Sarita Mandanna’s Secrets Among the Stars is that rare children’s book which manages to be thrilling, thoughtful, and emotionally resonant all at once. Mixing science fiction with a murder mystery, and layering both over the real-life achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), Mandanna delivers an adventure that feels fresh, ambitious, and deeply human. It is the kind of story that grips young readers with suspense and wonder, while quietly touching on themes of grief, courage, and the relentless nature of curiosity.
A Young Hero Wrestling With Loss and Destiny
The story begins with ten-year-old Arya, uprooted and raw with grief after his father—Appa—dies under mysterious circumstances. When Arya moves to the quiet town of Thumba in Kerala, he carries anger, confusion, and questions that no one seems willing to answer.
Enter Thatha, Appa’s enigmatic uncle and a former ISRO scientist with secrets of his own. When Thatha tells Arya that Appa’s death may be connected to suppressed scientific breakthroughs, missing researchers, and an ancient Indian flying machine—the legendary vimana—the plot snaps into motion.
Mandanna treats Arya with empathy, showing how courage sometimes grows out of grief, and how children often ask the questions adults avoid.
A Race Through Ancient Texts and Modern Science
Arya and Thatha’s investigation becomes the beating heart of the story. The duo sift through manuscripts, decode cryptic passages, and study Maharshi Bharadwaaja’s Vymaanika Shaastra—a real historical text often associated with ancient aerospace concepts.
The book’s strength lies in how cleverly Mandanna intertwines past and present:
- Ancient Indian theories of flight,
- ISRO’s early rocket experiments on the Thumba church campus,
- And India’s modern lunar missions.
This fusion creates a narrative that is both imaginative and grounded, giving children an accessible bridge into India’s scientific legacy.
Suspense That Never Lets Go
A shadowy figure trailing Arya and Thatha adds a constant undercurrent of danger. The chase sequences are crisp, the clues intriguing, and the sense of urgency grows steadily.
As Arya gets closer to uncovering the truth—about the vimana, about Appa’s research, and about the forces trying to silence them—the stakes rise. The final reveal is satisfying, emotionally layered, and resolves both the mystery and Arya’s personal journey.
Mandanna strikes the right balance between tension and readability, ensuring young readers are hooked without being overwhelmed.
A Tribute to ISRO’s Spirit of Exploration
ISRO isn’t just a backdrop—it is the soul of the story. From India’s first rocket launch carried on a bicycle to its ambitious mission to the moon, Mandanna showcases the grit, imagination, and perseverance that have shaped India’s space programme.
For children, these moments act as windows into real scientific achievements. For adults, they evoke a deep sense of national pride.
A Story That Encourages Curiosity and Courage
Secrets Among the Stars is not just a mystery; it is a celebration of inquiry. It nudges young readers to:
- Ask harder questions,
- Look beyond the obvious,
- Explore science with a sense of wonder,
- And believe that courage is often found in unexpected places.
Arya’s transformation—from a grieving child to a brave young truth-seeker—is handled with sensitivity and heart.
Mandanna’s Craft: Accessible, Engaging, and Intelligent
As with the other books in the Bold Chronicles series, Mandanna’s writing is clean, warm, and immersive. She has a gift for simplifying complex ideas without diluting their importance. Her characters—especially Thatha—feel real, wise, and full of quiet strength.
Her ability to blend historical research, emotional depth, and edge-of-the-seat plotting is what makes the book shine.
Final Verdict: A Must-Read for Young Science Lovers and Mystery Fans
Secrets Among the Stars is a compelling adventure that will spark both imagination and curiosity. It seamlessly melds space science, ancient Indian manuscripts, and a heartfelt family mystery into a narrative that is thrilling yet thoughtful.
It is perfect for kids who love:
✨ Science
✨ Space exploration
✨ Mysteries
✨ History
✨ Strong, relatable young heroes
Mandanna gives young readers not just a story, but a world of wonder to explore—one where courage, knowledge, and heart come together to light up the stars.
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