Our Agents
Our Agents
Agent:
Co-agent:
Caryn Wiseman
Kids, Teen
Contemporary Realism
Character-driven, Inspirational, Uplifting, Voice-driven, Environment
Roar
Varsha Bajaj
“Can one boy find his roar and make a difference?”
Rohan loves animals—especially tigers—so he’s thrilled to be traveling to India to visit the tiger sanctuary where his grandfather works. Finally, a chance to observe tigers in real life and hopefully meet Arya, the tigress who just had twin cubs. When Rohan finally sees her, the experience is even more breathtaking than he’d imagined. He’s also grateful for the chance to hang out with his cousin Mira, who has an amazing rapport with birds, and the two spend hours communing with nature. But life isn’t totally idyllic. Rohan knows life in the jungle can be brutal, but he didn’t expect the biggest threat to be human. Lately protesters have been assembling in support of a mining company that would encroach upon the tigers’ space. Rohan knows they have a case, as the mines could provide jobs, but he has no sympathy for the poachers, who have only evil intentions. Then a horrible crime occurs, and he and Mira are determined to find the criminals and do everything possible to make sure everybody understands how important it is to protect the tigers.
A captivating story that celebrates the beauty of wildlife and incorporates spellbinding chapters describing events from Arya the tiger’s point of view, making for a thoroughly engrossing read.
USA Today Bestseller
“A tiger-loving Texan tween attempts to protect these endangered creatures while staying with his grandparents in India. Rohan and his cousin Mira, who’s visiting from Bengaluru, love going to the tiger sanctuary where G-pa works; they’re thrilled to observe a tiger named Arya and her playful cubs. . . . Bajaj’s immersive prose transports readers to a tranquil forest teeming with vibrant wildlife. Information about tiger anatomy, habitats, and history is seamlessly woven into the story. Chapters told from the perspective of Arya and her friend Crow enrich the narrative; Bajaj writes with empathy for these animals without veering into sentimentality. Rohan’s journey is a compelling one; he begins the novel passionate about safeguarding tigers but shy about expressing himself and emerges as a committed activist. Uncomfortable truths of the complexity of encroaching into wildlife habitats, locals aiding poachers, and the brutality of nature are balanced out with an overarching note of hope. A rousing call for conservation efforts to safeguard the majestic tiger.” —Kirkus Reviews, starred review
“A tiger-obsessed fifth grader finds purpose—and peril—awaiting him abroad in this absorbing eco-conscious adventure. . . . Riveting third-person narration primarily centers Ro while occasionally spotlighting chapters from the perspective of Arya, a tiger whose survival hangs in the balance, which lend immediacy to the conservation stakes. Introspective language seamlessly incorporates accessible information about the animals’ storied place in India’s cultural and environmental history. As the cousins confront not only habitat loss but also the sobering realities of greed and mortality, Bajaj (Thirst) juggles suspense with sensitivity, crafting vibrant characters and a propulsive plot that underscores the cost of inaction in a heartfelt, page-turning call to stewardship.” —Publishers Weekly, starred review
Nancy Paulsen Books