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  • Published: 10 June 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593699058
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $35.00

Roar



The New York Times bestselling author of Thirst brings readers a moving story about a boy who is so moved by his trip to a the tiger sanctuary that he learns to Roar for the animals.

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • The gripping story of a boy whose eye-opening trip to a tiger sanctuary ignites his desire to do everything he can to be a voice for endangered animals

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.

New York Times bestselling author Varsha Bajaj weaves 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.

  • Published: 10 June 2026
  • ISBN: 9780593699058
  • Imprint: Nancy Paulsen Books
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 192
  • RRP: $35.00

About the author

Varsha Bajaj

Varsha Bajaj (VarshaBajaj.com) is the author of the middle grade novels Thirst (a New York Times bestseller and Global Read Aloud selection) and Count Me In. She also wrote the picture books Family of Friends, A Garland of Henna, The Home Builders (an Imagination Library selection), and This Is Our Baby, Born Today (a Bank Street Best Book). She grew up in Mumbai, India, and when she came to the United States to obtain her master’s degree, her adjustment to the country was aided by books, which helped her learn about the culture. She lives in Houston, Texas.

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Praise for Roar


PRAISE FOR THIRST
    * "Powerful. . . . The story is filled with hope and faith as Minni learns the importance of education, family, friendship, opportunities, and taking a stand for her community.” —SLC STAR
    * “Readers will connect with [Minni's] dreams and courage in the face of unfair treatment. . . . Serves as a window into class difference. . . . A meditative first purchase.” —SLJ STAR
    * “Brings awareness to the world water crisis and social inequality . . . moving, hopeful. . . . Thoughtfully examines class and privilege, making topics like water access and income inequality accessible to middle-grade readers. Bajaj shows how a lack of clean water, decent health care and education can affect people's lives.” —SA STAR
     “Poignant, relatable. . . . A valiant call for justice.” —Kirkus
    "An engaging literary mystery." —PW
    "Inspired problem-solving and help from a charming cast of characters." —BCCB
  "The kids are smart and savvy, and their friendship is strong. . . . Fast-paced adventure story. . . . There’s a lot to learn about and to like here: the characters, the humor, the emotional roller-coaster ride, and more." —Booklist


PRAISE FOR THIRST
    * "Powerful. . . . The story is filled with hope and faith as Minni learns the importance of education, family, friendship, opportunities, and taking a stand for her community.” —SLC STAR
    * “Readers will connect with [Minni's] dreams and courage in the face of unfair treatment. . . . Serves as a window into class difference. . . . A meditative first purchase.” —SLJ STAR
    * “Brings awareness to the world water crisis and social inequality . . . moving, hopeful. . . . Thoughtfully examines class and privilege, making topics like water access and income inequality accessible to middle-grade readers. Bajaj shows how a lack of clean water, decent health care and education can affect people's lives.” —SA STAR
     “Poignant, relatable. . . . A valiant call for justice.” —Kirkus
    "An engaging literary mystery." —PW
    "Inspired problem-solving and help from a charming cast of characters." —BCCB
  "The kids are smart and savvy, and their friendship is strong. . . . Fast-paced adventure story. . . . There’s a lot to learn about and to like here: the characters, the humor, the emotional roller-coaster ride, and more." —Booklist