For the child eager to explore ancient civilizations and imagine life in a long-lost world, this story offers a thrilling journey of discovery and friendship.
A parent might reach for this book when their child expresses a budding interest in history but finds textbooks dry and uninspiring. This story plunges two modern Indian girls, Ishi and Inty, back in time 4,000 years to the vibrant Harappan civilization. Through their eyes, readers explore the bustling city of Mohenjodaro, learning about its culture and innovations, before facing a terrifying flood. It's a wonderful adventure for ages 8 to 12 that makes ancient history feel immediate and real. The book champions curiosity, bravery, and friendship, offering a fantastic, non-Eurocentric entry point into the ancient world with strong female protagonists.
The story depicts the destruction of a city and a way of life.
Sensitive Topics
The primary sensitive topic is peril due to a natural disaster. The flood is depicted directly and creates life-threatening situations for the characters. The resolution is hopeful for the protagonists who survive, but it is realistic in its acknowledgement of the city's destruction, touching on themes of loss and the impermanence of civilizations.
Ideal Reader
An 8 to 11-year-old who loves time-slip adventures and 'what if' scenarios. This is perfect for a child who has just been introduced to ancient civilizations in school and is looking for a story to make the facts come alive. It will particularly appeal to readers who enjoy stories about friendship and discovery, especially those curious about non-European history.
Parent Prep
No specific preparation is required; the book does a good job of explaining the historical context. For an enriched experience, a parent could look up images of Harappan artifacts, seals, and the ruins of Mohenjodaro with their child to provide a visual connection to the story. A parent hears their child say, "History is boring," or ask, "What was India like a long, long time ago?" This book is the perfect response, turning a distant historical period into a relatable, high-stakes adventure.
Age Experience
A younger reader (8-9) will primarily connect with the time-travel adventure, the friendship between the girls, and the scary flood. An older reader (10-12) will likely take away a deeper appreciation for the historical details, such as the advanced urban planning, the mystery of the undeciphered script, and the archaeological process of piecing together the past.
What Makes It Special
This book's key differentiator is its setting. While many historical fiction books for this age focus on Egypt, Rome, or Greece, this story provides an engaging and accessible portal to the Indus Valley Civilization. It highlights a significant South Asian ancient culture through the eyes of two strong, curious female protagonists.
Read plot summary
Two contemporary Indian girls, Ishi and Inty, find themselves transported back in time to the ancient Indus Valley Civilization. They explore the meticulously planned city of Mohenjodaro, learning about its crafts, trade, writing, and daily life through their friendship with a local girl. Their adventure culminates in having to survive a catastrophic flood that threatens the entire city, before they are returned to their own time.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
Ishi and Inty knew they couldn't change history by warning people about the flood. If you could go back in time, would you try to warn people about a disaster, even if it meant changing the future?
2
The book describes many details of Harappan life, like the Great Bath and the seals. What discovery about how people lived 4,000 years ago surprised you the most?
3
The author used real archaeological evidence to imagine what life in Mohenjodaro was like. Can you think of a specific detail in the story that was probably based on a real discovery?
4
What do you think would be the hardest part about making friends with someone from a completely different time period, and what would be the best part?
