eyes of a twelve-year-old boy.
• A Story of Courage and Hope: Forced from his home, Raj must find the strength to protect his family, navigate loss, and discover what it truly means to be brave.
• Based on a True Story: Inspired by the author’s own family history, this tale of resilience offers a powerful look at the meaning of home.