Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is exactly what middle-grade fantasy should be: imaginative, culturally rich, funny, and emotionally resonant. Roshani Chokshi takes the Percy Jackson formula—kid discovers they're part of ancient mythology, must save the world—and makes it fresh by centering Hindu epics and Indian culture.

Aru is a great protagonist: she lies about her life to fit in with wealthier classmates, then literally unleashes a demon and has to fix it. The stakes are real (frozen mom, end of the world), but the tone stays light with humor and heart. Kid reviewers consistently call out the 'feisty and salty' voice and relatable characters.

The 4.7 Amazon rating and Time magazine recognition aren't flukes—this is a well-executed adventure that educates without being preachy. Yes, one conservative Christian site said 'avoid' because of Hindu religious content, but that's their issue, not the book's. For families open to diverse cultural perspectives, this is enriching and entertaining.

It's 2019 publication means it's still fresh and relevant. If your kid burned through Percy Jackson and is hungry for more mythology-based adventures, this delivers.

Age Fit

Perfect for ages 8-13, especially kids who loved Percy Jackson and are ready for diverse mythology. The humor, relatable middle school dynamics, and adventure pacing work well for this range. Younger kids might need some context about Hindu mythology, but the story doesn't require prior knowledge.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

82

Features a relatable 12-year-old protagonist dealing with universal themes of fitting in, lying, and taking responsibility for mistakes. Models friendship, cooperation, and courage through Aru's journey to save her family and classmates. The humor and voice are age-appropriate without being preachy. Some moderate fantasy violence (demon battles, Kingdom of Death) but handled in a middle-grade adventure style similar to Percy Jackson.

Imaginative

91

Exceptionally creative framework that introduces Hindu mythology and Indian epics (Mahabharata, Pandava brothers) to a middle-grade audience through modern lens—protagonist wears Spider-Man pajamas while navigating ancient realms. The world-building blends museum artifacts, cursed lamps, and the Kingdom of Death with contemporary kid life. Named one of Time's 100 Best Fantasy Books for its fresh take on mythology-based adventure, offering readers a rich alternative to Greek/Roman myth retellings.

Safe

88

Standard middle-grade fantasy adventure with age-appropriate stakes (demon awakening, frozen family members, journey through Kingdom of Death). No graphic violence, sexual content, or profanity. The Christian Parent Review site rated it 'High Concern/Avoid' due to Hindu religious elements, but this reflects conservative religious objections to non-Christian mythology rather than actual safety issues for general audiences. Comparable safety profile to Percy Jackson series—fantasy battles and peril but nothing traumatizing or inappropriate for the target age.

Enriching

89

Provides meaningful cultural enrichment by introducing Hindu mythology, Indian epics, and South Asian culture through an accessible adventure story. Tackles themes of honesty, consequences, identity, and belonging—Aru's tendency to lie to fit in at school becomes the catalyst for growth. Offers representation for South Asian readers while educating all readers about non-Western mythology. The Rick Riordan Presents imprint specifically aims to publish diverse mythology-based stories. Strong Amazon rating (4.7/5) and kid reviews cite relatable characters and educational value.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Fresh take on mythology-based adventure using Hindu epics instead of the usual Greek/Roman pantheon—educational and culturally enriching
Relatable protagonist who lies to fit in at school, then faces real consequences and grows from her mistakes
Humor, heart, and 'feisty, salty' voice that kid reviewers consistently praise
Strong representation for South Asian readers while being accessible to all
Part of Rick Riordan Presents, the gold standard for diverse middle-grade mythology adventures

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What to Watch For

Fantasy violence and peril typical of middle-grade adventure (demon battles, Kingdom of Death, frozen family members)
Hindu gods and mythology are central—one conservative Christian review site objected, but this is a feature not a bug for most families
Protagonist's lying habit might need discussion with younger or literal-minded kids about consequences

Conversation Starters

"Have you ever told a lie to fit in at school? How did it make you feel afterward?"
"What do you think about Aru having to fix her own mistake instead of adults saving her?"
"How is Hindu mythology similar to or different from other myths you've read about?"
"If you could have one power from the story, what would it be and why?"
"Why do you think Aru's mom does the work she does at the museum?"

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Aru Shah and the End of Time