Fantasy Middle Grade Books with Indian Voices

This blog post rounds up some of the most exciting middle-grade fantasy books with Indian voices—stories where Indian culture isn’t just a backdrop but a beating heart.

You’ll find fast-paced quests, secret societies, mythical creatures, sibling duos, wise-cracking sidekicks, and more than one stubborn grandma who turns out to be surprisingly magical.

Introduction: Magic, Myth, and Masala – A Fantasy Feast for Young Readers

What if the next great adventure your child goes on doesn’t start with a passport—but with a page?

Fantasy books have a special kind of magic. They let kids ride on the backs of dragons, outsmart talking demons, battle epic monsters, and find bravery tucked deep within themselves.

But here’s the thing: for many years, these magical adventures rarely looked—or sounded—like us.

Where were the mango trees, the mischievous rakshasas, the chattering aunties who always knew something was up? Where were the heroes who wore kurtas, ate dal-chawal, and still saved the world?

Luckily, that’s changing.

In recent years, there’s been a growing wave of middle-grade fantasy books that not only feature Indian characters and settings but celebrate them.

These stories are written by authors of Indian origin who are weaving our myths, traditions, and cultural quirks into worlds full of magic, mischief, and mayhem.

From shape-shifting nagas to ancient Indian gods, from enchanted relics to alternate dimensions hidden in Delhi traffic—these books bring something wonderfully familiar and wildly imaginative to young readers who’ve longed to see themselves in the stories they love.

And let’s be honest—middle grade is the perfect time for these adventures. At this age, kids are curious, bold, and just beginning to carve out their sense of identity.

What better time to introduce them to heroes who carry both magic and mehndi, who battle villains and self-doubt in equal measure, and who remind them that their roots are as powerful as any wand?

These books spark imagination and invite kids to step into richly imagined worlds where they can fly, fight, discover—and most importantly, belong.

Whether you’re raising kids who already devour Rick Riordan-style adventures or ones who need just the right book to get hooked on reading, this list has something for every young explorer.

And for Indian parents living outside India—especially in the U.S.—these books are a brilliant way to keep our children connected to the stories, symbols, and spirit of our heritage… while still letting them ride flying autorickshaws and outwit ancient demons.

So grab a cup of chai, scroll down, and get ready to build your child’s bookshelf with fantasy that reflects the worlds they dream of—and the one they come from.

Let the adventures begin.

Shop the Full List on my Bookshop Page.

Fantasy Middle Grade Books

Aru Shah and the End of Time: A Pandava Novel (Book 1) by Roshani Chokshi

Recommended Age – 9-12 years

“Aru Shah discovers she is a reincarnated Pandava while living in a museum. When she accidentally lights the Lamp of Bharata, she awakens the Sleeper, who aims to awaken Shiva, the Lord of Destruction, threatening to end the world. Aru must find a way to save it all.” – By Parth, Age 10

Other Books in the Series:

Aru Shah and the Song of Death (Pandava Series Book 2)
Aru Shah and the Tree of Wishes (Pandava Series Book 3)
Aru Shah and the City of Gold (Pandava Series Book 4)
Aru Shah and the Nectar of Immortality (Pandava Series Book 5)

See all Books in the Series here.

Rea and the blood of the nectar: the Chronicles of Astranthia by Payal Doshi

Recommended Age – 9-12 years

“In the first book of The Chronicles of Astranthia, Rea embarks on a quest to rescue her twin brother, Rohan, who the Queen of Astranthia has kidnapped. Utilizing a banyan tree, she portals into the magical realm of Astranthia, where she discovers her royal lineage as the queen’s niece, possessing magical blood known as nectar.

Rea must uncover the truth her Amma has hidden, solve clues to rescue Rohan, and save Astranthia, all while racing against time.” – By Parth, Age 10

The story is set in India, and the author has created a unique world called Astranthia. It is an adventure book in which the main character is Indian and lives in India, with several references to Indian Culture.

Sona and the Golden Beasts by Rajani LaRocca

Recommended Age – 10+ years

A powerful and enchanting middle-grade fantasy that blends magic, music, and meaning. Devia is a world where music is forbidden, history is twisted by those in power, and one brave girl dares to challenge it all.

