This year, India is celebrating the glorious 75 years of independence. The government has initiated ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, a series of events to commemorate this important milestone in Indian history. Your children, especially the little ones, are going to raise many questions and there is no better way to introduce them to books talking about India, its independence struggle and freedom fighters.
Here is a curated Independence Day special reading list for your kids. These books are easily available on in your nearest book store and online sites such as Amazon and Flipkart.
- Books on Mahatma Gandhi
There are several books on our ‘Father of the Nation’. Some of the notable ones that your kids would love to read are:
- My Gandhi Story by Rajesh Chaitya Vangad, Nina Sabnani and Ankit Chadha
- The Story of Dandi March by Sandhya Rao
- Grandfather Gandhi by Arun Gandhi and Bethany Hegedus
These books will take your child through various events from the freedom struggle days and Gandhiji’s role.
- Ahimsa by Supriya Kelkar
Based on the backdrop of the Quit India Movement in 1942, this book follows the journey of a young girl Anjali and her friend Irfaan and narrates the events from that time through their eyes. The author’s great-grandmother’s experiences working with Gandhiji have inspired this book.
- A Children’s History of India by Subhadra Sen Gupta
Harappa civilization, Mughal era, King Ashoka and British rule over India – this book is a wonderful peek into India’s rich history and socio-cultural diversity through the centuries. The book is divided into simple chapters and topics and also includes additional resources to make it a compelling read.
- The Incredible History of India’s Geography by Sanjeev Sanyal
Written in simple language and narrative, this book has interesting nuggets, facts and trivia from India’s history presented in a storytelling-like format. It will broaden the knowledge of your children about ancient India.
- Like a Girl: Real Stories for Tough Girls by Aparna Jain
India’s history boasts of some of the most powerful and greatest female leaders who braved their way through patriarchy to carve a name for themselves. This book talks about some of these women and their extraordinary life. It features inspiring women such as Rani of Jhansi, Razia Sultan, Medha Patkar, Sania Mirza, PV Sindhu and many more.
- The Historic of India for Children – Vol 1 and 2 by Shruti Garodia and Archana Garodia Gupta
This book brings together two awesome women – BBC Mastermind ‘Champion of Champions’ Archana Garodia Gupta and history-geek Shruti Garodia who have written the most fascinating facts about India. The two volumes narrate the tales of human evolution, Delhi and Deccan sultanates, India’s rules and invaders, scientists and innovators, and more.
- A Flat, A Song and A Pinch of Salt: Freedom Fighters of India by Subadhra Gupta
This book talks about India’s most famous freedom fighters and their exemplary courage to seek freedom for India from the clutches of Britishers. It is a tribute to their individual contributions to India’s independence.
- India at 70 by Roshen Dalal
How has India changed since independence? What progress it has made so far? This book traces India’s journey from 1947 to 2017 and talks about events that shaped India’s post-independence era.
We hope your children enjoy reading these books!
