When August 15 rolls around, tricolour kites fill the sky and “Jana Gana Mana” echoes from every school assembly. But the real magic of India’s Independence Day lives in the stories we pass down—stories of brave couriers smuggling secret notes in lunch tiffins, of young dreamers standing tall beside icons like Bapu and Bhagat Singh, and of everyday families who dared to believe that a new dawn was possible.

A well-chosen children’s book can slip those moments of courage and hope straight into little hearts, turning a history lesson into an adventure they’ll beg to revisit at bedtime.

In this post, you’ll find my handpicked shelf of picture books, early readers, and chapter books that capture the grit, grace, and glory of India’s freedom movement.

Whether you’re a parent hunting for a quick read-aloud or a teacher planning a classroom celebration, these titles will help young minds understand why Independence Day is more than fireworks—it’s the story of us.

Shop the Full List on my Bookshop Page.

CHAPTER BOOKS (8-12 years)

FICTION

Lion of the Sky by Ritu Hemnani

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

This is a historical novel in verse set in 1947.

12-year-old Raj is happiest flying kites with his best friend, Iqbal. Raj can’t wait to celebrate their independence from the British occupation.

But when the country is split in two, Raj’s world changes. Hindu, Sikh, and Muslim families are torn apart. Raj’s family must escape and become refugees, starting fresh in a new country.

After experiencing great losses, Raj must find the strength to cope with the turmoil in his homeland and his feelings.

Neela: Victory Song (Girls of Many Lands) by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, illustrated by Troy Howell

Recommended Age – 9-12 years

In 1939, a twelve-year-old girl named Neela meets a young freedom fighter at her sister’s wedding.

She realizes she must rely on his help when her father fails to return home from a crucial march in Calcutta against British occupation. The book offers profound insights into life in villages before independence and the struggles of freedom fighters against the British Raj.

Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

A heartfelt middle-grade novel that brings the Indian freedom movement to life through the eyes of a brave young girl.

Anjali’s journey—from resisting change to embracing activism—offers a nuanced look at nonviolent resistance, caste discrimination, and personal growth.

Laxmi Panda: The Story of Netaji’s Youngest Spy by Savie Karnel

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

Laxmi Panda is a fast-paced historical fiction that traces the daring journey of a young girl turned spy in Subhas Chandra Bose’s INA.

Blending history with suspense, it shines a light on a lesser-known hero of India’s freedom struggle.

The Letter to Lahore (Songs of Freedom) by Tanu Shree Singh

Recommended Age – 10 years and up

The Letter to Lahore by Tanu Shree Singh is an exciting story about three brave children—Luxmi, Bhola, and Umesh—who set out on a secret mission during India’s fight for independence.

With the help of their loyal dog, Sheru, they must deliver a confidential letter to Lahore without being caught by the British.

Set in the hills of Himachal Pradesh, the book beautifully captures mountain life, local traditions, and the real-life historical figure of Samuel Evans Stokes.

Other Books in the Series

A Melody in Mysore by Shruthi Rao – Recommended Age – 10+ years

Rebellion in Ranchi by Swati Sengupta – Recommended Age – 10+ years

That Year at Manikoil by Aditi Krishnakumar – Recommended Age – 8-12 years

A Conspiracy in Calcutta by Lesley D. Biswas – Recommended Age -10+ years

The Train to Tanjore by Devika Rangachari – Recommended Age -10+ years

Postcard from the Lushai Brigade by Hannah Lalhlanpuii – Recommended Age – 10+ years

The Night Diary by Veera Hiranandani

Recommended Age – 10-12 years

The book follows 12-year-old Nisha, who begins writing in a diary just as India is divided in 1947.

With a Hindu father and a Muslim mother who has passed away, Nisha feels torn as her family is forced to flee their home and cross a dangerous new border. Through her diary, she shares her fears, questions about identity, and the hardships of their journey.

Amil and the After by Veera Hiranandani

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

Companion Book to The Night Diary

Themes – Grief, Belonging, Starting Over

Amil and the After is a touching and hopeful story about a young boy’s journey to heal after the traumatic events of Partition. Set in 1948, just after India gained independence, 12-year-old Amil is struggling to find a sense of home in Bombay.

He and his twin sister Nisha are both Hindu and Muslim, and the memories of leaving their old life behind still haunt him.

Through his eyes, we see the challenges of rebuilding a life in a new country—and the quiet strength it takes to find joy again.

NON FICTION

Revolutionaries: Fight For Freedom (Abridged edition for children) by Sanjeev Sanyal

Recommended Age – 10 years and up

After Midnight by Meghaa Gupta

Recommended Age – 10+ years

At Independence, few believed India—made of British provinces and 500+ princely states—could survive, especially given its poverty, disease, and divisions.

But in 75 years, India has grown beyond expectations. After Midnight explores the major social, political, scientific, and economic changes that shaped the nation, using stories, pictures, timelines, and quotes.

It’s an inspiring story of how India overcame huge challenges to become what it is today.

ALSO READ >>> Indian Independence Day: Bringing History to Life

EARLY CHAPTER BOOKS (6-9 years)

FICTION

The Chowpatty Cooking Club by Lubaina Bandukwala

Recommended Age – 6 years and up

Bombay, 1942. After Mahatma Gandhi’s call to Quit India, the city is full of protests, secret magazines, and even a hidden radio spreading news that the British want to hide.

