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Ajay and The Mumbai Sun

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Book Synopsis

A high-stakes adventure story full of heart from debut author Varsha Shah, featuring charming illustrations from Sònia Albert and shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Book Prize 2023.

Abandoned on the Mumbai railways, Ajay has grown up with nothing but a burning wish to be a journalist.

Finding an abandoned printing press, he and his friends Saif, Vinod, Yasmin and Jai create their own newspaper: The Mumbai Sun.

As they hunt down stories for their paper, the children uncover corruption, fight for justice and battle to save their slum from bulldozers.

But against some of the most powerful forces in the city, can Ajay and his friends really succeed in bringing the truth to light? Not to mention win the most important cricket match ever…

A high-stakes adventure story full of heart, written against the backdrop of modern India: Emil and the Detectives meets Slumdog Millionaire.

Winner of the Times/Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition 2020.

Wonderfully illustrated by Sònia Albert and starring a lovable ensemble cast of characters.

Tackles tough topics such as social justice and truth in journalism with a lightness of touch.

Our Review Panel says...

Abandoned as a young child in Mumbai, Ajay does not have very much; he is orphaned, homeless and must sell newspaper at the railway station in order to survive. But what he lacks in possessions, Ajay more than makes up for in personality, determination and bravery. Ajay has a dream to one day become a famous journalist and he realises that, to make it big in the world of news, you have to find big news. His other ambition is to win the most important cricket match ever…

In a ’David and Goliath’ style, this story shows us that power can come in all shapes and sizes. Ajay uncovers corruption within his city and his loyalty to his community drives him to expose those who seek to take advantage of the innocent and downtrodden. Ajay has a strong moral compass and will fight for equality and fairness. Varsha Shah’s descriptive writing is vivid and it is easy to imagine the sights, smells, noise and flavours of Mumbai.

There is humour and warmth within the pages of this energetic and optimistic story. The antics of Ajay and his friends often verge on the side of slap stick and there is great joy in the cricket games that feature strongly.