Sona’s journey with a golden-eared wolf pup and an unlikely ally unfolds as both an adventure and a heartfelt reckoning with identity, heritage, and justice. Young readers will be captivated by the lush world-building, the high-stakes quest, and Sona’s quiet strength as she learns to listen to the rhythm of her truth.

The Serpent’s Secret (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond #1) by Sayantani DasGupta

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

Fast-paced, funny, and bursting with Bengali folklore, The Serpent’s Secret is a wild interdimensional ride you won’t want to miss.

Kiranmala is a spunky, sarcastic heroine whose life flips upside down on her 12th birthday—think demons in the kitchen and charming princes on the doorstep. The author brilliantly blends fantasy, humor, and cultural mythology into a story that’s both action-packed and full of heart.

Other Books in the Series:

The Game of Stars (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond #2)

The Chaos Curse (Kiranmala and the Kingdom Beyond #3)

See all Books in the Series here.

RELATED BOOKS

Force of Fire (Kingdom Beyond #1) by Sayantani DasGupta – (8-12 years)

Crown of Flames (Kingdom Beyond #2) by Sayantani DasGupta – (8-12 years)

See Kingdom Beyond Books here.

The Chaos Monster (Secrets of the Sky #1) by Sayantani DasGupta

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

This is a magical, high-flying adventure packed with heart, humor, and sibling dynamics.

When twins Kinjal and Kiya are whisked away by flying pakkhiraj horses to the Sky Kingdom, they find themselves in the middle of a mystery involving disappearing bees and a looming magical crisis. With Kinjal’s love for language and Kiya’s sharp science skills, the duo dives into a fast-paced quest that blends South Asian folklore with a timely eco-message.

Other Books in the Series:

The Poison Waves (Secrets of the Sky #2)

The Ghost Forest (Secrets of the Sky #3)

See all Books in the Series here.

Kiki Kallira breaks a kingdom by Sangu Mandanna

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

A beautifully imaginative and empowering adventure that brings Indian mythology—and a young girl’s creativity—to vibrant life. This is a fast-paced fantasy with heartfelt themes of anxiety, self-doubt, and inner strength.

Kiki’s journey from worried artist to reluctant hero is both thrilling and deeply relatable, especially for young readers who might also wrestle with big emotions.

With magical realms, rebellious allies, and an epic showdown with a terrifying god, this story proves that sometimes the greatest power lies in your imagination—and your courage to face the monsters, real or drawn.

Other Books in the Series:

Kiki Kallira Conquers a Curse – Book 2

See all Books in the Series here.

Midsummer’s Mayhem by Rajani LaRocca

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

A deliciously whimsical blend of magic, mystery, and mouthwatering desserts. This is a charming story of Mimi Mackson, an aspiring baker trying to stand out in her extraordinary Indian-American family.

With a dash of Shakespearean mischief, enchanted ingredients, and forest-dwelling secrets, this book whisks readers into a world where baking is both art and adventure. Perfect for fans of fantasy, food, and fierce young heroines.

Much Ado About Baseball by Rajani LaRocca

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

A companion novel to Midsummer’s Mayhem. Much Ado About Baseball is a clever and heartfelt story that mixes friendship, competition, and just the right pinch of magic. It’s a tale of Trish, a math whiz and baseball player, navigating a tough summer in a new town.

With rivalries, mysterious snacks, and enchanted puzzles, this book blends sports and smarts in a way that’s both fun and thought-provoking. A perfect pick for readers who love brainteasers, teamwork, and stories where math might just hold the key to magic.

Shakti: A Graphic Novel by SJ Sindu, illustrated by Nabi H. Ali

Recommended Age – (8-12 years)

Themes: Friendship, Bullying, Family, LGBTQ Representation

A fantasy graphic novel featuring a twelve-year-old Indian American girl, Shakti, who must harness her ancestral magic to save her family and town from a curse.

Vanya and the Wild Hunt by Sangu Mandanna

Recommended Age – 8-12 years

A spellbinding fantasy full of heart, humor, and high-stakes adventure. Eleven-year-old Vanya, a British-Indian girl with ADHD who can talk to books (and hear them talk back!), discovers a hidden world of magic at the enchanted library of Auramere.

Sangu Mandanna blends action, mystery, and folklore into a story that celebrates courage, belonging, and the power of imagination.

Happy Reading!

50 Children’s Books with South Asian Voices