Sakina and her friends, Zenobia and Mehul, want to join the fight for freedom but don’t have many ways to help. Still, they try to do their part, even while their mothers focus on running a cooking club.

NON FICTION

The Story of Gandhi: An Inspiring Biography for Young Readers (The Story of Biographies) by Susan B. Katz

Recommended Age – 6-9 years

Part of: The Story of Biographies

This book about Mahatma Gandhi is written in short chapters with simple words. Kids will discover the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Gandhi’s life, along with new word meanings and questions to talk about.

The Extraordinary Life of Mahatma Gandhi (Extraordinary Lives) by Chitra Soundar, illustrated by Dàlia Adillon 

Recommended Age – 7-11 years

Part of: Extraordinary Lives

From his childhood in India and studies in London to his work as a political activist in South Africa and leader of India’s independence movement, Mahatma Gandhi’s life continues to inspire people around the world.

This beautifully illustrated book shares his incredible journey, filled with real-life stories, timelines, and interesting facts.

Subhas Chandra Bose: A Life from Beginning to End (History of India) by Hourly History

Part of: History of India

The riveting and heartfelt true story of a valiant young Indian revolutionary. Though Subhas Chandra Bose could not single-handedly liberate India, his indomitable spirit ignited the fierce struggle against British oppression.

This compelling book captures his profound love for his homeland and relentless pursuit of freedom.

Other notable Books in the Series:

History of India: A History In 50 Events

Mahatma Gandhi: A Life From Beginning to End

British Raj: A History from Beginning to End

ALSO READ >>> Republic Day of India: Facts You Must Know

PICTURE BOOKS

And Yet You Shine: The Kohinoor Diamond, Colonization, and Resistance by Supriya Kelkar (Author and Illustrator)

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

The true story of the Kohinoor diamond, which was taken from India during colonial rule.

This book is more than just a history lesson—it’s an empowering reminder that, like the diamond, we can continue to shine no matter what challenges we face.

With simple, thoughtful suggestions at the end, the book encourages readers to take small steps to support decolonization and the preservation of native cultures around the world.

Mahatma Gandhi (Little People, Big Dreams) by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara, illustrated by Jen Khatun

Recommended Age – 5-8 years

Part of: Little People, Big Dreams

The book features stylish and quirky illustrations and extra facts at the back, including a biographical timeline with historical photos and a detailed profile of Mahatma Gandhi’s life.

Veena and the Red Roti: A Story of Hope During Partition by Namita Moolani Mehra, illustrated by Beena Mistry 

Recommended Age– 4-8 years

Themes – Migration, Refugees, Food, Culture

A touching picture book about a young girl who loves her home and making roti with her family.

When India gained independence and was divided in 1947, Veena’s family had to flee for safety and live in a crowded refugee camp.

Life there is hard, and even the roti doesn’t taste the same. Wanting to help, Veena uses her cooking skills to bring comfort and hope to others around her.

Be the Change: A Grandfather Gandhi Story by Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk

Recommended Age – 4-8 years

Young Arun lives at Grandfather Gandhi’s service village, where everyone works hard, lives simply, and follows non-violence.

But Arun struggles with one rule—not to waste. When he throws away a small pencil, he doesn’t understand why it matters.

With his grandfather’s guidance, he learns that even small wasteful acts can hurt others and the world around us.

Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi, Bethany Hegedus, illustrated by Evan Turk

Recommended Age – 4-8 years

Arun Gandhi shares a personal story about learning to manage his anger with his grandfather’s help.

During a visit to Mahatma Gandhi’s village, Arun feels upset after being pushed during a game and wonders if he can ever live up to the Gandhi name.

The Moon from Dehradun: A Story of Partition by Shirin Shamsi, illustrated by Tarun Lak

Recommended Age – 4-8 years

Inspired by the author’s family history, the book tells the story of Azra, a young girl forced to leave her home during the Partition of India.

She plans to bring her beloved doll Gurya on the long journey, but in the rush to escape, Gurya is left behind. Azra must find the courage to face the unknown without her.

Bhagat Singh – Illustrative Biography of Indian Freedom Fighter & Great Revolutionary by Sonam Mantri

Recommended Age – 3-9 years

This book introduces young kids to the life of one of India’s greatest revolutionaries – Bhagat Singh.

Along with Rajguru and Sukhdev, he helped shake the British Empire and inspired generations. The book includes 3 interactive activities inside and 2 extra activity sheets.

Gandhi – A Biography in Rhyme (A Wonderful World Book Series) by Ramya Julian

Recommended Age – 0-8 years

Part of: A Wonderful World Book Series

The book has vibrant, full-color illustrations and a fun rhyming verse written in dyslexia-friendly words. There are activity and coloring pages, and a cut-and-paste project.

The book does a good job of inspiring kids to create change and believe they can make a difference—just like Gandhi did.

The story celebrates diversity with its multi-ethnic characters, includes a helpful glossary to explain big words, and sparks meaningful conversations about world issues.

The Boy Who Asked Why: The Story of Bhimrao Ambedkar by Sowmya Rajendran, illustrated by Satwik Gade – (6-9 years)

Themes– Fairness, Equality, Standing up against Discrimination

This book tells the powerful story of Bhimrao Ambedkar, a boy who continually asked questions about unfair treatment—such as why he had to sit separately in class or why others wouldn’t touch his books.

These questions led him to fight against untouchability and work for equal rights for everyone.